Fire and Healthy Forests

Fire and Healthy Forests. . , About one-third of Minnesota is covered with forest. These woodlands are incredibly diverse, with over 50 species of native trees and a wide array of plants that make up the understory and cover the forest floor. It is very important that we all work together to assure the continuing health of our forests. , The forest ecosystems provide shade and wildlife habitat. Forests also purify water, absorb pollutants, recycle nutrients, and absorb carbon dioxide. Minnesota's forests provide opportunities for recreation, and, of course, there is the forest products industry, contributing billions of dollars to the state's economy annually. , Minnesota's forests provide critical habitat for wildlife, including bears, wolves, moose, grouse, bobcats, pine marten, and migratory songbirds. No less important than these more visible residents of the forest are the myriad forms of microscopic life. Forests provide habitat for insects that are the food for many forms of wildlife, as well as microbes that are responsible for decomposition and nutrient cycling. , Change is an integral component of forest health. A major force of change is the forest fire. Fire can be a destructive force, but it is also an important positive force. Fire removes low-growing underbrush, opening up the forest floor to sunlight and exposing mineral soils for new growth. Fire helps control disease and insects, and provides nutrients for the soil. Over thousands of years, trees and other plants of Minnesota's forests have adapted to fire. Low-level fires occurring with some frequency reduce the fuel on the forest floor, lessening the impact of larger fires. Some trees, like jack pine and black spruce, have cones that open after fires and thrive in the ash and soils exposed by fire. Other plants, like the aptly named fireweed, proliferate quickly following a fire and cover the forest floor with flowers., ”Fire is as essential to the long term health of wilderness forests as sunlight and adequate moisture.” , Jon Nelson, Clean Water . Healthy Forests . Diverse Recreation.