Watershed, Soils, and Riparian Focus Areas May 2000 Key Questions #6: What are the key processes that influence soil erosion and soil productivity? Does fire change these processes? How are these processes influenced by existing uses such as grazing, and how should managers adapt? What are the consequences of prescribed fire (and also mechanical thinning) on nutrient reserves in suppressed stands? Team: Debbie Page-Dumroese (RMRS), Jeff Bruggink (R4), John Nesser (R1), Marty Jurgensen (Michigan Tech. University), Tom Rice (RMRS) We propose to approach this key question through the following studies conducted, as much as possible, in both Region 1 and Region 4. Does fire change nutrient cycling processes? The Forest Inventory and Analysis group in Ogden will be sending field crews to all FIA plots within the burned areas in Idaho, Montana, and Utah. With their assistance, we propose to collect soil samples (to a depth of 20 cm) and surface litter remaining on three subplots. These samples will be analyzed for soil chemical (C, N, Ca, Mg, K, etc.) and physical properties (texture, rock content, OM content, etc.) and hydrophobicity (drop test). In addition, we will note burn severity, soil type, slope, aspect, and remaining stand conditions. From previous work (pre-burn) by these crews, we can assess stand structure, pre-burn soil conditions, and pre- and post-burn surface downed woody debris amounts. This will answer the key question about changes in total nutrient pools, look at nutrient movement into the soil profile, and evaluate losses. This data, applicable across both Regions, can be used to delineate unburned stands at possible risk for soil productivity degradation due to wildfire, and can offer alternative management scenarios to alleviate risks. Sample field collection will be conducted through the use of FIA crews and laboratory analysis will be conducted through the FIA laboratory in Logan, Utah (cooperating with Dr. Mike Amacher, RMRS). What are the consequences of prescribed fire (and mechanical thinning) on nutrient reserves in suppressed stands? Region 1, Flathead National Forest, Tally Lake Ranger District has initiated a timber sale to thin (to various levels) and underburn several mixed conifer stands over a broad landscape area with changes in slope and aspect (Good Creek). This study site has been cleared through the NEPA process and the first of several sale areas has been put out for bid. We propose to use this site to evaluate the importance of prescribed fire (and mechnical thinning) in fire-suppressed forested stands. Forested site (R1) inventory, harvest administration, burning, and site logistics will be conducted by the Tally Lake Ranger District (Ed Leiser). In Region 4, we propose to locate appropriate sites to evaluate issues of shrubland nutrient cycling. Data will be collected on pre- and post-fire soil nutrients, species composition, and plant nutrient status. Shrubland research sites will be located and administered by the local forest. Changes in belowground processes will be assessed through the use of standard size wood stakes. Wood stake decomposition will be used as a surrogate for measuring management impacts on site sustainability and soil productivity, because the microbial community will be most affected by aboveground treatments. Field crews, for soil and biomass sampling, will be either temporarily hired specifically for this research or will be NFS permanent/seasonal technicians. We will also establish cooperative agreements with universities to hire students for summer field work and lab analysis. What are the key processes that influence erosion and soil productivity? The erosion aspect of this study will be conducted in cooperation with Robichaud, et al. (Key Question #1 - are BAER treatments effective at the watershed scale?). From their work on erosion and erosion control, we will evaluate nutrient changes in soil and runoff from fire and erosion in severely burned, paired watersheds. Field crews will be assembled by Robichaud and additional needs for soil and water collection will be filled by temporary employees or NFS forest technicians. How can we integrate soil productivity and erosion research findings with management objectives for implementation of the National Fire Plan? We propose to initiate a detailed literature review on the impacts of management on soil resources with particular emphasis on Regions 1 and 4. Our focus will be on management activities used for fuel reduction (mechanical, prescribed fire, and timber sales). This will also evaluate existing standards and guides to develop best management practices. This will also give us the basis for defining the effects of prescribed burning (compared with wildfire) to see if that treatment produces a desirable change in forest conditions. Sample Analysis - soil and vegetation sampled through these three approaches will be analyzed either through the FIA analytical lab or through the Moscow Forestry Sciences Lab. Data will be analyzed using standard statistical techniques to ascertain changes from existing conditions. Models will be developed to link decomposition with site productivity changes. As data is analyzed, we will produce reports and refereed publications and conduct technology transfer sessions to incorporate our data into management applications. The first results of this study proposal will come from the burned area FIA plots. Project Activity Cost: FIA sample collection and analysis (FY2001-2002) 55,000 Pre- and post- fire suppression studies (including field work, travel costs, and lab analysis FY 2001-2005) 475,000 Watershed study - lab analysis (12 watersheds - FY 2001-2005) 45,000 Literature review 11,000 Total Work Budget 586,000 Total in-kind contributions from RMRS and Michigan Technological University 435,000

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