Management Strategies for Climate-­Change Adaptation in the Nadina Forest District

ABSTRACT

This report presents a preliminary set of strategies for sustainable forest management in the Nadina Forest District in an era of climate change. These "adaptation strategies" address some of the major challenges presented by climate change. The challenges and solutions (i.e., strategies) are based on modelled projections of climate change, expert projections of ecological change and brainstorming sessions with forest managers. Most strategies presented are not novel; however, they will need to be implemented more widely and thoroughly, with the underlying goal of learning more about their effectiveness. Addressing climate change requires an adaptive management approach.

This report is divided into three sections dealing with trees and timber, biodiversity, and hydrology and aquatic ecosystems respectively. Each section outlines potential climate-related challenges (and opportunities) and presents a table of strategies designed to address specific challenges. The report ends with a recommendation to shift the current management paradigm to better address a more dynamic climate.