A functional approach to increase diversity and decrease risk in managed forests: The case of the Monteregian forest, Canada

Effective forest management in the context of climate change requires adaptive approaches. One key strategy is increasing diversity to mitigate the associated risks. This study employs a functional approach to assess the diversity of the Monteregian forest (Canada) and provides management recommendations aimed at enhancing resilience. We integrated data from both already established tree species and species projected to migrate northward due to climate change. Using hierarchical clustering based on key functional traits—leaf nitrogen, specific leaf area, seed mass, and wood density—we identified functional groups that capture the ecological diversity of the region’s species pool (present and potential). Further, a cluster analysis from over 19 000 inventories identified recurrent forest types. Groups were not represented equally, thus reducing potential response to future risks. It would be advisable to prioritize some groups, through management or planting, to increase regional diversity. Our findings underscore the usefulness of functional diversity, advocating for forest management practices that foster a resilient and diverse forest community. The study’s recommendations provide actionable insights for foresters, emphasizing the need for strategic selection and conservation efforts to future-proof forests. The method can be easily adapted to other forest types and species pools.