Forest management and climate change: A synthesis of genetic and silvicultural options for the Western U.S.

Project ID: J8W07080029

Federal Agency: National Park Service

Partner Institution: Oregon State University

Fiscal Year: 2008

Initial Funding: $20,000

Total Funding: $20,000

Project Type: Research

Project Disciplines: Biological

National Park: Pacific West Region

Principal Investigator: Howe, Glenn

Agreement Technical Representative: Rochefort, Regina

Abstract: The goal of this proposal is to evaluate how climate change will affect forest trees in the western United States, and then recommend genetic and silvicultural options for maintaining the adaptability, productivity, and value of western forests under a range of climate change scenarios. Specifically, we propose to (1) conduct a literature review and problem analysis that will (i) describe how trees are likely to respond to alternative climate change scenarios, (ii) evaluate potential genetic and silvicultural options for dealing with climate change, and (iii) develop a strategic plan for filling important information gaps; and (2) implement an outreach education program to inform forest managers and policy makers about the potential effects of climate change and their forest management options.