Exotic trees are most likely to make inroads during this stage. Dense canopy shades out most other trees. These homogeneous stands are rare in the floodway due to wood cutting and channelization efforts. Flooding seems to play an important role in reseeding burnt areas with trees. An even-aged mixed bosque east of the La Luz subdivision was seeded during a flood in the spring of 1941.
Fires burn only what is above ground leaving roots to sprout new trees.
While burned areas are regenerating, they provide important wildlife feeding areas. Large flocks of doves congregate in these old burns to find seeds and gravel. All types of trees and some herbs are used by nesting birds. Dense thickets of coyote willow along watercourses appear to be most heavily used. Wintering mountain birds such as the Stellar's and scrub jays, bunco, robin, and white-crowned sparrow rely heavily on the bosque for winter food and cover.