In 2017, the Forest Gene Conservation Association (FGCA) undertook an impact assessment for the four Sustainable Forest License (SFL) holders and the Algonquin Forest Authority who operate within the Great Lakes–St. Lawrence forest in the southern crown forest region. Climate change is posing a unique challenge to forest managers. The lifespan of trees in the temperate hardwood forest can be several centuries in length and rotation ages for managed forests is often over 100 years. Climate change is almost certainly affecting forest growth rates, the distribution and associations of tree species, synchronicity of ecosystem processes and the ability to carry out forest operations. The report is based on an extensive review of the literature and provides research findings, information on other jurisdictions’ response to the challenge, and recommended reading. Using species distribution modeling (SDMs), under future scenarios many species face southern range contraction faster than northern edges can expand. However, species such as white pine and red maple, in the middle of their range in Ontario, could perform slightly better over the next century. Simultaneously, southern populations of boreal species like jack pine and black spruce will face challenges. Along with providing tree species climate envelope projections and seed zone climate projections, this report provides a set of recommendations for forest managers and is designed as a reference document that will be updated regularly. As the past will no longer be the best guide for forest stand development, forest practitioners will have to bring considerations of climate change adaptation into routine planning and operations. Above all, a clear understanding of forest genetic resource management principles is necessary. A companion document – Applying Forest Genetic Resource Management Principles in the Great Lakes–St. Lawrence Forest (Appendix F of this report) –will help ensure adaptive management proposals conserve genetic diversity, the foundation of future forest resilience, no matter the threat.
Adapting to a Changing Climate: A Report for Southern Region Sustainable Forest License Holders
Identifying Actions
The report presents a series of climate change adaptation principles for SFL holders to consider and makes a series of recommendations to SFL holders. The recommendations include:
- Conduct a vulernability assessment for operations, policies, and programs; conduct vulnerability assessments at a forest management unit scale to highlight in finer detail the specific sites, species, and systems that may be at risk and allow more targeted adaptation strategies to be formed
- Contribute to the Seed Collection Area Network to help move the forestry sector in Southern Ontario toward a more rigorous systems of documenting where nursery stock originates.
- Re-invest in a renewed and cooperative seed banking stragegy to help address vulnerable species, populations and allow for greater fledibility in future response.
- Undertake seed and stock movement operational trials, such as assisted migration and assisted range expansion
- Modify silvicultural practices
- Consider future climate scenarios when planning, constructing, and installing infrastructure such as culverts and bridges
- Consider development of carbon offset opportunities
- Prepare for reduction in winter harvest
- Improve communication of the role of SFLs and forest management in mitigating climate change
- Consider participating in programs to conserve energy and track progress towards reducing greenhouse gas emissions from operations
Implementation
This report has been circulated widely and used by SFLs beyond the initial group of SFLs involved in this project. Each SFL uses the information differently. Some have incorporated concepts into their long-term forest managent plans. Others have continued working with the FGCA on more detailed planning for their forests as well as setting up assisted population migration planting trials for monitoring and future seed sources.
Outcomes and Monitoring Progress
The report makes recommendations for SFLs for future monitoring, including:
- Conducting wood supply monitoring with climate change scenarios
- Examining whether existing monitoring program will be adequate for their needs given the character and magnitude of climate change projected for this region
The report emphasizes the need to increase forest monitoring as critical components of sustainable forest management in the next 50–100 years until more is reported about species-specific range shifts or biological responses.
Next Steps
FGCA continues to work with SFLs to undertake vulnerability assessments, provide strategic forest management advice, and facilitate assisted migration to support the resiliency of our forests.