All of these changes may not be beneficial from man's perspective. The early Native American Indians used wildfire as a tool to reduce the amount of dense, primitive forest. Many of the fires were very destructive and resulted in great changes in the forest. Some of these fires also resulted in creating more wildlife food in the burned areas. In recent times, prescribed fire is an accepted forest management tool to reduce the amount of forest fuels, undesirable vegetation and the disastrous results of wildfire.
Wildfire is as destructive today as it was in early times.
The Southern Pine Beetle and the Gypsy Moth are two of the better known insect enemies of the forest. Another insect, the Balsam Woolly Aphid, has virtually eliminated the Balsam fir from the Smoky Mountains. While some harmful insects and diseases occur naturally, many are effected by man's influence. Although, man is the most destructive enemy of the forest, God has given man the responsibility to protect the environment. Protecting the Campsite Practice low-impact camping.