These ground fires killed most of the new tree growth, but caused little damage to the large trees except for fire scars at the base of the trunk. Since the early logging of 1907-1911, considerable change in vegetation has occurred. With timber harvesting and aggressive fire suppression preventing frequent ground fires, Douglas-fir trees have been able to successfully occupy these sights. Where once there were just brush and shrubs growing at the ground level, there is now a dense growth of Douglas-fir trees. Consequently, general forest health has declined and the risk of fires that will now burn into the upper limbs of the trees and kill them has increased.
Stands are more dense than can be supported given limited water and soil nutrients.
Wildlife habitat has also declined because willow and other shrubs have been replaced by small trees in the understory. All of these changes have been supported by photos taken before the 1906 sale and the series of photo points that were established in 1909 and subsequently photographed over time to the present. Research scientists in Lick Creek are attempting to develop methods of managing ponderosa pine stands in ways that will both sustain forest productivity and health, and provide for multiple resource values such as vigorous tree growth, enhanced wildlife habitat and improved forest appearances. This will in turn, reduce the risk of insects, disease and wildfire. Timber harvesting practices are being used that will leave a significant number of larger ponderosa pines on the landscape.