Promptly revegetate sites following disturbance

Disturbances typically result in the immediate loss of existing carbon stocks in live biomass and the transfer of carbon from live to dead forest carbon pools with eventual loss as decomposition. Large and severe disturbances may additionally cause decreased carbon sequestration capacity from disrupted regeneration and reduced forest productivity in the long term, as well as carbon loss from soil erosion. Prompt revegetation of sites following disturbance can reduce carbon losses from soil erosion, quickly enhance carbon gains through tree growth, and provide opportunities to promote natural regeneration or foster species that may be better adapted to future conditions.

Ecosystems may face significant impacts as a result of climate-related alterations in disturbances, including fire, invasive species, and severe weather events. Although disturbances are primary drivers of many ecosystems, changes in disturbance frequency, severity, extent, or duration may have important implications for the carbon balance of many forest ecosystems. Although many disturbances are not possible to predict, land managers can increase the preparedness of ecosystems for large and severe disturbance and prioritize rapid response to mitigate impacts on carbon. Adequate planning in advance of disturbance may facilitate earlier or more flexible response and prevent maladaptive responses that reduce or delay carbon recovery rates. This strategy involves consideration of various approaches that enhance the recovery of ecosystems, augmenting the ability of plant communities to initiate carbon sequestration quickly following disturbance.