(3) Natural fires have played a major role in the development of the vege- 

 tation of Yellowstone and Grand Teton. Yet only recently has the im- 

 portance of fire been recognized as a factor in the natural development 

 of the environment. Fire suppression policies dating back to 1889 in 

 Yellowstone have retarded natural succession and subtly influenced 

 the population and distribution of several species of birds. Grouse, 

 woodpeckers, tree swallows, and bluebirds are particularly benefited 

 by periodic natural fires which provide both nesting sites and food 

 supplies. The presence of woodpeckers and other species help, in turn, 

 to maintain balances essential to any natural forest community. One 

 example of birds benefitingfrom natural fires was the dramatic increase 

 in three-toed woodpeckers following the fire west of Jackson Lake in 

 1974. 



(4) The protection afforded the trumpeter swan in Yellowstone National 

 Park and neighboring Red Rock Lakes National Wildlife Refuge in south- 

 western Montana, and later in Grand Teton National Park, helped pre- 

 serve this graceful, picturesque species. Fifty years ago the trumpeter 

 swan population had decreased to fewer than seventy. Today, largely as 

 a result of protection in these sanctuaries, this species is no longer con- 

 sidered endangered. 



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