USGS FRESC: Exploring Fire Effects on Amphibian Communities

In 2001 a National Fire Plan (NFP) was approved by Congress to reduce fire risk and to restore healthy fire-adapted ecosystems on federal lands through proactive fuel reduction (DOI/USFS 2001). One problem with proceeding with NFP objectives is that large information gaps exist regarding effects of proposed fuel-reduction practices (e.g., prescription burning, mechanical fuel reduction) on native flora and fauna. Amphibians are of particular conservation concern because many have restricted geographical ranges, occur only in localized microhabitats that may be vulnerable to management activities, or are listed (or candidates) under the Endangered Species Act. Many amphibian species have declined across large portions of their range throughout the United States (Corn, 2000; Semlitsch, 2000), and information on their responses to fire and fuel reduction practices is critically needed.

Our research is focused on determining the effects of wildland and prescribed fires on amphibian communities and habitat. Effects are likely to vary widely across habitat types and regions, species groups, and fire type, season, and severity. We seek to quantify this range of diversity through collaborative efforts, wide geographic scale, and long term research.