2015 Summary of Carlton Complex Fire Impact Study
In response to the devastating 2014 Carlton Complex Wildfire in the Methow Valley, as well as the subsequent 2015 Chelan/Okanogan Complex Fires, PBI has worked to better understand ecosystem responses to fire to assist in important decision-making processes. Specifically, PBI is studying the effects of intensified wildfire activity in ponderosa pine ecosystems, by collecting valuable habitat and wildlife data in the Methow Valley. Our study focuses on the North Cascades population of western gray squirrels (WGS). Research conducted by Katy Stuart from the University of Washington in 2010-2013 identified WGS nests, movement patterns, and key elements of core WGS habitat. Our research replicates 34 of her pre-burn forest vegetation plots to analyze post-fire effects on resource availability for wildlife, and the rate and extent of ecosystem recovery after catastrophic wildfires.
We have focused our research on different burn severity units to analyze the impacts of wildfire on forage and resource availability by collecting vegetation data within forest sampling plots such as tree, shrub and forb/grass densities, soil characteristics, litter depth, and plant/species composition. We are also studying wildlife presence, distribution and habitat use patterns using motion-sensitive cameras (“camera traps”) and hair-sampling tubes (plastic tubes containing walnuts to attract squirrels and double-sided tape to collect hair samples as they pass through the tubes).
With the help of several volunteers, we started initial fieldwork in the months directly following the 2014 fires. Wildlife cameras placed by volunteers in the burned area showed more activity than we expected. In addition, field observations supported this activity through sightings, tracks, and signs of recent feeding on plants. Our motion-activated cameras revealed many species of wildlife using the burn area immediately after the fire in 2014.
Vegetation plot in an open ponderosa pine stand with high vegetation mortality in core WGS habitat.
Western gray squirrel hair tube with walnuts as bait outside and inside the tube.
Black bear documented by a PBI camera trap in 2015.
Coyote documented by a PBI camera trap in 2015.
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