Using a trait-based approach to asses fire resistance in forest landscapes of the Inland Northwest, USA

Abstract Context Several plant traits are associated with resistance to fire, thus fire-resistant species may give rise more landscapes. However, up-scaling from landscape- and regional-scale fire effects remains a challenge. Objectives We test two hypotheses: (1) forests composed of experience lower severity than less species; (2) wildfires affecting greater smaller patches high-severity fire. Methods used predictive map existing forest types (major tree dominating composition) trait-based resistance. examined large-scale spatial patterns derived Landsat imagery in 611 across the range western larch Inland Northwest USA (1985–2014). then applied structural equation modeling study complex relationships between each wildfire. Results Forest dominated by fire-resister (e.g., ponderosa pine) experienced non-resister such as lodgepole pine (fire-embracer) subalpine fir (fire-avoider). found strong negative correlation index average values relative differenced normalized burn ratio, well an indirect relationship patch size. Conclusions The differences among generally reflect degree that fire-related confer individual trees species, providing evidence incorporating has potential assist assessing at large scales.