Final Report: Integrating Climate Change Research and Planning to Inform Wildlife Conservation in the Boreal Forests of the Northeastern U.S.
Dates
Publication Date
2018-12-31
Citation
Molly Cross, 2018-12-31, Final Report: Integrating Climate Change Research and Planning to Inform Wildlife Conservation in the Boreal Forests of the Northeastern U.S.: .
Summary
Northeastern boreal forests are an important habitat for many wildlife species, including migratory birds and moose. These animals play vital roles in the boreal forest ecosystem, are a source of pleasure for bird and wildlife watchers, and contribute to tourism revenue for many communities. However, moose and migratory birds are thought to be particularly vulnerable to the impacts of climate change. For example, in New York’s Adirondack State Park, six species of boreal birds have shown population declines over the past ten years. Meanwhile, moose in many parts of the northeast are threatened by winter ticks that thrive in warmer climates and spread disease. Building upon earlier work related to climate impacts on moose populations [...]
Summary
Northeastern boreal forests are an important habitat for many wildlife species, including migratory birds and moose. These animals play vital roles in the boreal forest ecosystem, are a source of pleasure for bird and wildlife watchers, and contribute to tourism revenue for many communities. However, moose and migratory birds are thought to be particularly vulnerable to the impacts of climate change. For example, in New York’s Adirondack State Park, six species of boreal birds have shown population declines over the past ten years. Meanwhile, moose in many parts of the northeast are threatened by winter ticks that thrive in warmer climates and spread disease. Building upon earlier work related to climate impacts on moose populations and management, this project synthesized available science on climate change effects on moose, developed management-relevant climate scenarios, and helped New York State Department of Environmental Conservation managers consider how a changing climate could influence the development of a NY moose management plan. Additionally, this project conducted new analyses of the influence of climate drivers on declines in resident and migratory boreal bird species in the Adirondacks. This included identifying characteristics of lowland boreal sites that offer promise as potential refugia for boreal species from the effects of a changing climate. The project has begun to present the results of boreal bird climate change analyses to wildlife and habitat mangers, and initiated discussions about critical information needs for making management decisions In addition to the specific outcomes related to moose and boreal birds in northern NY that were advanced through this project, the project has provided valuable lessons on approaches to scenario planning and climate science synthesis, and engagement with decision-makers on climate change adaptation, that the Wildlife Conservation Society will apply to other climate adaptation projects in North and South America.
