Forest assisted migration and adaptation plantings in the Northeastern US: perspectives and applications from early adopters

Frontiers in Forests and Global Change, Journal Year: 2024, Volume and Issue: 7

Published: Oct. 8, 2024

Threats to the future function of forested ecosystems and stability ecosystem service provisioning due global change have motivated climate-adaptive forest management strategies that include various forms tree planting termed “adaptation plantings”. Despite emergence these strategies, less is known as how foresters other natural resource managers perceive or are engaged with adaptation plantings like assisted migration (FAM). This knowledge gap most pronounced in regions New England North Central US (hereafter, Northeastern US) where common but expected be an important tool for adaptation. To address this, we surveyed 33 this region actively climate (i.e., early adopters practice) assess currently being pursued against perceived barriers, opportunities, potential engagement strategy. Survey respondents overwhelmingly (93.5%) forecast increases use their work region, attributed increased awareness, acceptance, interest practice. Respondents expressed notable related diversification types FAM (e.g., population expansion range expansion), hesitancy engage more contentious afforestation linked long-distance translocation exotic species migration). Although examples local enrichment non-FAM) proliferate, nineteen top twenty genera planted contain at least one example study region. The barriers reported were themed 1) biotic abiotic, 2) information material, 3) policy, social, economic factors. While report difficulty obtaining adequate material from nurseries seedlings), over 80% placed orders shortly before (< 1 year) which likely generates sourcing seedlings suited a specific site environmental conditions. limited by focusing on subset who within valuable inferences into trends possible serving front lines Together, results suggest potentially growing need allocating resources stewards planning serve refine financing, practices support strategy beyond.

Language: Английский

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Adaptive silviculture for climate change in the Great Lakes- St. Lawrence Forest Region of Canada: Background and design of a long-term experiment

The Forestry Chronicle, Journal Year: 2024, Volume and Issue: 100(2), P. 155 - 164

Published: May 29, 2024

We present the implementation of Adaptive Silviculture for Climate Change (ASCC) initiative at Petawawa Research Forest (PRF) in Ontario, Canada. The study addresses urgent need adaptive forest management strategies response to climate change by examining silvicultural treatments aimed mitigating its impacts on ecosystems. It complex interplay between projections, regional characteristics, and practices pine dominated forests Great Lakes-St. Lawrence region Canada, underscoring importance approaches sustaining outline design objectives five distinct treatments—control, business-as-usual, resistance, resilience, transition—implemented over 4 replicate blocks a 212-ha area PRF. provide detailed descriptions each treatment’s objectives, desired future conditions, strategies. conclude summarizing planned research efforts, including seedling survival assessments, phenological monitoring, measuring treatment impact fuel loads. By addressing challenges opportunities as part an international network, this will contribute deeper understanding ecosystem responses inform sustainable management.

Language: Английский

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Identifying climatically-compatible seedlots for the eastern US: building the predictive tools and knowledge to enable forest assisted migration

Frontiers in Forests and Global Change, Journal Year: 2024, Volume and Issue: 7

Published: Nov. 20, 2024

Introduction Global climate change and associated stressors threaten forest ecosystems due to the rapid pace of change, which could exceed natural migration rate some tree species. In response, there is growing interest research implement assisted (FAM). Here, we used a species-independent indicator based on analogy, according sigma (dis)similarity (σ d ) index, match planting sites across eastern US with (future) climatically-compatible seedlots (CCS). Methods We developed CCS for grid composed 1 × 1° latitude longitude. were future analogs ≤2σ analogy ensure representative change. located three time periods, 2030's, 2050's, 2090's emissions scenarios (SSP2-4.5, SSP3-7.0, SSP5-8.5) from Coupled Model Intercomparison Project phase 6 database, using 12 variables. Results identified majority grids SSP3-7.0 scenario. Approximately 28% grid's projections included novelty. The average 222, 358, 662 km or 1, 2, 3 seed zones away grids, respectively. also further south-southwest (188–197°). addition, cover was approximately 2%, 5%, 10% less than that grids. Discussion Our development synthesis emphasized four key results: (i) distances 2030's 2050's similar seed-transfer guidelines species, but exceeded current recommendations; (ii) south-southwesterly locations aligned species habitat distribution dynamics; (iii) novelty potentially challenges conceptual basis FAM if are not adapted change; (iv) variation in among presents potential opportunities presence absence forestland source seed. Ultimately, our goal locate synthesize enable decision support.

Language: Английский

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Public perception of forest assisted migration (FAM): a useful approach which requires cautious implementation?

Frontiers in Forests and Global Change, Journal Year: 2024, Volume and Issue: 7

Published: Aug. 29, 2024

Forest Assisted Migration (FAM) emerges as a promising strategy of adaptation to climate change (CC) in the forestry sector. This method integrates various sources knowledge identify optimal locations for future tree species establishment through human intervention. As presents numerous challenges Quebec’s forests, including shifts suitable habitats species, FAM recommends proactive approach adapt these changes. Recognizing importance addressing risks and following international resolutions, such Paris Agreement on Climate Change (COP21) Convention Biological Diversity (CBD), social perception becomes critical consideration decision-making process regarding FAM. To investigate this issue, we conducted semi-structured interviews with 18 key stakeholders Quebec, officials from Ministry Natural Resources Forestry, employees private technical companies, researchers, forest owners, non-governmental organizations (NGO) members, other stakeholders. We analyzed data collected phase thematic discrimination, focusing (i) acceptability (ii) risk (iii) feasibility, (iv) purpose. Then, compared discourses publications aspects develop reflection, found it important use conceptual framework that encompasses articulation among some concepts intervention vs. non-intervention, public trust government authorities, scientific knowledge. The revealed general inclination support FAM, dependent upon cautious implementation pilot projects studies serving references large-scale applications. Concerns raised by included seed production, adequate experimental monitoring, careful selection. While were more knowledgeable about current research, others emphasized economic viability, participation decision-making, transparency processes. identified communication involvement fundamental advancing perspective Quebec; is crucial recognize presence humans target areas their potential contributions implementation. Moving forward, authorities responsible should prioritize stakeholder engagement at all levels ensure socially inclusive respects wide range considerations.

Language: Английский

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Adapting the patch-cut system to implement forest assisted migration

Frontiers in Forests and Global Change, Journal Year: 2024, Volume and Issue: 7

Published: Sept. 13, 2024

As the Anthropocene tightens its grip on world, forests are facing escalating disturbance rates, tree mortality, degradation and risks of catastrophic collapses. A popular controversial proposition is to enhance forests’ response diversity by adding novel species with missing functional traits through forest assisted migration (FAM). Beyond tests survival growth southern or provenances in colder regions studies socio-ecological challenges FAM, little interest has been paid silvicultural system for FAM implementation. Yet, topic could influence biological success, social acceptability, economic feasibility. For example, light-intolerant introduced into northern uneven-aged may experience a lack light availability. Likewise, implementing clearcuts raises acceptability issues. The patch-cut combines advantages even- systems useful FAM; however, perhaps due difficulty operationalization, it rarely used. We propose new way implement system, enabling from get-go plan location timing treatment each patch stand. discuss that this revisited presents FAM: (i) testing various planting environments, (ii) easy monitoring an adaptative management context where replicate repeated-measure experiment (iii) low intensity efficient future dispersion adapted changing climate. end call development international network trials within revised system.

Language: Английский

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Translocated southern seedlings perform as well as local provenances: insights from an ecophysiological monitoring under varying cutting modalities

Research Square (Research Square), Journal Year: 2024, Volume and Issue: unknown

Published: July 30, 2024

Forest assisted migration, the human-mediated movement of tree populations or species, is an adaptive silvicultural tool that could help forest transition to future climate while maintaining their productivity and ecosystem services. However, we need additional knowledge about physiology translocated seedlings select most appropriate provenances (i.e., seed sources) treatments surrounding this strategy. We used first experimental site DREAM Network assess early ecophysiology local eight species (Prunus serotina, Quercus rubra, Acer saccharum, Picea glauca, rubens, Pinus strobus, resinosaand Thuja occidentalis). Seedlings were planted in a mixed plantation design patch clearcut regular shelterwood system. For each produced from three geographical representing current (2018), mid-century end-century climates (predicted for 2050 2080), based on analogues. Shelterwood partial cover proved useful during establishment (e.g., protect late frost) with limited impacts physiological performance. When clearcut, Prunus rubra saccharum analogues experienced lower water stress, suggesting better drought tolerance than those provenances. Overall, insights ecophysiological monitoring indicated southern perform as well provenances, they can acclimate new destination site.

Language: Английский

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Resilience of uneven-aged mixedwood stands altered by diameter-limit cutting and opportunities for their rehabilitation

The Forestry Chronicle, Journal Year: 2024, Volume and Issue: 100(2), P. 208 - 219

Published: Aug. 16, 2024

Repeated diameter-limit cutting in mixedwood forests often leads to altered stand composition, quality, and regeneration, hence decreasing productivity value over time. We studied the evolution of characteristics after on a 15-year period, beginning from 11 43 years cutting. used 415 sample plots (200 m 2 ) three criteria: (i) ≥9.0 /ha overstory (trees ≥9.1 cm dbh [diameter at breast height, 1.3 above ground]) acceptable growing stock (AGS, i.e. basal area vigorous trees with sawlog potential), (ii) ≥3.0 pole timber AGS (9.1 cm-23.0 dbh) (iii) ≥60% sapling (dbh 1.1-9.0 cm) stocking desired species. Stand initial quality was determined function monitoring period: good (AGS≥9.0 /ha), impoverished (7.0≤AGS< 9.0 degraded (AGS <7.0 /ha). After 15 years, 47% stands satisfied least two criteria, but most (65%) had insufficient regeneration. Stands categories sufficient support new partial cycle, contrary category. A conceptual model based these criteria is presented guide silvicultural rehabilitation uneven-aged by past practices.

Language: Английский

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A trans-Atlantic perspective on successful plantation establishment in boreal ecosystems: lessons learned and research opportunities

New Forests, Journal Year: 2024, Volume and Issue: 56(1)

Published: Dec. 4, 2024

Abstract Boreal forests, which account for one-third of the world’s forested areas, play a crucial role in global climate regulation and provide significant ecological, economic, cultural benefits. However, boreal ecosystems face substantial threats from change, leading to increased disturbances such as wildfires, insect outbreaks, disease. In response, reforestation emerges vital strategy maintaining restoring forest cover. this perspective paper, we summarize some recent research on plantation establishment eastern North America Scandinavia, emphasizing effectiveness mechanical site preparation (MSP), species-specific responses, soil nutrient dynamics. We suggest key areas future research, including long-term sustainability MSP, development adaptive strategies variability, optimization planting techniques, integration technological advances. Addressing these needs will support silviculture practices that enhance stands resilience productivity, helping meet objectives mitigate impacts change. aim stimulate regional, national, international initiatives, contributing ecosystems.

Language: Английский

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Translocated southern seedlings perform as well as local provenances: insights from an ecophysiological monitoring under varying cutting modalities

New Forests, Journal Year: 2024, Volume and Issue: 56(1)

Published: Dec. 30, 2024

Language: Английский

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"Seed – culture" technological passport: RGB-brightness and RGB-saturation identification of Pinus sylvestris L. var. Negorelskaya individual seeds based on the author's technique

Forestry Engineering Journal, Journal Year: 2024, Volume and Issue: 14(3), P. 37 - 60

Published: Nov. 12, 2024

The use of optometric parameters the outer shell seeds in RGB space as a non-destructive marker for identifying subgroups with different germination quality can lead to better understanding physiological basis seed and deep neural network learning techniques intensify reforestation process. There are still quite few studies on known brightness chromaticity individual seeds. De-winged Pinus sylvestris L. var Negorelskaya were selected (N = 1200), representing valuable genetic material based variety climatypes. Based author's method forming technological passport, these determined segmented scans obtained Brother DCP-1510 charge-coupled device. sown manually rectangular containers cell volume 120 cubic centimeters dimension 5 × 8 cells dichotomous index (0 – did not germinate, 1 ripened) was fixed 30 50 days each seed. H0 hypothesis tested absence differences groups zero non-zero at level significance α 0.05 using ANOVA F-criterion or Welch-criterion, depending statistics uniformity Levene's dispersions. interquartile range IQR indicators is 27 units (m ; SD; | 82 21) quantitative variant 0.174 relative 0.189; 0.107) variant, respectively. observed between average 78; SD 18) 0.177; 0.104) P. var. group 942) statistical 96; 25; M 0.235; 0.103) 258) accidental (p 1.5986e-23; p 4.6857e-15). implementation results will make it possible implement technology growing containerized planting Scots pine (P. Negorelskaya) investigate juvenile period development forest crops natural production conditions place an passport plant "seed culture".

Language: Английский

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