Reforestation Strategies for Climate Change in Alberta
Author Information
Author(s): Laura K. Gray, Andreas Hamann
Primary Institution: University of Alberta
Hypothesis
How can we arrive at reforestation recommendations with alternative species and genotypes that are viable under a majority of climate change scenarios?
Conclusion
Choosing alternative planting stock suitable for expected future climates could offer an effective climate change adaptation strategy at little additional cost.
Supporting Evidence
- More than 50,000 hectares of forests are commercially planted every year in Alberta.
- Genotypes of species that are adapted to drier climatic conditions will be the preferred planting stock over much of the boreal forest.
- No alternative species that are currently not present in Alberta can be recommended with any confidence.
Takeaway
This study helps figure out which trees to plant in Alberta to make sure they grow well even as the climate changes.
Methodology
An ecosystem-based bioclimate envelope modeling approach was used to project habitat for locally adapted populations of tree species using multi-model climate projections.
Limitations
There are large uncertainties in projections of suitable habitat that make reforestation planning beyond the 2050s difficult for most species.
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
Want to read the original?
Access the complete publication on the publisher's website