A tree-ring record of historical fire activity in a piedmont longleaf pine (Pinus palustris Mill.) woodland in North Carolina, USA

Abstract Background Longleaf pine ( Pinus palustris Mill.) ecosystems were historically widespread in the North American Coastal Plain and some southeastern piedmont montane settings. The naval stores industry, deforestation, other human activities resulted an extensive loss (c. 97% loss) of original woodlands savannas. are maintained by frequent surface fire which promotes successful regeneration maintains open canopy conditions a largely herbaceous understory. Fire regimes (including frequency seasonality fire) likely varied across entire range longleaf through time; further research is needed to elucidate this variability. Results We used scars stumps snags reconstruct history ecosystem Carolina. For each tree sampled, we examined multiple cross sections avoid omission events recorded smaller scars. Our samples revealed evidence 3–4-year interval) beginning early eighteenth century extending mid-nineteenth century. Fires occurred dormant earlywood positions annual rings ignited. Conclusions To our knowledge, first tree-ring-based piedmont. As such, it offers rare glimpse into historical activity now scarce but important ecological setting. More develop additional chronologies region, including for longer periods time larger spatial areas.