Fire in California's Ecosystems [Hardcover]

Neil G. Sugihara (Editor), Jan W. van Wagtendonk (Editor), Kevin E. Shaffer (Editor), JoAnn Fites-Kaufman (Editor), Andrea E. Thode (Editor)

Book Description

ISBN-10: 0520246055 | ISBN-13: 978-0520246058 | Publication Date: November 29, 2006 | Edition: 1

Fire is both an integral natural process in the California landscape and growing threat to its urban and suburban developments as they encroach on wildlands. Written by many of the foremost authorities on the subject, this comprehensive volume, an ideal text and authoritative reference tool, is the first to synthesize our knowledge of the science, ecology, and management of fire in California. Part I introduces the basics of fire ecology. It includes an historical overview of fire, vegetation, and climate in California; overviews of fire as a physical and ecological process; and reviews the interactions between fire and the physical, plant, and animal components of the environment. Part II explores the history and ecology of fire in each of California's nine bioregions. Part III examines fire management in California, including both Native American and post-European settlement; discusses current issues related to fire policy and management, including air quality, watershed management, invasive plant species, native species, and fuel management; and considers the future of fire management.

Editorial Reviews

From the Inside Flap

"Fire in California's Ecosystems provides a rigorous synthesis and review of the role of fire in California's tremendously variable natural environments. The authors have made a substantial contribution to the fields of fire ecology, natural history, and land stewardship. With this volume, California again shines as a model for other states and regions."--Dr. J. Morgan Varner, Humboldt State University

"Fire in California's Ecosystems proficiently explains the complex nature of the effects of wildfire, wildfire suppression, and fuels treatments on our state's diverse fauna and flora. This book is a useful tool for biologists seeking to develop effective management measures to maintain fire-dependent ecosystems or to conduct further research."--Monica Bond, Wildlife Biologist, Center for Biological Diversity

About the Author

Neil G. Sugihara is Fire Ecologist with the U.S. Forest Service. Jan W. van Wagtendonk is Research Forester with the U.S. Geological Survey. Jo Ann Fites-Kaufman is Fire Ecologist with the Adaptive Management Services Enterprise Team of the U.S. Forest Service. Kevin E. Shaffer is Environmental Specialist in Forestry and Fire Ecology with the California Department of Fish and Game and Andrea E. Thode is Assistant Professor of Fire Ecology in the School of Forestry at Northern Arizona University.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 596 pages
• Publisher: University of California Press; 1 edition (November 29, 2006)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0520246055
• ISBN-13: 978-0520246058
• Product Dimensions: 11.5 x 8.8 x 1.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 4.6 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #395,193 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Fire Ecology, April 26, 2010

By 

Grotesque19 (California, USA) - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Fire in California's Ecosystems (Hardcover)

Great fire ecology for California fires. It covers many attributes of fire and processes that involve potential fire fuel. The book covers the water cycle, wind cycle, and soil characteristics. I would recommend this book for anyone who is interested in learning more about wildland fire.