Climate change projections for the Northwest indicate an increase in average temperature across the year, a change in growing season length, a persistent increase in greenhouse gas concentration, and a shift in precipitation from summer to winter; all of these will increase water stress during the summer. However in Alaska more precipitation is projected along with warmer temperatures that will melt permafrost and lengthen growing seasons. The effects of climate change on rangelands will lead to changes in ecosystems, plants available for forage, increased heat stress for beef cattle, fire intensity and frequency, and increased temperatures and less precipitation during the summers thus leading to soil erosion by wind. To better understand how climate change will affect forestry explore the education materials below.
Climate Change Basics
Climate change basics for the Northwest - an introduction to climate science that clarifies some common misconceptions about climate change.
How is Climate Change Impacting the Working Rangelands of the Pacific Northwest?- a short series of frequently asked questions that provides an overview of regional climate change impacts, including changes to vegetation, water resources and fire risk.
Blogs & Newsletters
Great Basin Landscape Conservation Cooperative-newsletter and announcements about landscape conservation science, management, and events within the Great Basin
Great Northern Landscape Cooperative-Newsletter-newsletter and announcements about landscape conservation science, management, and events within the Great Northern area (Eastern Oregon, Eastern Washington, and Northern Idaho, and more)
How can agroforestry help landowners adapt to climate change? The benefits of agroforestry (working trees) in reducing climate risks from the National Agroforestry Center
How can agroforestry help landowners adapt to increased rain intensity? The benefits of agroforestry (working trees) in reducing effects of intense rain
Mitigating heat stress in cattle The benefits of agroforestry (working trees) in mitigating heat stress in cattle
Northwest Climate Science Digest-newsletter by the NW Climate Science Center and the North Pacific Landscape Conservation Cooperative aimed to help you stay informed about climate change science and upcoming events and training opportunities relevant to your conservation work
Courses, Videos & Webinars
Great Basin Fire Science Exchange -events and webinar series of webinars on fire, sage grouse, and restoration in the Great Basin
Great Basin Landscape Conservation Cooperative-webinar series that offers an opportunity for land managers and scientists working in the Great Basin to discuss their latest research and how to incorporate the research into on-the-ground efforts
Great Northern Landscape Conservation Cooperative-webinar series that offers an opportunity for land managers and scientists working in the Great Northern area to discuss their latest research and how to incorporate the research into on-the-ground efforts
USDA Webinar portal for Climate Science-Rangeland-various webinars on climate science and rangelands by the USDA
USDA Webinar Portal for Climate Science -Water-various webinars on climate science and water by the USDA
Water and climate change by Carpe Diem West-webinars engaging subject matter experts and practitioners in the field in a detailed discussion of issues at the intersection of water and climate change
Resources
Carbon cycling in sagebrush steppe under climate change by Utah State University Extension- a brief for resource managers on carbon cycling in sagebrush steppe
Livestock Forage Disaster Program- Farm Services Agency provides compensation to eligible livestock producers who have suffered grazing losses, fact sheet
Rangeland Climate and Drought-summary of the effects of climate and drought in rangelands
Sage Grouse Initiative-information, tools and resources for wildlife conservation through sustainable ranching