To renew forest stands, nature resorts to occasionally spectacular means. Fire, wind or insects may, in a very short time, force the rejuvenation of tens, hundreds or even thousands of hectares of forest land. Throughout history, these three main causes of disruption have continually modified the Qu bec forest landscape.
Fire plays an important role in the natural regeneration cycle of boreal forests.
Heat from fires causes the highly resinous cones of jack pine to open, thereby releasing its seeds. In black spruce stands, the burning of the thick humus layer returns nutritive elements to the soil in the form of ashes, in addition to creating a rich seedbed. Forest fires, insect epidemics or major windfalls result in the establishment of what are termed evenaged stands, wherein young seedlings all begin their growth at the same time. Over the years, these trees will thus be essentially of the same age and height. Boreal forest ecosystems are well adapted to the repeated occurrence of natural disruptions.