Drought alters recovery of Rocky Mountain forests after fire
Monday, March 21, 2016 - 23:40
in Earth & Climate
A changing climate is altering the ability of Rocky Mountain forests to recover from wildfire, according to a new study. When warm, dry conditions lead to drought in the years following fires, it impedes the growth and establishment of vulnerable new post-fire seedlings. The study also shows that forest recovery has been negatively affected by increased distances between burned areas and the sources of seeds that typically replace trees lost to fire.