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Watershed Improvement Using Prescribed Burns as a Way to Restore Aquatic Habitat for Native Fish

Published Article

Arizona

Publication date: May 1, 2004

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This study tests prescribed burns as a tool to boost perennial grass cover, reduce shrubs, and improve watershed and aquatic habitat. Results from Muleshoe Ranch CMA show vegetation recovery and increased fish density, confirming fire’s role in grassland restoration.

Subject Tags

  • Rivers
  • Fire management
  • Grassland

Abstract

The Nature Conservancy and Bureau of Land Management are testing a model that prescribed burns can be used to increase perennial grass cover, reduce shrubs in desert grassland, and improve watershed condition and aquatic habitat. Results of a prescribed burn in the Hot Springs Creek watershed on Muleshoe Ranch CMA demonstrated the predicted vegetation changes and watershed improvement. Since 1991, instream cover, aquatic habitat depth, and native fish density have increased in Hot Springs Creek. Our results suggest that prescribed fire is an important tool for managing grassland watersheds and restoring aquatic habitat.

Citation

Gori, D.F. and Backer, D., 2005. Watershed improvement using prescribed burns as a way to restore aquatic habitat for native fish. In: Gottfried, Gerald J.; Gebow, Brooke S.; Eskew, Lane G.; Edminster, Carleton B., comps. Connecting mountain islands and desert seas: biodiversity and management of the Madrean Archipelago II. Proc. RMRS-P-36. Fort Collins, CO: US Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Rocky Mountain Research Station: 403-406, 36.

https://research.fs.usda.gov/treesearch/23240

TNC Authors

  • David Gori
    The Nature Conservancy Tucson, AZ

  • Dana Backer
    The Nature Conservancy Tucson, AZ