Approach
There are many cases where native species may be well adapted to the future range of climatic and site conditions. Using management to favor native species in a community or forest type favoring species with wide ecological amplitude and persistence under a wide variety of climate and site conditions may enhance the system to fare better under future climate change, and can facilitate a gradual shift in the forest composition. Establishing or emphasizing future adapted species now may create opportunities to fill niches left by species that decline. Where communities are dominated by one or a few species, this approach will probably lead to conversion to a different community type, albeit with native species.
Tactics
- Favor or establish oak, pine, and other more drought- and heat-tolerant species on ridge tops, south-facing slopes with shallow soils, or other sites that are expected to become warmer and drier.
- Favor or plant species in wetlands that are resistant to desiccation, such as perennial species that spread by runners, and those with deep tap roots.
- Favor or plant species in flood-prone settings that can tolerate more severe or lasting periods of inundation.
- Favor establishment of salt-tolerant plants in wetlands that are likely to receive runoff from paved roads in winter, such as those associated with inland salt marsh natural communities.
- Underplanting a variety of native species on a site to increase overall species richness and provide more options for future management.
- Seeding or planting drought-resistant genotypes of commercial species (e.g. loblolly pine) where increased drought stress is expected.
Strategy
Strategy Text
This strategy seeks to maintain overall ecosystem function and health by gradually enabling and assisting adaptive transitions of species and communities in suitable locations. Species composition in many forest ecosystems is expected to change as species adapt to a new climate. Many of the approaches in this strategy attempt to mimic natural processes, but may currently be considered unconventional management responses. In particular, some approaches incorporate assisted migration, which remains a challenging and contentious issue. It is suggested that managers thoroughly investigate potential consequences to the native ecosystem before attempting to introduce new species. This strategy is best implemented with caution, incorporating due consideration of the uncertainties inherent in climate change, the sparse record of previous examples, and continued uncertainties of forest response. Outcomes from early efforts to transition communities can be evaluated to provide both information on future opportunities and specific information related to methods and timing.
Shannon, P.D.; Swanston, C.W.; Janowiak, M.K.; Handler, S.D.; Schmitt, K.M.; Brandt, L.A.; Butler-Leopold, P.R.; Ontl, T.A. (in review). Adaptation Strategies and Approaches for Forested Watersheds. Ecological Applications.,