As the Climate Changes, Our National Forests Must Adapt
By Locke Curtis
Red spruce in the Monongahela National Forest in West Virginia.
Photo Credit: Kristopher Hennig, AmeriCorps with the USFS
American national forests play a crucial role in slowing the effects of climate change according to the U.S. Forest Service. Not only do forests offset about 10 percent of America’s carbon production, they provide water filtration, clean air, erosion protection and biodiversity to the surrounding areas.
Climate change scientists across the country are compiling data on temperature, rainfall and wildlife in order to anticipate coming challenges for forests and respond appropriately. While climate change prediction models do not agree about the future effects of climate change, most foresee extreme patterns of rainfall and drought resulting from an increase in average temperature.
In 2009, public and private forest stakeholders in the Northern United States established the Climate Change Response Framework in an effort to share climate change data and solutions across 246 million acres in 19 states, including 14 national forests. The information-sharing framework has three main objectives: to provide a forum for experiences and knowledge to be shared publicly, to create tools to help private and public landowners manage vulnerable forest ecosystems, and to support efforts to implement adaptive responses to climate change.
In West Virginia, staff from the Monongahela National Forest used the framework’s resources to help develop a project focused on restoring native red spruce populations to a former strip mining site for erosion control.
In the George Washington and Jefferson National Forests, staff are working on several projects related to climate change. Forest officials are creating habitats for the amphibian species that are most vulnerable to rising ambient temperatures. In addition, efforts are being made to restore and reinforce vegetation in wetland areas susceptible to the increased threat of flooding.
Efforts like these that anticipate and prepare for climate change are taking place in national forests across the country. To find out how your local forest is responding, contact forest staff or visit their website.
The post As the Climate Changes, Our National Forests Must Adapt appeared first on Appalachian Voices.
Protecting the Central and Southern Appalachian Mountain Region
Source: http://appvoices.org/2018/08/09/as-the-climate-changes-our-national-forests-must-adapt/
Anyone can join.
Anyone can contribute.
Anyone can become informed about their world.
"United We Stand" Click Here To Create Your Personal Citizen Journalist Account Today, Be Sure To Invite Your Friends.
Please Help Support BeforeitsNews by trying our Natural Health Products below!
Order by Phone at 888-809-8385 or online at https://mitocopper.com M - F 9am to 5pm EST
Order by Phone at 866-388-7003 or online at https://www.herbanomic.com M - F 9am to 5pm EST
Order by Phone at 866-388-7003 or online at https://www.herbanomics.com M - F 9am to 5pm EST
Humic & Fulvic Trace Minerals Complex - Nature's most important supplement! Vivid Dreams again!
HNEX HydroNano EXtracellular Water - Improve immune system health and reduce inflammation.
Ultimate Clinical Potency Curcumin - Natural pain relief, reduce inflammation and so much more.
MitoCopper - Bioavailable Copper destroys pathogens and gives you more energy. (See Blood Video)
Oxy Powder - Natural Colon Cleanser! Cleans out toxic buildup with oxygen!
Nascent Iodine - Promotes detoxification, mental focus and thyroid health.
Smart Meter Cover - Reduces Smart Meter radiation by 96%! (See Video).