Aspen burning and grouse

Aspen ecosystems are maintained by fire
Fire is critical to maintain aspen

Across the west we have lost an estimated 96% of our aspen stands over the past 100 years, primarily due to the control of wildfire and compounded by cattle and sheep grazing. Aspen ecosystems are maintained by fire; it’s critical to their health. Fire eliminates encroaching conifers and stimulates aspen suckering, which renews a stand.
Ruffed grouse are an early seral stage species, which means that they love aspen stands for the first 10 or so years after a fire. If you like hunting ruffed grouse, keep track of burned aspen stands and visit the area a year or two after the fire. You’re sure to find grouse using the stand. After 5 or so years the aspen is so thick you can barely walk through it. Grouse love this for hiding cover and forage. Over time, the aspen will self-thin.
The above photo is a prescribed fire in an aspen stand. Prescribed fires like this promote aspen regeneration and directly benefit ruffed grouse, mule deer, elk and many other species of wildlife. The photo below is the second year after a prescribed fire. Note the thousands of aspen shoots 2-3′ tall. Many of the old trees were decadent and on their way out (they are small based on the low site potential of the area – mt. brush habitat.) I flushed quite a few ruffed grouse from this stand.
Aspen regeneration one year after prescribed fire