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Overstory retention limits cheatgrass invasion after wildfire

2026 Research Brief

Description

This study examines post-fire cheatgrass response using a long-term fuel treatment site, finding that although cheatgrass invasion increased after wildfire, it was strongly limited by retained overstory tree cover.  


Author

This brief was written by J.D. Birch, reviewed by M.B. Dickinson and Katanja Waldner, and produced by the CFSC.

Contact

For additional information, contact: Joseph D. Birch at jdbirch@vt.edu or the California Fire Science Consortium at cafirescience@gmail.com

Additional Information

This brief is based on the following article:
Birch, Joseph .D., Miesel, Jessica .R., Batista, Eugenia K., and Matthew B. Dickinson. 2026. Overstory
retention in a managed mixed-conifer stand limits cheatgrass invasion after wildfire. Fire Ecology.