52 



historical fire intensities. Should another wildfire occur in these 

 black areas it will likely convert them to a non forest type for several 

 human lifetimes. 



High intensity fires, such as the Star Gulch fire, produce negative 

 effects on other natural resources as well as an economic burden. For 

 example, eroded sediments wash into streams reducing water quality 

 and diminishing fish habitat. Sediments also carry nutrients away 

 reducing the long-term productivity of the forest. In 1994, the total 

 suppression costs on the Boise National Forest from wildfires were 

 $68 million. Reforestation efforts are likely to continue for years to 

 come increasing total expenses. All this because fire was excluded 

 from a fire dependent ecosystem. Fires like the Star Gulch are 

 occurring across the western states. 



The next six plates are computer generated images based on fire 

 prediction models. They illustrate what the management options are 

 by creating a virtual forest that would burn with high intensity, much 

 like the black areas in the Star Gulch fire. 



Plate 8 is a fire deprived mixed forest. In less dense forests, cutting a 

 few small diameter trees or Rx fire by itself may be all that is required 

 to maintain the ecosystem. But, this forest is too dense to use Rx fire 

 to burn safely without excessive tree mortality. Although we can try 

 to continue to suppress fires, eventually the forest will burn. 



Plate 9 is the result after a wildfire. 



Plate 10. We could remove large trees, as in the past, to maximize 

 economic return. 



Plate 11. But, this forest will also eventually burn up. The resulting 

 forest is not fire resistant and resilient. 



