Examining Aspen Expansion from Before and After Prescribed Burning in a Native Fescue Grassland Through Geospatial Techniques

Prescribed burning in Waterton Lakes National Park did not significantly reduce aspen stand area, though an observational decline in canopy cover was noted. The study, conducted using geospatial techniques including UAS imagery and ground-truthing, aimed to assess the impact of prescribed burns on aspen expansion in native fescue grasslands—a critical ecosystem for biodiversity and carbon sequestration. Despite efforts to suppress woody vegetation through controlled fires, aspen regeneration persisted, influenced by elk browse and wolf predation dynamics. This research highlights the complex interplay between fire management, herbivory, and ecological restoration in maintaining grassland ecosystems.

Anderson, C. EXAMINING ASPEN EXPANSION FROM BEFORE AND AFTER PRESCRIBED BURNING IN A NATIVE FESCUE GRASSLAND THROUGH GEOSPATIAL TECHNIQUES. https://doi.org/10.37099/mtu.dc.etdr/893