The Hidden Way Wildfires Are Reshaping US Forests
Forests across the US that evolved with wildfire are increasingly struggling to recover after hotter, faster and more intense fires. Researchers studying Yellowstone, California and New Mexico are seeing some burned forests shift toward grasslands or dense shrublands instead of regrowing into forests. In Yellowstone, only about 5% of seedlings have returned in one area burned in 2016. Drought tolerant shrubs can quickly outcompete trees, while climate change may make the shift more persistent. Florida offers a contrasting example, where carefully managed prescribed burns help fire adapted ecosystems regenerate and remain resilient.
