Prescribed fire and vegetation dynamics in the Slave River lowlands, N.W.T.
Principal Investigator: Quinlan, Allyson (1)
Licence Number: 12962
Organization: University of Alberta
Licensed Year(s): 1998
Issued: May 20, 1998
Project Team: Troy Ellsworth, Rick Lanoville, & Paul Johnson

Objective(s): To predict the long term effects of prescribed fires we need to know both the short-term vegetation response as well as understand shrub/tree encroachment rates and extent. Research objectives include: i) full inventory of vegetation community composition in prairies with different burning regimes; ii) to determine the influence of relative topography on vegetation, iii) to estimate bison forage species within prairies and iv) to estimate shrub encroachment rates & extent using G.I.S. technology.

Project Description: The principle researcher and one (or two) field assistants will be flown into Hook Lake base camp by either helicopter or fixed wing aircraft (transportation and field support confirmed by Renewable Resources, NWT). Temporary vegetation (herbaceous) transects will be established on the following prairies in the Hook Lake area: Dan's Prairie, North Prairie, Paul's Prairie, Ann's Prairie, Hook Lake Prairie, Stan's Prairie. Vegetation (grasses, sedges, forbs) samples will be collected from sample plots for taxonomic identification, soil samples will be collected to assess soil moisture and texture, and survey equipment will be used to record local relative topography. All equipment will be removed from the site upon completion of the 1998 field season. A total of 24 transects will be established, with 25 sample plots per transect for a total of 600 sample plots. This is a joint project of Renewable Resources and local communities of the region.