Management Actions for Northwest Forests
The trees and plants of Northwest forests are locally adapted to climate and tolerate moderate climatic changes. But rapid and extensive climatic changes like those expected in the coming decades may exceed the capacity of some species to grow, reproduce, and survive. Northwest forests are changing rapidly because of increasing wildfire and insect damage associated with climate change. As temperatures continue to increase, disturbance from drought, wildland fire, insects, pests, and disease may result in more forest ecosystem change and affect resources these forests provide. Below, we highlight several management actions that can help foresters, land managers, and landowners to prepare for and adapt to climate change.
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Adapting Industrial Forestry Practices to Climate Change in the Northwest
Climate change will affect forest industries in the Northwest. Adaptation strategies can help to increase forest resilience.
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Using Woody Biomass Waste: Hand-Built Biochar Piles
Hand-built biochar piles provide a cost-effective soil amendment that can improve soil health and store carbon.
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Reducing Spruce Beetle Damage on the Chugach National Forest, Alaska
This Adaptation in Action profile highlights work of the Chugach National Forest to reduce hazards posed by spruce beetle outbreaks in Southcentral Alaska.
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Climate Change Vulnerabilities Inform Watershed Restoration in Washington
This Adaptation in Action Profile describes Mt. Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest's work to enhance watershed resilience.
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Reducing Urban Heat through Tree Planting in Boise
This Adaptation in Action profile highlights Boise, Idaho’s tree planting campaign to reduce urban heat, offset greenhouse gas emissions and build more resilient forests across the city and state.
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Integrating Climate Change into Watershed Planning on the Gifford Pinchot National Forest
Restoring functioning watersheds in Washington helps national forests adapt to changing snowpack and streamflow.
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Assisted Population Migration for Forests of the Future in Washington
This Adaptation in Action profile describes the use of seeds adapted to current and future climates for assisted migration in Washington.
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A Climate Resilience Guide for Small Forest Landowners
This guide provides information, resources, and management actions to help small forest landowners adapt to a changing climate.
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Prescribed Fire in the Northwest
Advantages and disadvantages of prescribed fire in the northwest and the process of conducting a prescribed fire.
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Northwest Reforestation, Planting to Suit Current and Future Climates
Guidelines and considerations for replanting Northwest forests so that trees are suited to current and future climates.
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What We Know About Climate Change and Northwest Huckleberries
Fire and forest management practices play important roles in the current and future success of huckleberry across the Northwest.
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Conservation Planning to Manage Alaska Yellow-Cedar
Climate change poses challenges to successful Alaska yellow-cedar management, yet the species is of high ecological, economic, and cultural importance.