Natural Fire

Natural fires historically burned at regular intervals in the Carpenter Lake area. By analysing carbon associated with charred trees fire history has been determined dating back to 1580. The natural fire return interval has ranged between 2 to 46 years with an average of 17 years. Of particular interest is that prior to 1920 the mean fire period was 13 years whereas it is over 25 years since then. Until the fire in 2009 the area experienced a prolonged period of time without fire. Natural fires open up understory layers to new shrubs and grasses, important species for browsing ungulates. Regular-interval fires remove conifer ingrowth in the understory without damaging the canopy layer. Biologists and wildlife stewards understand and have observed the impacts of fire suppression. It is important to allow natural fires to renew landscapes and ecosystems in a controlled manner.

Issues:

• Natural fires have been suppressed in the area, leading to understory closure in prime ungulate stands

Goals:

• Prepare for allowance and control of natural fires in important ungulate areas where conifer ingrowth is occuring