Chapter 10: Watershed rehabilitation

Robichaud, P.R.; Beyers, J.L.; Neary, D.G. 2005. Chapter 10: Watershed rehabilitation. In: Neary, D.G.; Ryan, K.C.; DeBano, L.F., eds. Wildland fire in ecosystems: effects of fire on soils and water. Gen Tech Rep RMRS-GTR-42-vol.4. Ogden, UT: USDA Forest Service, Rocky Mountain Research Station. 179-197.

Keywords: watershed restoration, wildfire effects

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Abstract: Recent large, high severity fires in the United States, coupled with subsequent major hydrological events, have generated renewed interest in the linkage between fire and onsite and downstream effects (fig. 10.1). Fire is a natural and important disturbance mechanism in many ecosystems. However, the intentional human suppression of fires in the Western United States, beginning in the early 1900s, altered natural fire regimes in many areas (Agee 1993). Fire suppression can allow fuel loading and forest floor material to increase, resulting in fires of greater intensity and extent than might have occurred otherwise (Norris 1990).

Moscow FSL publication no. 2005n