Class 13a: Fire ecology

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Class 13a Fire ecology
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Wildfire
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Wildfire consequences species

• Animals
• Plants

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Wildfire consequences ecosystems

• Temporary disturbance

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To fight or not to fight?

• When fires are suppressed, material builds up

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Chaparral (S. CA)
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Prairie/steppe (Midwest)
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Needleleaf forest (Rocky Mts.)
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Yellowstone National Park

• The first National Park
• Ecosystem reliant on fire

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Yellowstone National Park

• 1988 summer unusually dry and hot
• 13 major fires (8 human-caused)

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Yellowstone National Park

• Media coverage largely negative
• But recovery was faster than expected