Description
From objectives (page 13): 'Objectives of the study were: (1) to develop sufficient understanding of the effects of forest fires on water quality of Alaskan streams so that it may be possible to make rational decisions for allocating manpower and funds for controlling specific fires, and (2) to develop and understanding of needs for rehabilitation (revegetation, erosion prevention, etc.) control immediate and future polluting effects of the fire on the aquatic environment.' From summary and conclusions (pages 15-16): '1. In general, burning was not severe enough to destroy the entire organic layer. 2. The depth of thawing was not affected by the fire. 3. Burning of the organic layer causes a decrease in the cation exchange capacity of the soil. 4. Only the organic layer is useful in diagnosing the changes in soil chemistry. 5. The only evidence of increased erosion was in the fire trails. 6. Potassium concentrations are higher in streams draining burned areas than in streams draining unburned areas. 10. There was no change of statistical significance to the benthic fauna of the streams that can be attributed to the effects of the fire. 11. Fire control methods may cause more serious, long-lasting damage to the aquatic ecosystem within the burned area than the fire itself. In developing a fire control plan, sufficient forethought should be given to the possible consequences of control measures to prevent extensive damage to the taiga ecosystem.'