. The Canadian field-naturalist. Natural history. 2002 BoRK, Adams, Willms: Resilience of Foothills Rough Fescue 53 (Agropyron dasystachyum (Hook.) Scribn.), Western {Agropyron smithii Rydb.), and Bearded {Agropyron subsecundum (Link) Hitchc.)] were pooled dur- ing sampling due to difficulty in identifying each species based on vegetative characteristics, particular- ly within the recovering bum area. Total legume cover was also assessed because these species constitute a key functional group responsible for N-fixation. Separate t-tests were done on the 1998 and 1999 data to evaluate the
. The Canadian field-naturalist. Natural history. 2002 BoRK, Adams, Willms: Resilience of Foothills Rough Fescue 53 (Agropyron dasystachyum (Hook.) Scribn.), Western {Agropyron smithii Rydb.), and Bearded {Agropyron subsecundum (Link) Hitchc.)] were pooled dur- ing sampling due to difficulty in identifying each species based on vegetative characteristics, particular- ly within the recovering bum area. Total legume cover was also assessed because these species constitute a key functional group responsible for N-fixation. Separate t-tests were done on the 1998 and 1999 data to evaluate the extent of recovery through time. Although data from the two transects in the interior of the bum could not be directly (, statistically) com- pared with those from the bum perimeter, data from these sites were averaged for comparison to the other locations. Graminoid and forb ANPP, litter, and Rough Fescue seedhead counts, along with forage quality parameters, were also tested for burning effects in 1998, 1999, and 2000. Results and Discussion Growing Conditions Precipitation the year after the fire was favourable for recovery, with the majority falling during the growing season (Figure 1). Precipitation in 1998 at the nearby Agriculture Canada research station near Stavely was 502 mm from May to August, with a total of mm in 1998, 46% above the regional average reported by Environment Canada (unpub- lished data). These data corroborate records from a ranch situated within the burn area, where April through August rainfall totalled 538 mm, and annual precipitation totalled 771 mm. In 1999, growing con- ditions approximated the norm for the region, with a total of 285 mm from May to August and annual pre- cipitation of 399 mm (Figure 1). Landscape patterns of green-up were variable in 1998, with some areas developing rapidly, as evi- denced by advanced vegetative growth and the emer- gence of Rough Fescue seedheads by early May. Plant development appeared to be particu
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