Effects of Wildfire and the Presence of the Invasive Paulownia tomentosa on the Regeneration of Native Tree Species in North-Central Appalachia

A wildfire occurred in Shawnee State Forest located southern Ohio that consumed 1215 hectares. Based on earlier forest inventories it was known paulownia (Paulownia tomentosa), a non-native invasive tree species, the forest. The objective of this study to determine if heavily colonized areas two years after fire where burn occurred, and its presence had negative impact regeneration (<137 cm height) native species—red white oaks (Quercus sp.), red maple (Acer rubrum), yellow-poplar (Liriodendron tulipifera). Two fire, invaded burned but not at significantly higher densities than unburned areas. Fire reduced number regenerating stems oak whereas increased slightly significantly. In experienced wildfire, all species studied displayed reduction compared paulownia’s absence Where affected by stems. average heights oak, were taller when growing due more open canopy. However, there no significant change yellow-poplar. both studied.