Fire in North American Wetland Ecosystems and Fire-Wildlife Relations: An Annotated Bibliography

11. Ash, A. N., C. B. McDonald, E. S. Kane, and C.A. Pories. 1983. Natural and 
         modified pocosins: literature synthesis and management options. U.S. 
         Fish Wild. Serv., FWS/OBS- 83/04. 156 pp.

Even in areas of low productivity, the high flammability of shrubs and peat soils virtually assures that pocosins will burn at relatively frequent intervals (20-30 years). Most pocosin species are adapted to tolerate fires, and fire is the major factor promoting environmental and thus vegetative heterogeneity. Although fire and other disturbances may have created some pocosins from swamp forests, most extensive raised bogs (short pocosins) have not changed for several thousands of years. In transitional areas at the periphery of short pocosins, the importance of fire in maintaining pocosin vegetation increases greatly. Rather than creating pocosins, fire and juman disturbance have modified pocosin boundaries. Savannas- longleaf pine and grass communities growing on high spots without peat adjacent to pocosins-are palustrine wetlands maintained by frequent fire. Frequently burned savannas support perhaps the greatest species diversity of any plant community. Management of pocosins requires that natural fires proceed so song as life and property are adequately protected. Periodic controlled burning is a useful alternative to natural fires, but burning in and around pocosins requires careful planning. Burning of pine plantations or savannas adjacent to pocosins should be done in early spring under favorable conditions of wind, humidity, and water table depth. The water table should be high enough to saturate peat and thus prevent low ground fires from entering the pocosin. Three- to five-year intervals are best for burning, but because extended drought may preclude burns, fire should be used in every year conditions are favorable. Fire in shrubby pocosins on peat sils can only be initiated after firebreaks are constructed. Roads and canals may suffice, but may need to be improved. Favorable wind, jumidity, and water table conditions must be present. Impoundments in this habitat should also be burned as often as possible to improve wildlife food production, availability, and utilization, to control pest species, and to encourage preferred plants. A burning cycle of once per 5 years is acceptable. [K-L-S]

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