The future of our forests

Column by Alan Journet in The Applegater, Dec 3, 2020

The two primary factors determining the distribution of our natural terrestrial ecosystems (forests, woodlands, grasslands, deserts, etc.) are average annual temperature and climate (ib.bioninja.com.au/options/optionc-ecology-and-conser/c2-communitiesand-ecosyste/ecosystem-analysis.html). If temperature shifts just a few degrees, or precipitation a few inches, current climate conditions across the globe will shift such that the viability of natural ecosystems currently supported will be seriously threatened or totally compromised. Not surprisingly, the individual tree species comprising forested ecosystems are controlled by the same two variables and will be compromised under similar small shifts in conditions.

Climatic conditions appropriate for Douglas fir through the century (2030, 2060, 2090), Courtesy USDA Forest Service (charcoal.cnre.vt.edu/climate/species/).  Note dwindling of conditions in SW Oregon.

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