norcross adaptation demonstration

What actions can be taken toenhance the ability of a system to

cope with change and

meet conservation goals and objectives?

Adaptation Process: Deciphered

1. Where are you and what do you

care about?

2. How is that particular place

vulnerable to climate change?

3. What challenges or opportunities

does climate change present?

4. What actions can help systems adapt to change?

5. How can you know whether

those actions were effective?

Swanston and Janowiak 2012; www.nrs.fs.fed.us/pubs/40543

1. WHERE ARE YOU AND WHATDO YOU CARE ABOUT?

Norcross Wildlife Sanctuary

Privately-managed refuge with >8,000 acres in MA and CT Upland & aquatic habitats Heart of Emerald Forest within

MassConn region Active implementation of

sustainable forest management on some portions of Sanctuary

Photos: www.norcrosswildlife.org

Sanctuary Management GoalsEnsure that the sanctuary provides the widest possible range of habitats to support diverse community of plant and animal communities

• Increase old forest characteristics through natural stand development

• Minimize fragmentation• Incorporate natural disturbances

• Increase open and young forest habitats• Keep mid-aged forests productive and healthy

• Thinnings, harvests

Demo Area: Folded Hills Forest


Wildlife habitat

conservation

Climate-informed

Forest stewardship

1. WHERE ARE YOU AND WHATDO YOU CARE ABOUT?Norcross Wildlife SanctuaryProtect, enhance, & expand wildlife habitat

At Folded Hills• Perpetuate a vigorous, structurally complex,

species-rich forest• Preserve interior forest habitat • Establish wildland reserves for old forest • Anticipate climate change impacts & respond

1. WHERE ARE YOU AND WHATDO YOU CARE ABOUT?

2. HOW IS THIS PARTICULARPLACE VULNERABLE TOCLIMATE CHANGE?

2. HOW IS THIS PARTICULAR PLACEVULNERABLE TO CLIMATE CHANGE?

Several existing assessments

New England assessment in progress for 2016-2017: • Synthesize findings of

state/regional assessments and scientific literature

• Observed & future climate change

• Effects on forests

Climate Change Impacts Warmer temperatures

CO2 fertilization

Longer growing seasons

Shorter winters

Altered precipitation

Altered soil moisture

Extreme weather events

Increased risk of fire

Species range shifts

Enhanced pests and diseases

Interactions among these changes (as well as non-climate forest stressors)

will affect forest health and productivity.

Summary of ImpactsGenerally Challenges Reduced growth:

moisture stress Decline of

northern/boreal species Disturbance from

extreme eventsWildfire potential Forests pests & disease Invasive species

Generally Opportunities Increased productivity:

longer growing season Increased productivity:

more CO2

Increased habitat for some species

What would you add?

2. HOW IS THIS PARTICULAR PLACEVULNERABLE TO CLIMATE CHANGE?

Regional Ecosystem Impacts Less Snow, More Rain Risk of Summer Drought Rising Sea Levels Longer Growing Season Changes in Suitable Habitat Invasive Plants Extreme Events Forest Pests and Diseases

Specific to Norcross Extreme precipitation Common northern species,

such as maple, birch, and beech are likely to experience greater stress

Oak-hickory forest species may have increased habitat

3. WHAT CHALLENGES OROPPORTUNITIES DOESCLIMATE CHANGE PRESENT?

3. WHAT CHALLENGES OR OPPORTUNITIESDOES CLIMATE CHANGE PRESENT?

Norcross Challenges Include• Increased risk of extreme precipitation events

threatens infrastructure and water quality• Interactions among climate change and forest

health issues (e.g., hemlock wooly adelgid) reduce habitat for some species

• Uncertainty of future impacts creates additional challenges for planning

3. WHAT CHALLENGES OR OPPORTUNITIESDOES CLIMATE CHANGE PRESENT?

Norcross Opportunities Include• Managing for diversity and natural processes

allows managers to work with extreme events and other disturbances

• Climate change provides another lens with which to evaluate stewardship actions

4. WHAT ACTIONS CAN HELPSYSTEMS ADAPT TO CHANGE?

4. WHAT ACTIONS CAN HELP SYSTEMSADAPT TO CHANGE?

Same actions–climate change

just makes them that

much more important

Small “tweaks” that improve effectiveness

New & different actions to consider, even some that may seem wild & crazy

*individual results will vary


Thinning:Favor mast-producing species, increase diversityImprove growth & health of remaining trees


Retain: Den trees, snags, coarse woody debris for habitatProtect: Establish riparian wetland reserves


Wildlife habitat conservation

Climate-informedForest

stewardship

5. HOW CAN YOU KNOWWHETHER THOSE ACTIONSWERE EFFECTIVE?

5. HOW CAN YOU KNOW WHETHERTHOSE ACTIONS WERE EFFECTIVE?Norcross Monitoring

Use forest inventory to evaluate site• After harvest• Again 5 and 10 years after harvest

norcross adaptation demonstration

Environment