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Wildfires in Wilderness Areas ~ Cycle of Fire & RecoveryWildfires have always occurred in the Oregon Cascades in what are now wilderness areas. The Wilderness Act allows fire suppression, but does not allow people to interfere with the natural recovery of these areas. No timber harvest or replanting is allowed.
The 2003 B&B fire -- the biggest fire in the area since 1934 -- burned nearly 40,500 acres of the Mt Jefferson Wilderness. The Puzzle Fire in 2006 burned 6,348 acres. In spite of the devastation, it has also given the public and scientists an opportunity to study the natural process of fire and recovery and its effects on the ecosystem. The recovery process in this area will take many years. Historic CyclesThe fires that burned within the Mt. Jefferson Wilderness were
just the latest episode in a cycle of fire and re-growth. PlantsWildfires are nature's way to clean the forest of diseases and
insects.After a fire, nutrients in the soil are readily available
for use by regenerating plants. The B&B Fire gives plant ecologists
a chance to learn more about fire adapted ecosystems and plant
succession after different types of fires. WildlifeWildfires have substantial and sometimes devastating effects on
wildlife both big and small. But the cycle of recovery starts right
away with an increase in available browse for large mammals, food
and nesting sites for birds, and a forest that is less vulnerable
to
these
catastrophic fires. Soil & WaterThe building blocks of a healthy ecosystem are soil and water.
Examining the effects of wildfire on soil and water
helps us understand the natural process by which landscapes
are restored
following
fire. Social ImpactsThe B&B and Puzzle Fires not only had ecological impacts on
the natural systems, but also had social impacts on historic and
recreation
resources. The changes to the landscape from the fire continue
to effect people's use of the Mt. Jefferson Wilderness. Next >> |
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