Island Ecology

GOAT HARBOR BURN AREA PLANT COMMUNITIES

An escaped campfire burned about 300 acres of the central northern portion of the island in July of 1999. Because the island has not experienced many large burns in recent human history, this is an important event for learning more about the ecology and fire adaptations of our plants and communities.

Taken at a photomonitoring point in February 2000	Taken at the same photomonitoring point in March 2001

Monitoring Methods:
Twenty-five permanent point-intercept transects were established in 2000, distributed both within and outside of the burn area in each of five plant communities (grassland, scrub oak chaparral, coastal sage scrub, Catalina ironwood groves, and Catalina cherry groves). Any additional plant species growing within a 30 by 5 meter area surrounding the transect are also recorded, as in CNPS survey protocols.

A disproportionate number of transects are located inside the burn vs. outside for the purpose of gathering as much data on burn effects as possible. An additional two transects have been established within scrub oak chaparral exclosures, to investigate the impacts of non-native herbivores (namely deer) on this community. In addition, general reconnaissance surveys are performed in the spring and all plant species found are listed. Fifteen permanent photomonitoring points have also been established and maintained.

Collection Frequency:
Transects are read once per year in the month of April. This will continue for the first five years following the burn, and every three years thereafter. Transects are revisited in September of each year when possible and any new species within the 30 by 5 meter belt recorded. Fifteen photomonitoring stations were established and are revisited quarterly, in the months of March, June, September, and December.

Early Findings of Interest:
A new species for the island, fire poppy (Papaver californicum) came up in this area. The oak exclosures have allowed several rare plants to grow which have not survived outside the fence: island bush poppy (Dendromecon harfordii) and island rush rose (Helianthemum greenei).

Actions Taken/Planned:
A third oak exclosure was built the second year, surrounding an existing transect in the burn. A fourth is planned for outside the burn.

Schedule:
Transects have been read once per year for the past four years (2000-2003) in the month of April. Because change in the burn area has tapered off, these transects will not be read again until 2006. Photo monitoring points will also be revisited in 2006. CLICK HERE for Accidental Wildland Fire Information.