FUEL MODEL:

Either Fuel Model 2 or Fuel Model 7 could represent the fire behavior of this stage.  Model 7 is used for modeling when palmetto dominates 50% or more of surface fuel cover.  Model 2 is used when palmetto cover is less than 50% and pyrhic grasses clearly dominate (Anderson, 1982).  This is typically a low intensity/low severity fuel type.

TYPICAL FIRE BEHAVIOR:

[Using FBPS: FM 2/7, FFM 8, LFM 100, MFW 5 - 10]
(Refer to page 32)

DESIRED STAGE:

This first stage of a 3-stage community is in the condition at which pine flatwoods communities are to be maintained.

RESTORATION/MANAGEMENT PROTOCOL:

• Restoration Phase:
  • No restoration required.
• Maintenance/Management Phase:
  • Frequent growing season or mixed season series of prescribed fires at a 1- to 3-year fire interval.
  • Follow-up exotics management where exotics are in or surrounding the treatment area.
• Special Management Concerns:
  • Soil disturbance as avenue for exotics (feral hog damage, excessive mechanical treatments).
  • Degradation of wiregrass complex from equipment trampling.
  • Avoid hydrologic/topographic alteration such as ditching and fire-plow scars.

EEL SITES WHERE PINE FLATWOODS - STAGE 1 OCCURS

• Jordan Scrub Sanctuary
• Micco Scrub Sanctuary
• Buck Lake Conservation Area
• Valkaria Scrub