Burned forests in Jasper National Park showing signs of life ahead of winter freeze

The landscape around Jasper National Park is a study in contrasts. The lush green coniferous trees that line the roads and mountainsides in areas untouched by the July wildfire stand in stark opposition to the barren, charred remains of the burned areas. The aftermath of the monster fire, the largest recorded in the park in over a century, is evident in the more than 32,000 hectares of land that were scorched.

Despite the devastation, signs of life are beginning to emerge under the thin layer of snow that now blankets the ground. Marcia DeWandel, a vegetation restoration specialist with Parks Canada, notes that grasses and fire-adapted plants are already making a comeback. However, the regrowth of lost tree cover will take much longer to restore.

Some trees were so severely damaged by the fire that they will not regrow, but others with resilient root systems have a chance to sprout anew. DeWandel explains that species like aspen, willows, and forbs will be the first to return to the landscape, followed by the planting of 5,000 Douglas fir seedlings by Parks Canada to supplement natural regrowth efforts.

The choice of Douglas fir seedlings was deliberate, as their thick bark and deep roots make them better equipped to withstand future wildfires. In the coming years, aspen and willow trees will also be planted to further stabilize the soil and prevent erosion, particularly near water sources and popular recreational areas.

Invasive species pose a significant threat to the recovering ecosystem, as they can quickly take over areas left vulnerable by the fire. Parks Canada is working to mitigate this risk by planting trees strategically and monitoring the spread of invasive plants.

The changes in the forest canopy will have a direct impact on the wildlife that call Jasper National Park home. James McCormick, a resource management officer with Parks Canada, notes that animals will face challenges in finding food and shelter in the altered landscape. While some species may benefit from increased berry production due to more sunlight reaching the forest floor, others will struggle to hide from predators and find food buried beneath the snow.

Ellen Macdonald, a retired forest ecology professor, emphasizes that the renewal process in burned areas is a long-term endeavor. It may take decades for the charred sections to resemble their former selves, with full-grown trees likely taking over a century to reach maturity.

The resilience of the forest ecosystem in Jasper National Park is evident in the regrowth already underway. With careful restoration efforts and a focus on biodiversity, the landscape is slowly recovering from the devastating wildfire, offering hope for a thriving future.