Question

How to help extension forestry and PNW deliver Global Climate Change information in the future?

Objectives

Determine the perceptions, understanding, and educational needs of private forest landowners in the Pacific and Inland Northwest regarding the impacts of global climate change (GCC) on western forests, and enhance their understanding and awareness of the potential impacts of GCC on ecosystem functions on their own forests such as stream flows, fire regimes, wildlife habitat, and vegetation changes

Impacts

Family forest owners will be better prepared for of global climate change.

Abstract

Family forest landowners control over 40% of the nation’s forestland. In the PNW privately owned family forest lands are thought to make up more than 40 million acres. Little is know regarding the level of knowledge and understanding family forestland owners have regarding global climate change (GCC) and its potential impacts on how they manage their forests. The impacts of GCC on ecosystem functions such as stream flows, fire regimes, wildlife habitat, and vegetation types are of increasing concern for state and federal land managers. Private forest landowners in the PNW and elsewhere are beginning to face the same challenges as public land managers with regards to changing forest conditions. However, the degree to which private landowners are prepared to respond effectively is unknown. This needs assessment will provide natural resource educators with the information necessary to design and implement effective education and outreach programs targeted towards family forests in the West that will facilitate sustainable forest management practices under changing forest conditions.