| Fire is one of the natural disturbances that forests have evolved to deal with over time. Periodic fires caused by lightning have shaped and altered forests for millions of years. For example, the heat generated in fires actually enables Lodgepole pinecones to release their seeds. In this century, humans have made serious efforts at fire suppression. Ironically, this can lead to even worse fires, due to a build-up of needles and branches that would have been burned in more frequent small fires. |
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Fire kills trees directly, and the smoke it creates also contributes to air pollution. However, small natural fires actually benefit certain forests, and are necessary to the long-term survival of dry temperate coniferous forests. Photo credit Corel Photo Clipart CD. |
| The relationships between forests, fire, insects, disease, and climate are only recently beginning to be understood. The huge fires in Yellowstone National Park in 1988 caused many people to wonder whether a more natural approach to fire might be better than complete suppression. There is no doubt that fire destroys trees, which humans consider a waste. But the hidden benefits of natural fires might be greater than were previously thought. |
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[forests through time] [seeds]
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