KIPZ climate change report: Idaho Panhandle National Forest, Kootenai National Forest

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This climate change supplement to the Comprehensive Evaluation Report for revision of the forest plans of the Kootenai and Idaho Panhandle National Forests compiles and synthesizes scientific information on past and projected trends in regional climate and climate-related impacts to forest resources. It also identifies possible management options to reduce ecosystem vulnerability to climate change and to increase ecosystem resilience to both climate and non-climate stressors. The information contained in this document is a synthesis of currently available scientific information, such as about observed and projected climate variability and change; observed climate trends; projected climate trends; and potential impacts on watershed processes and aquatic ecosystems, on forest vegetation and disturbance processes, on wildlife, on special areas, and on social and economic factors. The Forest Service and other agencies will continue to conduct scientific research on the effects of climate change and monitor actual changes. The adaptive management approach of the forest planning process will allow the Forest Service to update and adjust the forest plan comprehensive evaluations and management options as additional information becomes available. The adaptation options presented are drawn from the growing scientific literature on adaptation of temperate forest ecosystems to climate change. We evaluated the applicability of these general and conceptual recommendations to the conditions and trends of the Kootenai and Idaho Panhandle National Forests, including our synthesis of available scientific studies on the potential impacts of climate change on forests of the Northern Rockies. Even though the largest potential effects of climate change are in future decades, actions taken today can help reduce long-term costs associated with climate change impacts. In addition, consideration of potential climate change impacts and appropriate adaptation options can help to ensure that managers’ actions reduce risks, improve resilience, and dampen rather than exacerbate the vulnerability of forest resources of value to the public. The adaptation options discussed emphasize management actions that address existing stressors, contribute to multiple land management objectives regardless of climate change (win–win), and are likely to be effective at achieving or maintaining desired conditions across a wide range of future climates. Their application in appropriate circumstances may be a critical contribution to sustaining the health, diversity, and productivity of the Kootenai and Idaho Panhandle National Forests to meet the needs of present and future generations.

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ELECTRONIC FILE - Zoology

SWAP (2/19/2016) citation (with punctuation change and addition of publisher, as with the other USFS reports):
[FS] US Forest Service. 2010. KIPZ climate change report: Idaho Panhandle National Forest, Kootenai National Forest. [place unknown]: US Forest Service. 203 p. [accessed 2015 Dec 14]. http://www.fs.usda.gov/Internet/FSE_DOCUMENTS/stelprdb5345936.pdf.