Presenter: Dr. Kimberley T. Davis, University of Montana
In this webinar, Dr. Kimberley Davis will examine the effects of climate on post-fire conifer regeneration and subsequent seedling and tree growth. She and her colleagues focused on lower elevation ponderosa pine and Douglas-fir forests to identify the climate conditions that are necessary for these species to regenerate and grow following fire. Their study found that changing climate conditions are making it increasingly difficult for tree seedlings to regenerate after fire, suggesting that fires may cause conversions to non-forest vegetation in the hottest and driest areas. Dr. Davis will also discuss how disturbances that reduce canopy cover, such as wildfire, may alter microclimate conditions.