The Model Forest Project

Background/Question/Methods  Land managers are becoming increasingly aware of the wide range of impacts that natural systems will face as a result of climate change. Subsequently, there is a greater need to be able to quickly and efficiently utilize the best available science on future climate projections and anticipated impacts to ecosystems to develop on-the-ground management approaches. The Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest (CNNF), located in northern Wisconsin, has been designated as a “Climate Change Model Forest for Landscape Management”. As a model, the CNNF will foster exceptional collaboration among scientists, managers, other landowners, and the general public to most effectively address climate change adaptation at the landscape scale. Further, the lessons learned from these scientific, management, and social activities will be widely distributed to the public and applied in other landscapes.

Results/Conclusions  This presentation will provide an overview of four interrelated components of the Model Forest effort: 1) Science: collaborative research, demonstration projects, and ongoing discussion with scientists guide science-based exploration and tests of land management approaches in the face of climate change; 2) Partnerships and collaboration: engagement with researchers, landowners and managers, other organizations, and the public on climate change and land management issues; 3) Education and outreach: communication and outreach efforts for the climate change activities on the CNNF increase understanding and awareness of ongoing efforts and provide information on project results; and 4) the Climate Change Response Framework project: integration of the above components into a climate change response framework for the CNNF to inform future management and a collective response to forest adaptation in a changing climate.