Fire-Dependent Forests in the Northern Rocky Mountains

Abstract

One objective of wilderness and parkland fire-ecology research is to describe the relationships between fire and unmanaged ecosystems, so that strategies can be determined that will provide a more nearly natural incidence of fire. More than 50 yr of efforts directed toward exclusion of wildland fires in the Northern Rocky Mountains (western Montana and northern Idaho) have resulted in a definite and observable impact on the forest ecosystems in this region. Fire-ecology investigations in Glacier National Park and the Selway-Bitterroot Wilderness have helped to reveal the nature of this impact and to provide a better understanding of the natural role of fire within these coniferous ecosystems. Such areas provide a unique opportunity to study and test approaches designed to perpetuate unmodified ecosystems. However, we still don't understand all of the long-term consequences of fire control in those forest communities that have evolved fire-dependent characteristics.

Wildland fire in ecosystems: effects of fire on flora

“…Many early seral species, including herbs, shrubs, and aspen, depend on occasional fires to remain as components of the lodgepole pine type (Habeck and Mutch 1973;Kay 1993). Black-backed Woodpeckers, many invertebrates, herbivores, small mammals, birds, and even some aquatic organisms depend upon fires for creation of seral communities, snag patches, and beneficial nutrient cycling (Agee 1993;Despain 1990).…”

“…For example, fire return intervals influence the distribution of life forms and regeneration modes present on a site (Noble and Slayter 1980). The composition and structural integrity of some ecosystems are so strongly influenced by the fire regime that they are considered to be "fire dependent" (DeBano and others 1998; Habeck and Mutch 1973;Turner and Romme 1994;Wright and Bailey 1982). The severity of fire, which depends on the amount and type of biomass present and weather conditions at the time of the fire, exerts a strong influence on plant survivorship and regeneration ( fig.…”

Wildland fire in ecosystems: effects of fire on fauna

“…Policy officially recognized fire as a natural process to be managed for maintaining ecosystems and improving wildlife habitat. Thus began the current era of fire management in which fire is recognized as an integral part of ecosystems, including those aspects relating to fauna (Habeck and Mutch 1973).…”

Fire and weather disturbances in terrestrial ecosystems of the eastern Cascades.

“…Many of the stand development patterns of these forests mimic those of the cooler part of the grand fir series, except that the more shade-tolerant western hemlock is present. Western hemlock is also more shade tolerant than western redcedar (Habeck and Mutch 1973), but evidence suggests that western redcedar can maintain itself indefinitely on the wetter sites (Cooper and others 1987).…”