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FIRE DEPENDENT ECOSYSTEM MAP |
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* Roll over a region and click to see information |
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Oak-hickory forests are common in Pennsylvania, West Virginia, Kentucky, Tennessee, and many other states. |
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Natural fires occurred in oak-hickory forests at intervals of 25 years or less. |
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Native Americans burned some of these forests very often, possibly every year or two. |
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Most oaks have thick bark so they can survive surface fires. Both oaks and hickories sprout from the base of the trunk after fire. |
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Fires remove shade and deep litter on the forest floor, creating perfect conditions for oaks and hickories to reproduce. |
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Oaks and hickories don't reproduce well in shade, so other tree species take over if the forest doesn't burn for a long time. |
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