Future-Climate Adaptive Species

When we think about the impacts of climate change on our forests, it’s crucial to understand that these changes will affect individual tree species differently. Some trees, in certain locations, will experience declines, while others will thrive. This variability stems from the unique physiology and ecology of each tree species, which determine the conditions in which the species grows and how it responds to environmental shifts. Consequently, as the climate changes, the composition of the forest community will also change. To manage forests effectively in the face of climate change, we must grapple with several challenging questions. For instance, which species are most capable of adapting to changing conditions, and which ones may struggle? How might shifts in the forest community impact other objectives such as promoting wildlife habitat, carbon storage, flood prevention, and wood production? How rapidly can a forest change its tree species composition, and when is it appropriate to introduce new species? If we do choose to introduce new species, how far should we relocate these species within a forest to ensure their success?