Latest news with #forestmanagement
Fast Company
5 days ago
- Politics
- Fast Company
Managers rethink ecological scenarios as threats rise amid climate change
In Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks in California, trees that have persisted through rain and shine for thousands of years are now facing multiple threats triggered by a changing climate. Scientists and park managers once thought giant sequoia forests were nearly impervious to stressors like wildfire, drought and pests. Yet, even very large trees are proving vulnerable, particularly when those stressors are amplified by rising temperatures and increasing weather extremes. The rapid pace of climate change—combined with threats like the spread of invasive species and diseases—can affect ecosystems in ways that defy expectations based on past experiences. As a result, Western forests are transitioning to grasslands or shrublands after unprecedented wildfires. Woody plants are expanding into coastal wetlands. Coral reefs are being lost entirely. To protect these places, which are valued for their natural beauty and the benefits they provide for recreation, clean water and wildlife, forest and land managers increasingly must anticipate risks they have never seen before. And they must prepare for what those risks will mean for stewardship as ecosystems rapidly transform. As ecologists and a climate scientist, we're helping them figure out how to do that. Managing changing ecosystems Traditional management approaches focus on maintaining or restoring how ecosystems looked and functioned historically. However, that doesn't always work when ecosystems are subjected to new and rapidly shifting conditions. Ecosystems have many moving parts—plants, animals, fungi, and microbes; and the soil, air and water in which they live—that interact with one another in complex ways. When the climate changes, it's like shifting the ground on which everything rests. The results can undermine the integrity of the system, leading to ecological changes that are hard to predict. To plan for an uncertain future, natural resource managers need to consider many different ways changes in climate and ecosystems could affect their landscapes. Essentially, what scenarios are possible? Preparing for multiple possibilities At Sequoia and Kings Canyon, park managers were aware that climate change posed some big risks to the iconic trees under their care. More than a decade ago, they undertook a major effort to explore different scenarios that could play out in the future. It's a good thing they did, because some of the more extreme possibilities they imagined happened sooner than expected. In 2014, drought in California caused the giant sequoias' foliage to die back, something never documented before. In 2017, sequoia trees began dying from insect damage. And, in 2020 and 2021, fires burned through sequoia groves, killing thousands of ancient trees. While these extreme events came as a surprise to many people, thinking through the possibilities ahead of time meant the park managers had already begun to take steps that proved beneficial. One example was prioritizing prescribed burns to remove undergrowth that could fuel hotter, more destructive fires. The key to effective planning is a thoughtful consideration of a suite of strategies that are likely to succeed in the face of many different changes in climates and ecosystems. That involves thinking through wide-ranging potential outcomes to see how different strategies might fare under each scenario—including preparing for catastrophic possibilities, even those considered unlikely. For example, prescribed burning may reduce risks from both catastrophic wildfire and drought by reducing the density of plant growth, whereas suppressing all fires could increase those risks in the long run. Strategies undertaken today have consequences for decades to come. Managers need to have confidence that they are making good investments when they put limited resources toward actions like forest thinning, invasive species control, buying seeds or replanting trees. Scenarios can help inform those investment choices. Constructing credible scenarios of ecological change to inform this type of planning requires considering the most important unknowns. Scenarios look not only at how the climate could change, but also how complex ecosystems could react and what surprises might lay beyond the horizon. Key ingredients for crafting ecological scenarios To provide some guidance to people tasked with managing these landscapes, we brought together a group of experts in ecology, climate science, and natural resource management from across universities and government agencies. We identified three key ingredients for constructing credible ecological scenarios: 1. Embracing ecological uncertainty: Instead of banking on one 'most likely' outcome for ecosystems in a changing climate, managers can better prepare by mapping out multiple possibilities. In Nebraska's Sandhills, we are exploring how this mostly intact native prairie could transform, with outcomes as divergent as woodlands and open dunes. 2. Thinking in trajectories: It's helpful to consider not just the outcomes, but also the potential pathways for getting there. Will ecological changes unfold gradually or all at once? By envisioning different pathways through which ecosystems might respond to climate change and other stressors, natural resource managers can identify critical moments where specific actions, such as removing tree seedlings encroaching into grasslands, can steer ecosystems toward a more desirable future. 3. Preparing for surprises: Planning for rare disasters or sudden species collapses helps managers respond nimbly when the unexpected strikes, such as a severe drought leading to widespread erosion. Being prepared for abrupt changes and having contingency plans can mean the difference between quickly helping an ecosystem recover and losing it entirely. Over the past decade, access to climate model projections through easy-to-use websites has revolutionized resource managers' ability to explore different scenarios of how the local climate might change. What managers are missing today is similar access to ecological model projections and tools that can help them anticipate possible changes in ecosystems. To bridge this gap, we believe the scientific community should prioritize developing ecological projections and decision-support tools that can empower managers to plan for ecological uncertainty with greater confidence and foresight.
CBS News
23-05-2025
- Science
- CBS News
Placer County partners with indigenous group to boost wildfire resilience in Foresthill Divide
FORESTHILL — Placer County is launching a new partnership aimed at protecting land and promoting more inclusive wildfire prevention strategies. The county is teaming up with the nonprofit Indigenous Futures Society to enhance wildfire resilience in the Foresthill Divide, an area officials have flagged as high risk for wildfires. The project, funded by a $161,000 grant from the Sierra Nevada Conservancy, takes a unique approach to forest management by incorporating Indigenous knowledge and practices. A key part of the initiative is the use of "cultural burning," a traditional technique that reduces fuel buildup while improving biodiversity and soil health. "It's much lower intensity," said Albert Brian Wallace, CEO of the Indigenous Futures Society. "The goal is not necessarily just fuel reduction but it's also cultural, biological regeneration. It's more of a restorative strategy that has more long-term outcomes and results and impacts." This collaboration is part of a broader 10-year action plan to improve forest health throughout the Sierra Nevada. Over the past year, Placer County has also introduced artificial intelligence tools to help pinpoint wildfire-prone areas, particularly those near critical infrastructure like Interstate 80, the Union Pacific rail line, and rural communities. The Foresthill Divide project marks the first time the county has formally partnered with an Indigenous organization to implement traditional ecological knowledge in wildfire planning.
Globe and Mail
22-05-2025
- Business
- Globe and Mail
Washington SFI Implementation Committee Recognized for Engaging Youth in Forest Literacy and Career Opportunities
MINNEAPOLIS, May 22, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The Sustainable Forestry Initiative (SFI) is pleased to announce the 2025 SFI Implementation Committee Achievement Award winner at the SFI Annual Conference. As part of SFI's deepening commitment to a world that values and benefits from sustainably managed forests, SFI Implementation Committees promote responsible forestry and sourcing to create positive change that sustains communities. The Washington SFI Implementation Committee (SIC) was recognized for promoting forest sector career pathways and fostering forestry literacy among young people, engaging students, educators, and communities about the critical role of forestry to Washington's economy and communities. 'The Washington SIC has been leading the way in outreach to the next generation, enthusiastically expanding awareness of the value of responsible management of our forests and the opportunities for forestry and conservation careers,' said Nadine Block, SFI Senior VP of Network Initiatives. SFI-certified organizations that participate in the Washington SIC engaged with thousands of students, parents, and educators across the state. The Washington SIC also created and promoted a 'Jobs in Sustainable Forestry' video that shows the diverse careers available in the forest sector. As part of these community outreach efforts, the Washington SIC also Awarded scholarships to college students studying forestry in the state, Supported professional development workshops for educators led by Washington Project Learning Tree and the Pacific Education Institute, and Connected with architecture students at the University of Washington, securing lumber donations from local SFI-certified organizations for student projects showcasing the advantages of using sustainably sourced wood. Washington SIC Chair Ben Cazell accepted the award on behalf of the Committee, 'Much of our work in the forest sector happens out of sight for the general public, particularly those living in urban areas,' said Cazell. 'By engaging people in meaningful ways and different settings, we are building a foundational understanding of sustainable forestry that will shape informed perspectives and future career paths—in our state and beyond.' The SFI External Review Panel is an independent body that provides an independent review of SFI's work and selects the SFI Implementation Committee Achievement Award winner recipient. 'We appreciate the tremendous work conducted by SICs across Canada and the US, and we applaud the Washington SIC for being a model for outreach to youth and adults about the important role of sustainable forestry and job opportunities in this sector,' said Scott Phillips, Chair of the SFI External Review Panel and the State Forester of South Carolina. ABOUT SFI The Sustainable Forestry Initiative® (SFI) advances sustainability through forest-focused collaboration. We are an independent, nonprofit organization that leverages four interconnected pillars of work: standards, conservation, community, and education. SFI works with the forest sector, conservation groups, academics, researchers, brand owners, resource professionals, landowners, educators, local communities, Indigenous Peoples, and governments. Collaborating with our network, we leverage SFI-certified forests and products as powerful tools to help solve sustainability challenges such as climate action, conservation of biodiversity, education of future generations, and sustainable economic development. Learn more at ABOUT THE WASHINGTON SIC The mission of the Washington State SFI Implementation Committee is to promote and foster an understanding of the Sustainable Forestry Initiative and to promote sustainable forestry practices on all forestlands in the state. Learn more at
E&E News
21-05-2025
- Business
- E&E News
Republican megabill targets money for forest owners
Programs to stave off wildfires and maintain timber production on privately owned forests are in line for steep cuts in the big Republican tax and spending bill. In the fine print of the agriculture portion of the budget reconciliation bill, lawmakers included a provision to claw back as much as $190 million from the Forest Legacy Program and the Forest Landowner Support Program, relatively small initiatives that nonetheless are priorities for groups representing small forest owners. The cuts — drawn from unobligated Inflation Reduction Act funds — come as state and private forestry efforts at the Agriculture Department are already in a fight for survival, shunned in unfolding Forest Service reorganization plans and targeted for sharp budget reductions by the Trump administration. Advertisement At issue are two programs that received a big infusion of cash from the IRA, and showcase debate about how much the Forest Service should support work on land that isn't part of the national forest system.
Associated Press
14-05-2025
- Business
- Associated Press
Trimble Launches Forestry One to Connect and Streamline Forestry Operations
Integrated Platform Delivers Enhanced Visibility, Efficiency and Scalability for Forestry Operations WESTMINSTER, Colo., May 14, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Trimble® (Nasdaq: TRMB) today launched Trimble Forestry One, a comprehensive technology platform built to connect and streamline forestry operations. Unveiled at the Trimble Forestry User Conference, Forestry One enhances forest management by leveraging Trimble's common data environment for seamless integration with Trimble Connected Forest® solutions, while also simplifying regulatory compliance and optimizing supply chain management. Trimble Forestry One extends the capabilities of Trimble Connected Forest solutions by connecting and leveraging operational, spatial and environmental data to enhance decision-making with forest inventory, harvest planning, logistics and supply chain traceability. The platform enables Trimble customers to address critical technical challenges such as disconnected workflows, siloed data and outdated interfaces, promoting a more connected and collaborative future for forestry. Key capabilities delivered by Trimble Forestry One include: With Trimble Forestry One, customers in the forest industry can leverage these capabilities to help: 'Trimble Forestry One represents a significant leap forward in technology and workflow enhancement for the forest industry,' said Kevin Toohill, general manager, Forestry at Trimble. 'Our goal is to transform how the sector operates by providing a unified platform that enhances collaboration, streamlines workflows and leverages the power of data to drive informed decisions.' Availability Trimble Forestry One is now available to customers worldwide. To learn more about Trimble Forestry One, visit or email [email protected]. About Trimble Trimble is a global technology company that connects the physical and digital worlds, transforming the ways work gets done. With relentless innovation in precise positioning, modeling and data analytics, Trimble enables essential industries including construction, geospatial and transportation. Whether it's helping customers build and maintain infrastructure, design and construct buildings, optimize global supply chains or map the world, Trimble is at the forefront, driving productivity and progress. For more information about Trimble (Nasdaq: TRMB), visit: GTRMB View original content to download multimedia: SOURCE Trimble
