Climate change is altering current weather patterns and may complicate forest operations. This guide was developed to identify practices for adapting forest operations to climate change. Key topics discussed include climate change impacts on operations in northern forests, considerations for planning, and practices that may be useful for protection of natural resources and continued forest operations in the changing climate.
Climate Impacts on Forest Operations
Forest operations are important to managing forested lands. Timber harvests are critical tools for manipulating vegetation towards a desired condition, addressing forest health issues, and meeting land management goals. Best management practices are commonly used to reduce risk to natural resources to protect soil and water during and after operations. Weather impacts forest operations-related risks to natural resources. Climate change is altering current weather patterns and may complicate forest operations. To continue forest operations while protecting natural resources, it may be increasingly important to plan operations and implement practices to protect soil and water with consideration of the changing climate conditions.
Climate change is causing warmer winters and less snow cover, which affects the duration and consistency of frozen ground and may result in shorter or more variable operating windows for sensitive soils. Hotter, drier summers may increase the risk of wildfire and might also provide additional access or harvest opportunities in dry conditions. More frequent and intense precipitation events may increase erosion associated with forest roads, vegetation removal, and other soil disturbance. These events may also cause flooding, which can disrupt site access or damage infrastructure.
Key Topics Discussed in Report
- An in-depth exploration of climate changes and how it might affect forest operations
- How to best incorporate climate change into planning through site-specific information, evaluating risks, and creating adaptive forest operation plans
- Practices to reduce or avoid climate-related risks associated with local site features or conditions and to maximize the efficiency of an operation