• Small, Erin D.
  University of Maine Graduate School
  

Fire is accepted as one of the primary forces driving forest dynamics throughout the world. Fire ecology research in the Acadian region has been limited due to a seemingly long fire return interval, a successful system of fire recognition and suppression, and a culture that is thus largely unfamiliar and uncomfortable with wildlife. Nevertheless, substantial fires occurred in the past affecting the development of our current forests and, significant future events are likely to occur in this region. No clear understanding has emerged of the role of fire in the Acadian region. Fire history in this region is complicated by limited records, intense human influence, and interacting disturbance forces -- all difficult to interpret. Climate and vegetation are closely linked to fire providing spatial and temporal fluctuation throughout the region. Studying fire's impact is important for understanding ecosystem changes over time and space. With consideration to scale and ecosystem complexity, forest development patterns are dynamic, involving a stochastic element. Due the uncertainties of fire's function, management in the Acadian region is typically based on the current forest conditions.