Abstract
The Wildland/Urban Interface: Cheatgrass and Fuel Breaks Track: Environmental Management Author(s): Heidi Esh Bromus tectorum (cheatgrass), an invasive species, is found primarily in environmentally disturbed areas across the world. Cheatgrass is an early maturing, fine-textured grass species and when dry, easily ignites and fuels the spread of wildfires. Cheatgrass displaces native vegetation by out competing the seedlings of native species for soil moisture while changing the frequency, extent, and timing of wildfires (Bossard, 2000). The integrity of wilderness and the safety of urban communities are at risk from cheatgrass invasion and a higher frequency of fires. The primary objectives in approaching the management of this exotic phenomenon include current location of high fire hazard areas in association with cheatgrass distribution and growth models; fire behavior models; and variables such as climate, terrain, and assets at risk. GIS will be used in creating a Wildland/Urban Interface geodatabase template to analyze the placement of fire/fuel breaks. Heidi Esh University of Redlands MSGIS 1111 E. Central Ave ##4 Redlands , CA 92374 US Phone: 951-533-6505 E-mail: prettyhesh@aol.com |
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