climate change

Anticipating plausible future ecosystem states is necessary for effective ecosystem management. We use climate analog-based impact models and a co-production process with land managers to project future vegetation changes for the state of Oregon, United States, (2041–2070, RCP 8.5) at a management-relevant spatial resolution (270-m).

Climate change in boreal regions is leading to warmer, drier conditions which amplify wildfire activity by altering fuel moisture, weather conditions, as well as the timing and duration of snow cover. Reduced snowpack and earlier snowmelt can lower fuel moisture, extend wildfire seasons, and increase burn severity.

Climate change has increased forest fire extent in temperate and boreal North America.