Forest fuel combustibility and methods for fire prevention at the Badaling Forestry Center,Beijing

Based on the natural conditions and existing forest distribution at the Badaling Forestry Center of Beijing,this study was largely concerned with the combustibility of forest vegetation.One hundred and Twenty-one representative sample areas were selected to study the composition of plants(trees),crown density,slope,elevation,shrub and grass biomass,litter biomass,forest types and the average height of the lower branches.These variables were treated as the combustion vectors for the calculation and ordination of a comprehensive index for each sub-compartment.Given this information,the authors divided the combustibility into five ratings to conform to the existing information and practices of the Badaling Forestry Center.We suggested a renewal of the original forest management plans for the initiation of eco-tourism and the optimization of current forest functions.Particularly,we urged a renewed effort to increase soil fertility,prevent forest fires and establish an inspection system to obtain a lower forest fire rating.These measures should set an example for sound forest management in the region.