Arizona Illustrated

Understanding The Bighorn Fire

Wildlife and The Bighorn: We examine the variety of species impacted by the fire including Big Horn Sheep, the Desert Tortoise, the Mexican Spotted Owl, the Gila Chub, the Goulds Turkey, and the Mountain Lion and are reminded that wildfire is natural process that can lead to a healthier forest and potentially healthier habitat for the species that make their home in the Catalinas. After the Burn: In the aftermath of the Bighorn fire in the Catalinas, researchers see a unique opportunity to better understand how fire impacts the delicate sky island ecosystems here in Arizona. We follow a research expedition to the high elevation forests atop Mt. Lemmon, to learn how this sensitive region has fared immediately following the blaze. Lessons from the Chiricahuas: What happens to ecosystems after wildfire or other major disturbances?We go on a journey though the Chiricahua Mountains with UA researcher Jim Malusa who tracks how vegetation on the mountain range has changed since the Horseshoe 2 fire of 2011. His research may reveal how the burn areas in the Santa Catalinas will recover from the Bighorn Fire.