Challenges of using fire for conservation of imperiled plants in the Florida scrub

Fire is an essential ecosystem process that must be incorporated into conservation. Yet, the proper use of fire for conservation is a delicate balancing act between maintaining habitat quality and the unique fire adaptations of each imperiled species. At Archbold Biological Station, our long-term research on wild and translocated populations of many imperiled plant species in the fire-dependent Florida scrub informs how fire can be harnessed for conservation. In this presentation, I will highlight our efforts to properly manage both fire-dependent and fire-intolerant rare plant species, including the extent to which fire alternatives such as mechanical treatment can be used. Our work in the Florida scrub broadly informs how fire should be integrated into conservation planning of imperiled plant species.