So, what does it matter if a fire occurs in mixed conifer every 10 to 30 years (historically) or every 45 years (today)? Can’t the same conditions be achieved by having less frequent fires? The answer is a resounding “NO!” Small low intensity fires do not equal one large wildfire event. The more frequent fires created mosaics within the landscape and helped maintain healthy ecosystems. Essentially, under these conditions, there is something for everyone. However, the absence of these periodic fires results in the conditions we see today – a decrease in vegetation diversity and even age classes of many plant species. As this lack of diversity increases over time, vegetation kept in check by fire increases, becomes old and more prone to insects and disease and susceptible to an intense fire. The end result is a stand-replacement event – albeit once again a young forest, but once again, lacking in plant diversity and age classes.

Left unchecked, these conifers would eventually out-compete the aspen.