Fire Maintained, Closed Canopy Barren Communities in Western Illinois‪.‬

ABSTRACT Barrens were common in Illinois at the time of European settlement. These communities were fire-maintained, had an open canopy, and a grass-dominated ground layer containing both forest and prairie species. Barrens were commonly underlain by nutrient poor, clayey soils, and were found on rolling topography. Fire suppression following the arrival of European settlers resulted in canopy closure and the loss of many prairie species. The barrens studied are currently being managed by fire. Quercus alba (white oak) dominated the overstory and accounted for more than 65% of the importance value on both barrens. Other overstory species were Carya tomentosa (mockernut hickory), Q. stellata (post oak), and Q. velutina (black oak). Woody seedlings were common, but few shrubs and saplings were present, probably due to recurring fires. Overstory cover at Argyle Hollow Barrens Nature Preserve averaged 77%, while cover at McKee Creek Barrens averaged 85%. Numerous prairie species were found on these barrens but most were restricted to canopy openings.