Fire Effects on the Biological and Geological Characteristics of Sediments in Yellowstone Lake: A Basis for Improved Fire Management Policy

Abstract

A number of studies have examined the effect of forest fires on the nutrient and productivity levels of lakes and streams, but no consistent pattern has been identified. In the specific case of Yellowstone Lake, Romme and Knight (1982) and Albin (1979) suggested that cyclic fires in the Yellowstone Lake drainage basin could potentially increase nutrient loading of the lake and thereby increase its productivity.