Population-wide mortality in multiple forest types in western North America: onset, extent, and severity of impacts as indicators of climatic influence

Abstract

A complex of drought, insects, and disease is causing widespread mortality in multiple forest types across western North America. These forest types range from dry Pinus-Juniperus woodlands to moist, montane Picea-Abies forests. Although large-scale mortality events are known from the past and considered part of natural cycles, recent events have largely been attributed to climate change. We use data from the Forest Inventory and Analysis program to assess the onset, extent, and severity of impacts of mortality events that have occurred since the mid-1990s.

Citation

Shaw, J. D.; Long, J. N.; Thompson, M. T.; DeRose, R. J. 2010. Population-wide mortality in multiple forest types in western North America: onset, extent, and severity of impacts as indicators of climatic influence. The International Forestry Review. 12(5): 45.