An invasive plant contributing to wildfire risk in Bidwell Park may be best controlled by fire itself, when it’s used strategically.
That’s the key takeaway from a new study conducted by a group of Chico State Earth and Environmental Sciences students. They recently presented their findings to the Bidwell Park and Playground Commission, highlighting how prescribed burns significantly reduced the regrowth of yellow starthistle compared to unburned areas, or those impacted by last summer’s Park Fire.
Yellow starthistle is one of California’s most aggressive invasive species. It’s prevalent in Upper Bidwell Park and increases fire risk in the area.
The students’ research showed that places treated with prescribed fire saw noticeably less regrowth of the weed.
“I would say if you had consecutive burns, then it would do. It would reduce the seed bank. But having just one large wildfire kind of gives it a big boost …”- Kristen Kaczynski, professor of applied plant ecology at Chico State
Their professor, Kristen Kaczynski, explained that while the Park Fire did remove some of the plant, it likely didn’t prevent it from possibly coming back stronger in the future.
“I would say if you had consecutive burns, then it would do,” Kaczynski said. “It would reduce the seed bank. But having just one large wildfire kind of gives it a big boost. So we may see more starthistle there this summer.”
The students recommended that the City of Chico begin prescribed burns in early spring, before the plant has a chance to reseed.
They warned that waiting too long could lead to reinfestation — ultimately increasing the overall fire risk in the park.
