Scientists warn of wildfire risks from dead trees in Yellowstone National Park

Researchers have found that standing dead trees in Yellowstone National Park pose a significant wildfire risk, especially near infrastructure. Nearly half of the park shows high levels of tree mortality, with the most affected areas in the central-western region. The study, published in December, used satellite imagery and data to assess tree health and distribution. It revealed that about 40% of Yellowstone's landmass has moderate to high tree mortality, increasing the potential for wildfires. Wildfires are a natural part of Yellowstone's ecosystem, but dead trees can fuel larger fires, particularly during dry and windy conditions. Effective forest management is essential to mitigate wildfire risks, but it cannot control weather-related factors like drought.