Approach
The climate is changing more rapidly than some species can migrate, and the movement of species may be restricted by land-use or other impediments between areas of suitable habitat. This can be particularly challenging for species that are already rare or threatened. A subset of assisted migration, sometimes called species-rescue assisted migration, focuses on avoiding extinction of species threatened by climate change. If current habitat occupied by those species is expected to become (or already is) unsuitable, assisted migration to potential new suitable habitat may be the best option to promote the survival of the species. Because such species are often extremely rare, this type of assisted migration can also potentially cause declines in the donor populations through removal of seeds or individuals. This approach is best implemented with great caution, incorporating due consideration of the uncertainties inherent in climate change, the sparse record of previous examples, and continued uncertainties of forest response.
Tactics
- Planting or seeding a rare or threatened plant species that is at risk for extinction to a newly suitable habitat outside its current range.
- Managing for culturally important species in areas where temperature and hydrologic conditions may be most suitable in the future (e.g. birch).
- Assisting the migration of aquatic or terrestrial wildlife around barriers by trapping and releasing in newly suitable locations.
- Plant cold-adapted species in areas likely to maintain persistently cooler temperatures areas (e.g. Hemlock in shaded moist areas like ravines).
Strategy
Strategy Text
This strategy aims to help ecosystems adjust in response to fundamental changes in hydrologic processes altered by a changing climate. The timing, form, and spatial distribution of precipitation is changing with the climate, with cascading effects on forest hydrologic cycles that affect water yield and water quality. Forest species assemblage, structure, and habitat quality will shift with changes in the nature and timing of water availability. Anticipating potential impacts to water levels and quality in management planning may help managers reduce risks and take advantage of opportunities to sustain hydrologic function. Broadly considering climate related alterations to the hydrologic cycle along with site-level responses and potential land-use changes is likely to provide the most complete picture of risks and opportunities.
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.,