Canadian Forest Service Publications
Adapting sustainable forest management to climate change: a review of assisted tree migration and its potential role in adapting sustainable forest management to climate change. 2014. Ste-Marie, C. (Compiler.) Canadian Council of Forest Ministers, Ottawa, Ontario. 14 p.
Year: 2014
Issued by: Northern Forestry Centre
Catalog ID: 35868
Language: English
Availability: Order paper copy (free), PDF (download)
Abstract
Many options have been proposed to adapt forest management to the effects of climate change. One of these options, assisted migration of tree species, is now being explored by forest managers. Forests have historically adjusted to changes in climate on their own. Today, however, the climate is changing much more rapidly than ever before, and there is a risk that tree species may be unable to genetically adapt or migrate quickly enough. The term “assisted migration” refers to human intervention to deliberately move species to new, more favorable locations, with the goal of helping them to survive and flourish in a changing climate. Implementing assisted migration poses new and complex scientific, social, and ethical questions. This summary report provides an overview of assisted tree migration, describes many of the potential opportunities and risks associated with this strategy, and outlines current thinking on responsible implementation of assisted migration of tree species. Informed and open discussion among all players with an interest in the future of Canada’s forests will be key to exploring the assisted migration option. This report seeks to provide a balanced overview to inform the emerging dialogue on this topic.
Plain Language Summary
Forests have historically adjusted to changes in climate on their own. Today, however, the climate is changing much more rapidly than ever before, and there is a risk that tree species may be unable to genetically adapt or migrate through seed spread quickly enough. The term “assisted migration” refers to human intervention to deliberately move species to new, more favourable locations, with the goal of helping them to survive and flourish in a changing climate. Implementing assisted migration poses new and complex scientific, social, and ethical questions. This summary report, one in a series by Canadian Council of Forest Minister’s Climate Change Task Force, provides an overview of assisted tree migration, describes its potential opportunities and risks, and outlines current thinking on responsible assisted migration. Informed and open discussion among all stakeholders will be key to exploring the implementation of assisted migration in Canada. This report seeks to provide a balanced overview to inform the emerging dialogue on this topic.
Also available under the title:
Adapter l’aménagement forestier durable aux changements climatiques :
examen de la migration assistée des espèces d’arbres et de son rôle potentiel dans l’adaptation de l’aménagement forestier durable aux changements climatiques.
(French)
