Fire Ecology and Management of Table Mountain Pine

Table Mountain pine (Pinus pungens) grows on ridge tops and south facing slopes of the Appalachian Mountains.  Silvical characteristics, such as serotinous cones and shade intolerance, suggest that stands of these species were created by fire.  Today, most stands are entering later-seral stages with pines being replaced by oaks (Quercus sp.) in the overstory and mountain laurel (Kalmia latifolia) in the shrub layer.    Previous research suggested that high-intensity stand-replacement fires are needed to restore these communities because they will open the forest canopy and expose mineral soil.  However, more recent research suggests either single fires of relatively high intensity or multiple low-intensity fires can achieve successful regeneration of ridgetop pine communities.  This knowledge will allow a wider burning window and increase worker safety because severe weather conditions are not required for low-intensity fires.