Serotinous A pine cone or other seed case that requires heat from a fire to open and release the seed. Snags Standing dead trees. The gradual replacement of one plant and animal community by another, as in the change from an open field to a mature forest. Surface Fire A fire that burns leaf litter, fallen branches and other fuels located on the forest floor. An ecosystem made up of grasses, forbs, shrubs and trees and is further characterized by relatively moist soils.
Prairies depend on fire to maintain the ecosystem stability and diversity.
Wildfire Any fire occurring on wildlands that is not meeting management objectives and thus requires a suppression response. All fires that burn in wildlands, including wildfires and all prescribed fires. Wind Throw Trees blown over by high winds.