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A climate adaptation strategy for conservation and management of yellowcedar in Alaska

Informally Refereed

Abstract

A conservation and management strategy for yellow-cedar in Alaska is presented in the context of climate change. This document has four sections. Section 1 covers the ecology and silvics of yellow-cedar, as well as other background information. Section 2 outlines knowledge on the extensive mortality to yellow-cedar, including the role of climate. Section 3 describes opportunities for the conservation and active management of yellow-cedar on lands that are considered either suitable or unsuitable for yellow-cedar. Section 4 uses risk models and yellow-cedar distribution data to evaluate, quantify, and map areas of habitat suitability for yellow-cedar, both now and predicted through the year 2100. Yellow-cedar at risk of forest decline by the end of the century varies considerably by geography in coastal Alaska. Some areas are already heavily affected by decline, and risk is not expected to increase appreciably. Other areas are currently unaffected but are expected to develop decline. Still other areas are expected to remain healthy. This report provides a vulnerability assessment and the scientific foundation for conservation and active management of yellow-cedar on suitable and vulnerable lands. Specific management considerations are presented regionally and for 33 separate geographic zones where yellow-cedar grows in coastal Alaska.

Keywords

Alaska-cedar, Alaska yellow-cedar, Callitropsis nootkatensis, Chamaecyparis nootkatensis, climate adaptation.

Citation

Hennon, Paul E.; McKenzie, Carol M.; D'Amore, David V.; Wittwer, Dustin T.; Mulvey, Robin L.; Lamb, Melinda S.; Biles, Frances E.; Cronn, Rich C. 2016. A climate adaptation strategy for conservation and management of yellowcedar in Alaska. Gen. Tech. Rep. PNW-GTR-917. Portland, OR: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Pacific Northwest Research Station. 382 p.
Citations
https://www.fs.usda.gov/research/treesearch/50115