Team Update - Forests & Wildlife - September 2023

Recently Eric Schenck, Executive Director of the Minnesota Forest Resources Council, (MFRC) and David Wilson of his staff visited the Forests and Wildlife monthly meeting. Eric updated us on current activities of the Council including the Council’s  Forest Carbon Dashboard. David helped us understand the role of silviculture procedures including harvest plans such as clearcut and shelter wood. He also discussed resilience of forests as distinct from assisted migration, which refers to the deliberate planting of  “future adapted” tree species. These native species are most able to resist the effects of rising temperatures if transported north of their natural range, keeping the land forested as the average temperature climbs.
 
David’s comments helped to solidify a succinct definition of forest resilience: “Forest resilience” refers to a state of a forest that is adapted to climate change.  Improving resilience means planning to modify the forest using various silvicultural devices. A forest that is thriving under an effective adaptation plan may be termed a resilient forest”.