Description

During summer 1969, fires burned 86,000 acres of the Kenai National Moose Range, south-central Alaska; two fires accounted for 99 percent of the burned area. Suppression efforts involved nearly 5,000 men; 135 miles of catline were constructed, and 822,000 gallons of retardant used. Funds allocated for burn rehabilitation totaled $900,000 for FY 1970 and 1971. Effects of the fire on wildlife were apparently light. There were no confirmations of dead or burned bear, moose, or caribou; although small mammals probably suffered, 1 year later voles, shrews, and grouse were reinhabiting the burned area (possibly in reduced numbers). There were indications of heavy salmon mortality immediately after the fires, but actual cause was not determined. No long-term effects on fisheries were noted. Rehabilitation efforts include seeding and fertilizing over 13,000 acres, and using LeTourneau 'tree-crushers' to knock down fire-killed trees on 30,000 acres. These efforts appear to be very successful in reducing fire danger from standing snags, aiding animal access to browse species, and improving the overall appearance of the landscape.