Climate Adaptation Treatment Impacts Adaptability of Natural Regeneration in Red Pine-dominated Ecosystems
| Authors: | Lewis J. Wiechmann, Miranda T. Curzon, Brian J. J. Palik |
| Year: | 2023 |
| Type: | Proceedings - Paper |
| Station: | Northern Research Station |
| DOI: | https://doi.org/10.2737/NRS-GTR-P-211-paper53 |
| Source: | In: Kern, Christel C.; Dickinson, Yvette L., eds. Proceedings of the first biennial Northern Hardwood Conference 2021: Bridging science and management for the future. Gen. Tech. Rep. NRS-P-211. Madison, WI: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Northern Research Station: 247-250. |
Abstract
Climate change may require foresters to adapt management in order to maintain healthy, functional forests. We present the effects of experimental climate adaptation treatments on species diversity and adaptability of natural tree regeneration 5 years following implementation in red pine-dominated ecosystems in north central Minnesota. Treatments included resistance, resilience, and transition. Each adaptation treatment increased tree species diversity and richness over the passive control treatment. The transition treatment resulted in the greatest adaptability, quantified as a composite index that integrated disturbance response and life history traits. Our results suggest the transition treatment positively impacted recruitment of native tree species that are adapted to future climate conditions as intended, including species such as northern red oak, red maple, and black cherry. The implication is that natural regeneration can be an important factor in achieving climate adaptation objectives.