Practitioner perspectives on assisted migration and adapting reforestation for climate change in the western US

Abstract

Climate change is creating an urgent need to implement adaptation strategies in forest ecosystems. Assisted migration (AM) of species or genotypes adapted to future climate is one promising strategy, but operational implementation is challenging and likely varies across ownerships. We conducted an online survey (n = 174) of federal, state, Tribal and private industrial forest managers in Washington, Oregon, and California to understand individual and organizational practices around climate adaptation, perceived barriers to AM, and differences between private industry and public agencies. Most respondents expressed personal concern about climate change, and 77% have adjusted their reforestation practices as a result. Over half have implemented AM; species mix changes, increased vegetation control, and decreased planting densities were also common. Individual respondents often indicated multiple changes, suggesting inclination toward bet-hedging approaches to adaptation. Although > 90% of respondents indicated organizational concern about climate change, a similar number identified organizational barriers to AM, most commonly availability and knowledge of seed sources and uncertainty of outcomes, with policy and social barriers more common for public agencies. If barriers are addressed, there is greatest potential to increase AM on private industrial land given lower current use than on public land and high planting rates (89% of reforestation) at high densities (> 300 trees per acre). These findings highlight the need for research to support AM implementation across tree species, decision support tool training, and increased seed transfer among organizations. Addressing implementation barriers is critical for supporting appropriate use of AM for climate adaptation in western US forests.

Citation

Agne, Michelle C.; Slesak, Robert A. 2025. Practitioner perspectives on assisted migration and adapting reforestation for climate change in the western US. Journal of Forestry. 123(3): 293-319. https://doi.org/10.1007/s44392-025-00026-z.