NPS Photo/ L. Regetz Forests, like most ecological communities, are ever-changing. Ecologists call the natural progression of growth and development of plant communities ‘succession’. Succession generally follows a pre-determined path formed by the local and regional climate, seed availability, and soil condition. Natural disturbance is an important phase of succession, as disturbance restarts the successional journey. In forests, natural disturbances occur at many scales– from a single tree to the entire forest. There may be periods of time in a forest where many trees of the same size or age die due to insect outbreaks, wildfire, or landslides. These large-scale disturbances may impact forest recovery for many years. Multiple disturbances may interact, and patterns of recovery may be complex.
Highlighting Forest Disturbance in Denali National Park & Preserve
Spruce Beetle in Denali
A native spruce beetle outbreak is causing notable spruce mortality in the Denali area. Learn how to recognize signs and symptoms. 
Ecosystems After Fire
Immediately after fire, the ecological effects may seem devastating, but given a little time, the regrowth after fire is just as dramatic. 
Boreal Blights
The boreal forest is dynamic, with disturbances like fire, flooding, fungi, and insect infestations affecting plant species and communities. |
Last updated: April 4, 2025