Effects of Recent Wildfires in Piñon-Juniper Woodlands of Mesa Verde National Park, Colorado, USA

Recent wildfires in Mesa Verde National Park have significantly altered the resilience and recovery dynamics of piñon-juniper woodlands, with sprouting woodlands (SPW) showing greater resistance to fire compared to obligate seeding woodlands (OSW). SPW stands recovered faster pre-fire structure and species composition, while OSW stands experienced slower recovery and increased invasion by nonnative plant species. No reestablishment of piñon or juniper trees has been observed post-fire. If current trends persist, some SPW areas may transition to persistent shrublands, while OSW areas could shift to novel herbaceous vegetation dominated by nonnative species. This study highlights the vulnerability of these ecosystems to climate-driven changes and fire frequency, with implications for similar woodlands across the region.

Floyd, M. L., Romme, W. H., & Hanna, D. D. (2021). Effects of Recent Wildfires in Piñon-Juniper Woodlands of Mesa Verde National Park, Colorado, USA. Natural Areas Journal, 41(1). https://doi.org/10.3375/043.041.0105