Wildfires and beech forests of Southern Alps during the summer 2003 climate anomaly: fire effects and post-fire management

In the Southern Alps the summer heat wave in 2003 was associated with unusually large wildfires in beech (Fagus sylvatica L.) forests. Post-fire management in beech stands has been poorly investigated. In this study we assess the impact of salvage logging on a beech forest affected by different fire intensities during the wildfires of August 2003 in the Alps of NW Italy. In high fire severity patches mortality was complete and beech failed to resprout or to regenerate from seeds. In low severity patches beech mortality was delayed, allowing abundant seed dissemination associated with drought-induced masts in 2004 and 2006. Salvage logging was done in 2007 and the assessment of the vegetation structure took place in 2010 on 33 plots. Post-fire stand development is influenced by fire severity and the timing and intensity of logging. Silvicultural guidelines are provided for post-fire management.