Pacific Southwest Research Station

Ecological succession in the Angora fire: Forest management effects on woodpeckers as keystone species

Principal Investigators:
Pat Manley, USDA Forest Service-Pacific Southwest Research Station
Gina Tarbill

Proposal [pdf]

Ecological Succession Monitoring Report [pdf]

Wildlife Monitoring Report [pdf]

Please contact Dr. Pat Manley with questions regarding the reports.

Project Summary

The Angora Fire burned approximately 3,100 acres in South Lake Tahoe, California in June and July 2007. The fire occurred in an area with high intermix of private and public land, adjacent to large expanses of undeveloped public land. The severity of the fire varied within the burned area, resulting in a mosaic of conditions. The primary post-fire actions have been to implement erosion control measures and to remove hazardous trees. The removal of snags and logs, even those that are highly scorched, is likely to reduce the ability of areas to support wildlife species dependent upon these features.

The objective of this study is to determine the relative influence of burn severity and post-fire restoration activities on wildlife response in the first three years following the fire. This information can be used to guide management of this burned area and future burns if they occur. Management informed by monitoring will ensure that multiple resource objectives are being achieved.

This research also investigated nest site selection in three species of Picoides woodpeckers (P. arcticus, Black-backed woodpecker; P. villosus, Hairy Woodpecker; and P. albolarvatus, White-headed Woodpecker).