Natural fires play an important role in bringing new life to the forest.
Trees such as the lodgepole pine and sequoia, distribute more seedlings after a fire. The lodgepole pine has pine cones that only open up in temperatures above 55 degrees Fahrenheit. In the cold areas of Yellowstone, a fire would be necessary to create such warm conditions. Older trees with thick growth on top have their branches trimmed during a fire. This thins the tree canopy and allows more sunlight to shine through to the forest floor. The added sun helps seedlings, grass and small plants grow healthy and strong.
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