Developing Adaptive Management Strategies to Promote Resiliency in Alpine Plant Species

Project ID: P18AC01434

Federal Agency: National Park Service

Partner Institution: University of Washington

Fiscal Year: 2018

Initial Funding: $163,000

Total Funding: $163,000

Project Type: Technical Assistance

Project Disciplines: Biological

National Park: Olympic National Park

Principal Investigator: Gibble, Wendy

Agreement Technical Representative: Coles, Janet

Abstract: This project builds on previous work that NPS conducted in collaboration with the UW Rare Care Program and the US Forest Service, with the broad goal of developing and implementing adaptive management strategies for high-elevation species threatened by warming climates. These efforts include: 1) from 2007-2009, collecting and storing seed from 8 high-elevation species as a method of ex-situ conservation; 2) conducting vulnerability assessments of protected lands in the Cascades and on the Olympic Peninsula in collaboration with the US Forest Service; and 3) NPS and the UW Rare Care Program reviewed vulnerability assessments and conservation strategies for endemic and rare plants. This project will continue ex-situ conservation, and in addition conduct detailed assessments of rare plants, establish monitoring programs, and develop and communicate adaptation strategies for multiple high-elevation species.