Gains were made on the Derby fire yesterday.
While the fire may still explode again, people are beginning to think about the aftermath effects on wildlife. My impression is that this fire has been hotter than the great Yellowstone fires of 1988, and the effects on fish and wildlife may be more severe. An article in the Billings Gazette speaks to the fish. Read article.
Of course, in 5 to 10 years things ought to be back to normal. The habitat might even be improved (especially for ungulates) as it has been the case with the many fires in central Idaho over the years. Of course, the landscape is dissimilar to central Idaho.
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Ralph Maughan
Dr. Ralph Maughan is professor emeritus of political science at Idaho State University with specialties in natural resource politics, public opinion, interest groups, political parties, voting and elections. Aside from academic publications, he is author or co-author of three hiking/backpacking guides, and he is President of the Western Watersheds Project.
