Approach
Some sites have a sheltered topographic position, or have retained species through past periods of climate change. These potential refugia are formed through spatial, geophysical, and biological variation on the landscape and may be identified as unique sites that are expected to be more resistant to change. These sites may provide the best chance to retain habitat for native species under future climate change. Species at these sites are not necessarily sensitive or at-risk, although they may face increased stress under future climate on some landscape positions. Committing additional resources may be necessary to protect characteristic site conditions from degradation by invasive species, herbivory, fire, or other disturbances.
Tactics
- Identify and manage cooler and wetter locations that are expected to be more resistant to changes in climate as refugia for maintaining native plant communities (e.g. Hemlock) in the future
- Reduce harvest or management-related disturbances in areas that may be buffered from climate change (such as in groundwater spring-fed areas, sheltered slopes, swales or valleys with continuous shading).
- Protect areas that have been generally undisturbed by humans, such as those within old-growth forests, peatlands, barrens, or prairie, in order to preserve a reference condition or legacy.
- Identify, manage and protect areas with diverse biophysical settings and community types where species can shift locally as conditions change.
- Identifying areas with a high diversity of geology, landform, or soils for increased protection or conservation.
- Identifying and protecting a network of sheltered slopes, valleys, or forests with continuous shading canopy.
Strategy
Strategy Text
This strategy addresses the benefits of healthy forest cover in the production of water resources. It is well established that forested watersheds provide multiple benefits and ecosystem services such as timber, carbon storage, wildlife habitat, food, and cultural services. Changes to forest structure and composition, can alter underlying hydrologic processes within a watershed affecting the capture, storage and filtration of water, and the regulation of streamflow. Managing forests to reduce stressors, increase structural and species diversity, and protect unique habitats, may enhance forest ecosystem resilience to increasing climate variability, extreme events, and other disturbances.
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.,