Approach
Potential increases in the frequency, intensity, and extent of large and severe disturbances may result in loss of forest cover, productivity, or function (Dale et al. 2001). Vigorous natural regeneration may be compromised, slowing recovery and potentially yielding competitive advantage to invasive or undesirable species. Prompt revegetation of sites following disturbance helps reduce soil loss and erosion, maintain water quality, and discourage invasive species in the newly exposed areas. These efforts can also provide an opportunity to promote natural regeneration or foster species that may be better adapted to future conditions.
Tactics
- Creating suitable physical conditions for natural regeneration after disturbance through site preparation (such as chaining after a burn to promote seed establishment)
- Planting species expected to be better adapted to future conditions and resistant to insect pests or present pathogens
- especially where natural regeneration is affected by disturbance and is widely failing.
- Planting plant plugs
- and larger vegetation (saplings versus seedlings or containerized stock versus bare-root stock) to help ensure establishment and survival
- particularly in disturbed sites where dry conditions are expected
- Seed fast-growing cover crop to quickly secure substrate initially (e.g. Elymus spp) and protect slower-growing native planted species from the elements and competition.
- After reestablishment of perennial vegetation
- immediately secure substrate by using silt fences
- erosion control fabric
- or weed-free mulch.
- Prepare for future disturbances by identifying stands most vulnerable to disturbance events (fire
- wind
- drought) and use silvicultural treatments to improve site vigor and resistance.
Strategy Text
This strategy addresses the benefits of healthy forest cover in the production of water resources. It is well established that forested watersheds provide multiple benefits and ecosystem services such as timber, carbon storage, wildlife habitat, food, and cultural services. Changes to forest structure and composition, can alter underlying hydrologic processes within a watershed affecting the capture, storage and filtration of water, and the regulation of streamflow (NRC 2008; Osterkamp and Hupp 2010). Managing forests to reduce stressors, increase structural and species diversity, and protect unique habitats, may enhance forest ecosystem resilience to increasing climate variability, extreme events, and other disturbances.
Citation
Shannon, P.D.; Swanston, C.W.; Janowiak, M.K.; Handler, S.D.; Schmitt, K.M.; Brandt, L.A.; Butler-Leopold, P.R.; Ontl, T.A. (in review). Adaptation Strategies and Approaches for Forested Watersheds. Ecological Applications.