Rising From the Ashes: The Role of Fires in National Parks
Sanders S, Mutch L, Wasser M, Barnes J, Perles S. 2021. Rising From the Ashes: The Role of Fires in National Parks. Frontiers for Young Minds
Fire is a natural and healthy part of many ecosystems, and many plant species rely on it to reproduce. Some species require the actual heat and flames for their seeds to be released and sprout. Other species rely on fire to burn off dried needles and leaves on the ground as well as many of the shrubs and small trees. This opens up the forest and allows more space and light for small plants and trees. While fire is a good thing for many plants and ecosystems, this is not the case everywhere. In areas that get high amounts of rain, ecosystems are not adapted to fire. Human-caused fires in these places can be devastating to the plants there. It is the job of fire managers and ecologists to manage wildfires, make decisions about fire suppression, and decide if additional fires are needed in key ecosystems.
- Type
- Generic Document
- Authors
- Sanders, Suzanne; Mutch, Linda; Wasser, Mark; Barnes, Jennifer; Perles, Stephanie
- Date of Issue
- 2021-11-29
- Publisher
- Frontiers for Young Minds
- Units
- ERMN , GLKN , PACN , SIEN
- Keywords
- fire ecology, fire effects, fire management, PACN Special Publication