Vermont Agency of Natural Resources has released a guidebook on preparing for the disturbances to our forests caused by climate change, including invasive plants.

News article:

"Vermont leads the nation in promoting climate-smart natural resource management strategies. This first ever state-developed guidebook presents land managers with a menu of strategies to adjust to climate change, and according to Michael Snyder, Commissioner of Vermont Department of Forests, Parks and Recreation, is a proactive service to Vermonters.

“Having our staff create strategies that prepare our forests, managers and landowners for the types of disruptions projected from climate change reflects a level of commitment and professionalism I’m proud of,” Commissioner Snyder offers of his work group responsible for the book.

Existing forest management challenges such as invasive plants, non-native insect invaders, and protection of connected forest tracts are incorporated into these climate-smart strategies to achieve successful outcomes for future forests. Not every strategy will apply to every acre of forest land, but managers can choose relevant strategies to match various forest situations.

In addition, the book describes trends in Vermont’s climate over the past 50 years and ways that forests are responding. Managers will be interested in the strategies that maximize storage of carbon in forests, ways to limit impacts of increased water-flow, and requirements for successful forest regeneration. Although much of the guidebook speaks to on-the-ground management, it also offers advice for connecting forest tracts in ways that strengthen plant and animal migration and conservation of critical habitats. Of particular interest are the specific evaluations of tree species vulnerability, adaptability, and silvicultural recommendations to buffer against climate disruptions."

Article Credit: Vermont Business Magazine

Photo Credit: E. Spinney, "Wild Parsnip in Vermont"

Link to the Guidebook:

http://fpr.vermont.gov/sites/fpr/files/Forest_and_Forestry/The_Forest_Ec...