Climate change response framework

Resource managers face the immense challenge of integrating the inherent uncertainties of a changing climate into a wide variety of management decisions. These decisions occur along geographic scales, from several acres to millions of acres, and time scales, from immediate actions to long-term planning. Adaptation means taking action to enhance the ability of ecosystems to thrive in future conditions, but there is not a single answer for how to best adapt to climate change. Adaptation responses will vary by region based upon the magnitude of expected climate impacts, resilience of ecosystems, values and resources of local communities, and many other factors that demand unique responses to local conditions. The Climate Change Response Framework (Framework) is a highly collaborative approach to helping land managers understand the potential effects of climate change on forest ecosystems and integrating climate change considerations into management. Since 2009, the Framework projects have worked to bridge the gap between scientific research on climate change impacts and on-the-ground management. The Framework stretches across the boundaries of partners to invite participation of forestlands owned and managed by private individuals, forest industry, tribes, state, local, and federal agencies. The Framework was initiated with a joint commitment of the US Forest Service Northern Research Station and the Eastern Region to work closely together in addressing the challenges of climate change. The hallmark of the Framework, however, is the high level of cross-boundary cooperation among forest owners, considered essential to coping with an issue that spans borders, disciplines, and perspectives. There are currently three ecoregional Framework Projects that encompass 133 million acres in eight states, including 11 National Forests.