Several authors have reviewed literature which presents conflicting opinions about fire's role in caribou habitat maintenance. But if lichen woodlands became permanent shrub barrens, fire would reduce forage. The effects of fire are largely based on the importance of winter and summer ranges to caribou populations. Loss of winter range lichens that constitute population determining energy requirements will put pressure on summer ranges to provide the lost energy. Therefore, access to other lichen-rich stands must be available.
Fire can also increase downfall timber, limiting access to foraging areas.
Increased snowfall in burned areas also reduces accessibility. Fire can be used to create a diversity of forage species and enhance lichen growth in the long-term. Fire also returns nutrients to the soil and reduces certain plant species that compete with preferred forage. However, frequent fires will prevent the establishment of old-growth forests that harbor important forage lichens and cover. He also recommended against suppression of wildfires solely to protect caribou habitat.