Conservation professionals across the Midwest and Northeast are beginning to integrate climate change considerations in near and long-term planning. This process will look different for each organization, and the result of this effort will reflect the focus and values of the conservation organization.
Intentionally taking conservation and stewardship actions in response to climate change risks may help the organization meet broader conservation goals and may increase the effectiveness of actions used to support ecosystem function.
The Northern Forests Climate Hub has prepared a list of related resources that might serve as a helpful starting point.
Resources
Landowner Forest Climate and Action Scorecards
A series of booklets designed to help private landowners consider climate change in the context of their woods.
Planting Trees for a Changing Climate (publication)
A guide on how to best consider a tree's tolerance to environmental stress in order to optimize tree plantings for success given climate change pressures over time.
USDA Climate Change Tree Atlas tool
The Climate Change Atlas examines the current distributions of 125 tree and 147 bird species in the eastern United States and potential habitat distributions under different climate change scenarios.
Shifts in Growing Degree Days, Plant Hardiness Zones and Heat Zones
This story map provides users with an overview of three metrics that influence plant growth (growing degree days, plant hardiness zones, and heat zones) and an interactive map comparing conditions under a high emissions scenario (RCP 8.5).
Climate Change Projections for Individual Tree Species
A series of tree species lists has been developed for ecoregions and states in the Northern Forests region to summarize anticipated changes in tree species habitat under climate change.
These guides are designed to put useful climate change and adaptation information into the hands of natural resource professionals as they walk through the woods.
Assessing the Impacts of Climate Change on Midwest Agriculture
This page houses state-specific assessments on the impacts of climate change (both historical and projected) on agricultural operations in the Midwest.
Shifts in Growing Degree Days, Plant Hardiness Zones and Heat Zones
This story map provides users with an overview of three metrics that influence plant growth (growing degree days, plant hardiness zones, and heat zones) and an interactive map comparing conditions under a high emissions scenario (RCP 8.5).
The Fifth National Climate Assessment
The Fifth National Climate Assessment is the US Government’s preeminent report on climate change impacts, risks, and responses. It is a congressionally mandated interagency effort that provides the scientific foundation to support informed decision-making across the United States.