Growth and stomatal conductance patterns among trees in fire-maintained and fire-excluded forests before, during, and after multiyear drought events

This data publication contains tabular tree growth and stomatal conductance data collected between 1996 and 2018 from 94 ponderosa pine trees located in the Gila wilderness and Gila and Apache-Sitgreaves National forests in west-central New Mexico. Trees were selected in both fire-maintained and fire-excluded areas, and stratified by aspect and hillslope. Measurements were taken during and after two drought events from 2000-2003 and 2011-2014. Data include stand structure and topography data for each plot and, competition, growth, water use, and demography data for each tree. Tree water use was calculated using stable carbon isotope discrimination data. Tree growth was measured using increment cores to calculate ring-width index (RWI) values from present to earliest estimated year, where RWI values represent detrended growth of trees using the modified negative exponential detrending method.<br>This project focused on quantifying the effects of recurrent managed wildfire on forest structure and resultant effects on tree growth response during drought events. Stomatal conductance data were also collected to identify a potential mechanistic cause of differences in growth response among trees in fire-maintained and fire-excluded forests.<br>For additional information about these data and this study, see the Joint Fire Science Program Final report by Willson and Hurteau (2023).