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

56. Daiber, F. C. 1974. Salt marsh plants and future coastal salt marshes in 
         relation to animals. Pages 475-508 in R. J. Reimold and W. H. 
         Queens, eds. Ecology of halophytes. Academic Press, New York.

The use of fire in coastal marsh management is described as a means to remove dead vegetation, re-establish lower successional stages, or return the marsh to an early hydric community. Fire prevents accumulation of organic matter and thus impedes elevation of the marsh and succession to upland communities. Summer burns will remove less palatable plants and thus attract cattle, and provide fodder for geese which will compete with cattle. Muskrats can be driven from marshes by fire if it destroys houses and building material. Spring burning is best for muskrats. Any habitat management will alter the structure of the ecological community. In general, burning develops landscape and vegetation more suitable for wildlife. Proper choice of season and water conditions will prevent damage to the marsh during burning and will maximize benefits from the practice. [K-L-S]

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