Fire, Adaptations and the Forest Community

by Mark Kudrav

I. Introduction:

  • Is fire a destructive force in nature?
  • Last year 7 million acres burned in wildland fire
  • However, fire can benefit a forest ecosystem

II. Main Body:

Role of fire as a disturbance in an ecosystem
  • Nutrients- fire releases nutrients back into the soil
  • Good for wildlife
  • Competition
  • Fire dependent species
  • Adaptations
    • Thick bark- Redwood
    • Self pruning branches- Ponderosa Pine
    • Serotinous cones
      • Table Mountain Pine
      • Jack Pine
Fire tunnel demonstration

Fire Management

  • Why do we have such large, catastrophic fires anyway?
    • Smokey the Bear
    • Heavy fuel load
  • Are small, frequent fires better?
    • Forest health
    • Safety

III. Conclusion:

  • Fire can be a healthy disturbance in an ecosystem
  • Some plants require fire
  • Thoughts and questions from students

Questions:
  1. How is fire good for wildlife?
  2. How does thick bark protect trees when a fire occurs?
  3. What happens to jack pine cones after being exposed to fire?

 

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