Naturally ignited fires have shaped terrestrial ecosystems throughout western North America for thousands of years. The plants and animals of the Zumwalt Prairie have evolved to both withstand and thrive in an environment where fire frequently occurs.  For example, Quaking aspen regenerates quickly after fire and species which depend on these habitats could also be considered fire-dependent. Though there are scant data on past fire frequency, experts believe that fire occurred approximately every 10-20 yr. Currently, very few fires occur on the Zumwalt Prairie. There are several reasons for this including liability, compatibilty with current livestock grazing practices, lack of resources, and public perceptions. Fire suppression may result in changes in vegetation composition and structure and may thus have significant effects on wildlife habitat. The restoration of fire is a goal of the Nature Conservancy in its conservation work on the Zumwalt. Because fire also has the potential to harm natural resources, the Conservancy is currently investigating the effects of fire through research and will use this information in guiding its fire management.

    • Baseline photo-monitoring of quaking aspen and shrubs in ungulate exclosures on the Zumwalt Prairie Preserve (2005), (2003)