Approach
EASTERN: Although many areas may be replanted after severe disturbance, some areas can be set aside to allow for natural regeneration as a means to identify the well-adapted species and populations. The use and monitoring of test or “control” areas of natural revegetation following disturbance may help managers identify species that are well adapted to the changing climate and environmental conditions and potential threats in the form of invasive species or poor regeneration of desirable species.
WESTERN: Although many areas may be replanted after severe disturbance, some areas can be set aside to allow for natural regeneration as a means to identify the well-adapted species and populations. The use and monitoring of test or “control” areas of natural revegetation following disturbance may help managers identify species that are well-adapted to the changing climate and environmental conditions and potential threats in the form of invasives or poor regeneration of desirable species. This approach may be most effective if the implementation and monitoring are designed in collaboration with researchers.
Tactics
- Using modeling and remote sensing to identify areas at low risk for erosion, flooding, or other threats that could be set aside for natural regeneration.
- Monitoring naturally revegetated areas for changes in species composition, productivity, and other factors.
- Controlling competition from undesirable tree species and invasive species to enhance regeneration of desired tree species.
- Removing selected small-diameter residual trees to reduce competition, increase sunlight, and improve seed germination potential.
- Creating conditions that will be favorable for regeneration of desired species, for example by removing the duff layer to allow germination and sprouting of pine species.
- Using remote sensing to evaluate the likelihood remaining trees will provide for natural regeneration, thus anticipating the need for augmentation through planting.
- Using modeling and remote sensing to identify areas most likely to regenerate naturally.
Strategy
Strategy Text
Ecosystems may face significant impacts as a result of climate change-related alterations in disturbances, including fire, drought, invasive species, and severe weather events. Disturbances are primary drivers of many ecosystems, but changes in the frequency, intensity, and duration of disturbance events may create significant management challenges. Although it is often not possible to predict a disturbance event, it is possible to increase overall preparedness for large and severe disturbances and prioritize rapid response. Many of the best opportunities for addressing disturbance-related impacts may occur immediately after the disturbance event; having a suite of preplanned options in place may facilitate an earlier and more flexible response and prevent maladaptive responses. In the future there are likely to be more frequent situations where a disturbance exceeds the resilience of an ecosystem, such that even intensive management may be insufficient to return the ecosystem to a prior condition. In these cases, it may be necessary to reevaluate and adjust management goals, which can involve realigning the ecosystem to better match new climate and environmental conditions. This strategy involves consideration of the full range of potential impacts and planning to respond to severe ecosystem disturbance and disruption.
1. Swanston, C.W.; Janowiak, M.K.; Brandt, L.A.; Butler, P.R.; Handler, S.D.; Shannon, P.D.; Derby Lewis, A.; Hall, K.; Fahey, R.T.; Scott, L.; Kerber, A.; Miesbauer, J.W.; Darling, L.; 2016. Forest Adaptation Resources: climate change tools and approaches for land managers, 2nd ed. US Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Northern Research Station. 161 p. http://dx.doi.org/10.2737/NRS-GTR-87-2,