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For thousands of years, fire has been a natural and necessary part of the Rocky Mountain ecosystem. Most forests here depend on fire, burning down, growing, burning, and growing again. Every time a fire comes through, the land is ready for new life to emerge. With more open space, nutrient-rich soil, and sunlight, plants quickly reappear after a fire. The rejuvenating effects of fire help keep Rocky’s forests healthy and increase biodiversity, meaning a wide variety of plant and animal species can thrive. With a large number of visitors and numerous communities within this fire-adapted ecosystem, the management of wildland fire is an essential part of Rocky Mountain National Park’s overall management plan.
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Last updated: March 31, 2025