Riparian

Riparian areas are zones of vegetation adjacent to water, such as on floodplains and streambanks. Riparian areas exist across a range of climatic environments and support various communities of vegetation from native plants, grasses, shrubs to trees. Riparian areas are critical water storage areas that enhance local water supply through the infiltration and storage of water. Riparian areas also influence local water quality acting as filters of nutrients, pollutants, and sediments. Riparian vegetation physically protects landscapes by stabilizing streambanks, reducing erosion and storm runoff. As the climate changes, the benefits of riparian vegetation may become increasingly important for species reliant on clean, cold water and shade. Riparian areas are vulnerable to change due to land-use conversion and a warming climate that changes the habitat and distribution of riparian area species, and intensifies stressors such as fire, pests or pathogens.

Tree at Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore

The USDA Northern Forests Climate Hub and the Northern Institute of Applied Climate Science (NIACS) have partnered with the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) to develop a series of brochures that describe options landowners and land managers have to adapt…

NRCS practices can support climate change adaptation

A newly constructed stream simulation culvert on the George Washington National Forest.

Extreme Precipitation and Trends There is clear evidence that precipitation in the Northeast is more intense than it was in the past. The increase in the Northeast has been greater than any other region in the U.S. (Figure 1). Between 1901 and 2014, total annual precipitation…

Storms and Stream-Crossings

Lakeshore

Taking action now can help forested watersheds prepare for and adapt to a changing climate. Forested watersheds improve water quality and enhance water storage, naturally regulate streamflows, reduce flood damages and stormwater runoff, replenish groundwater and provide a…

Forested watersheds climate change adaptation

21st century

Growing Season Length Warmer temperatures have resulted in a longer freeze-free season and longer growing season across the region (Frumhoff et al. 2007, Kunkel et al. 2013). The freeze-free season, which is the period between the last occurrence of 32 °F in the spring and the…

Shifts in Growing Degree Days, Plant Hardiness Zones and Heat Zones

Little Sand Bay, WI.

Traditional and indigenous knowledge and perspectives have not often been recognized in climate adaptation planning efforts focused on natural resources. The Northern Forests Climate Hub is collaborating with regional tribal partners to address this gap, and collaborating to…

Climate Adaptation and Indigenous Knowledge in the Great Lakes

Tribal Adaptation Menu

Dibaginjigaadeg Anishinaabe Ezhitwaad - A Tribal Climate Adaptation Menu and resources.   Climate change has impacted and will continue to impact indigenous peoples, their lifeways and culture, and the natural world upon which they rely, in unpredictable and potentially…

Tribal Climate Adaptation Menu

Incised stream

An incised stream occurs when a stream cuts its channel into the bed of a valley through degradation (erosion). As a stream cuts its channel, the water table drops and the surrounding vegetation changes from wetlands and meadows to dry shrublands. Incised streams are…

Incised Stream Restoration in the Western U.S.

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