String Lake
Vegetation in the Intermountain West evolved with fire over many thousands of years. Plant communities depend on the cycles of fire to maintain structure and diversity. Wildlife species are adapted to the vegetation of their habitats, and have evolved with fire.

After a fire, plants spread out from roots or seeds growing on nutrient rich soils fertilized by ash. These "pioneer" species are palatable to herbivores like bison, elk, and ground squirrels.