Fire and vegetative trends in the Northern Rockies: interpretations from 1871-1982 photographs

Interprets changes in forest and range vegetation resulting from the absence of fire. Eighty-six matched photographs covering the period 1871-1982 provide the basis for describing how vegetation has changed in various plant communities. These scenes show that woody vegetation has increased markedly as a result of reduced wildfire. An increase in conifers and deterioration of herbs, shrubs, and deciduous trees is resulting in loss of habitat upon which early and midsuccessional wildlife species depend. Implications on wildlife and opportunities for use of cutting and prescribed fire to improve wildlife habitat are discussed.