Ecologists predict significant changes in the charred hills surrounding Okanagan Lake in British Columbia’s Interior following devastating wildfires.
In the coming year, an eruption of low plants, grasses, and shrubs is expected to bring greenery back to the landscape, attracting various wildlife species like birds, small mammals, deer, bears, and potentially even cougars. These plants, adapted to fire, will naturally reoccupy the area, as some had seeds buried deep in the soil waiting for fire to germinate them.
However, the recovery of tall trees destroyed by the fires is uncertain, especially in rocky, dry areas where moisture is limited and climate change is expected to worsen conditions. Wildland fire ecologist Robert Gray believes that without intentional planting efforts, many areas may not see significant tree regrowth.
This regeneration process has parallels with the 2003 Okanagan Mountain Park fire, where little tree regeneration occurred, leaving shrubs and grasslands dominant. Weakened, recently burned trees can attract bark beetles and insects, posing fire risks. Prescribed burns are considered crucial to manage future wildfire risks.
Despite the challenges, certain animal species, like bluebirds, hawks, owls, and woodpeckers, can thrive in young, open forests with abundant grasses and shrubs. The regeneration timeline varies depending on factors like soil conditions and temperatures, but it generally takes several decades for young forests to establish and a century for mature forests to return.
While forest fires are part of the evolutionary history of the B.C. Interior, some experts suggest that having fewer trees in the landscape could be beneficial. An excess of trees can lead to drought, weakening of trees, insect infestations, and more fires. Hence, a balance in tree density may be desirable to maintain a healthier, more resilient ecosystem.
https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/british-columbia/wildfires-trees-wildlife-1.6955772