Fire, Fuels, and Streams: The Effects and Effectiveness of Riparian Treatments

Fire is an important disturbance in riparian systems—consuming vegetation; increasing light;
creating snags and debris flows; altering habitat structure; and affecting stream conditions, erosion, and
hydrology. For many years, land managers have worked to keep fire out of riparian systems through the
use of buffers. A number of projects funded by the Joint Fire Science Program are shedding light on
the dynamics of fire in riparian systems. Recent research and field practice have shown that (1) riparian
treatments can be beneficial and are not as risky as previously thought; and (2) riparian treatments
need the “Goldilocks” prescribed fire—not too hot and not too cold—to be beneficial.