Myra Theimer of the U.S. Forest Service has some advice for folks who are concerned about the loss of the forest cover resulting the Ham Lake Fire. Don’t panic and watch what happens. The forest will grow back.

“It won’t all occur in one season,” she says. “The hardwoods will come first, because they sprout from roots. Pines are a little slower, because they grow from seeds. It may take 10 to 20 years for all species to get established.”

Aspen are already beginning to come back, particularly on sites with moist soil. Paper birch may become common on some sites. Pines, particularly jackpines, have an advantage on drier sites, but may not be visible for a couple of years. White and red pines may take several years to appear.

Because the Ham Lake Fire occurred in the spring, it didn’t burn as hot as fires that occur later in the year. In some places the fire burned through the organic litter on the forest floor--called duff--to mineral soil, while in others the blackened duff remains. Pines do best on sites that burned to mineral soil.

Theimer says there are some aspects of regrowth to be excited about seeing occur. Next year, wildflowers are likely to be abundant. Blueberries, which are already beginning to sprout, should be abundant in two or three years. Dead, standing timber will attract uncommon species such as black-backed and three-toed woodpeckers.

Theimer says the Forest Service is still collecting data from the field and compiling existing research from past fires. That information will be used to guide the agency’s management decisions.