Yearn to Wander

Remarkable New Undergrowth After 2003 Roberts Fire

Remarkable new growth follows ground fires ...

Wildland fires are part of the cycle of nature's processes. Change continues. It's exciting to see different flora and fauna take advantage of the new situation.

In the national parks, fires are normally allowed to burn themselves out and burned materials decay naturally. The post-fire environment allows new species to find food and homes. For example, the Black-Backed Woodpecker is one bird that seeks burned forests. These natural processes are part of what make the national parks living, natural museums. Elsewhere, fires are extinguished, and timber harvested for its economic value. That creates a different environment, and changes who the post-fire inhabitants are. Both have a purpose.

Here are some post-fire pictures from Glacier National Park and nearby Flathead National Forest.