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Research Projects
EcoSpatial Services conducts scientific research focused on forest ecology, management, and climate change
Strategic Reserves in Oregon’s Forests for Biodiversity, Water, and Carbon to Mitigate and Adapt to Climate Change
B.E. Law, L.T. Berner, D.J. Mildrexler, R. Bloemers, and W.J. Ripple (2022)
Frontiers in Forests and Global Change, 5, 1028401
Strategic forest reserves are essential for stemming the loss of biodiversity and contributing to climate mitigation and adaptation. Here, we identify high priority forestlands for preservation in Oregon, USA, using spatial datasets related to forest carbon stocks, animal and tree species richness, and resilience to climate change. Our analysis demonstrates the potential benefits of increasing protection for forests across the region.
Strategic Forest Reserves can protect biodiversity in the western United States and mitigate climate change
B. E. Law, L. T. Berner, P. C. Buotte, D. J. Mildrexler, and W. J. Ripple (2021),
Communications Earth & Environment, 2(1), 254
Large-diameter trees are critical components of forest ecosystems and shroulbthat forest management plans should take into consideration. This study focused on National Forest lands east of the Cascade Mountains crest in Oregon, USA. We showed large trees (> 21" DBH) accounted for 3% of trees occurring on regional inventory plots but stored 42% of the total tree aboveground carbon. It is prudent to protect large trees for their ability to regulate climate, provide habitat for biodiversity, and buffer microclimate against future climate extremes.
Large Trees Dominate Carbon Storage in Forests East of the Cascade Crest in the United States Pacific Northwest
D.J. Mildrexler, L.T. Berner, B.E. Law, R.A. Birdsey, and W.R. Moomaw (2020)
Frontiers in Forests and Global Change, 3(127)
Large-diameter trees are critical components of forest ecosystems and shroulbthat forest management plans should take into consideration. This study focused on National Forest lands east of the Cascade Mountains crest in Oregon, USA. We showed large trees (> 21" DBH) accounted for 3% of trees occurring on regional inventory plots but stored 42% of the total tree aboveground carbon. It is prudent to protect large trees for their ability to regulate climate, provide habitat for biodiversity, and buffer microclimate against future climate extremes.
Carbon sequestration and biodiversity co‐benefits of preserving forests in the western United States
P.C. Buotte, B.E. Law, W.J. Ripple, and L.T. Berner (2020)
Ecological Applications, 30(2), e02039
Forest preservation can mitigate climate change by increasing ecosystem carbon sequestration. This study identified forests in the western United States with high potential carbon sequestration and low vulnerability to drought and fire over the coming century using simulations by the Community Land Model. Forests with high-productivity and low-vulnerability could sequester substantial carbon over the coming century if allowed to grow unharvested, while also supporting high tree species richness and a high proportion of critical habitat for endangered vertebrate species. Preserving high-carbon priority forests in this region could mitigate greenhouse gas emissions and protect biodiversity.
Near-future forest vulnerability to drought and fire varies across the western United States
P.C. Buotte, S. Lewis, B.E. Law, T.W. Hudiburg, D.E. Rupp, and J.J. Kent (2019)
Global Change Biology, 25(1), 290-303
Climate change is contributing to more severe drought and wildfires in parts of the western United States. This study evaluate potential forest vulnerability to drought and fire by 2049 using climate projections and simulations by the Community Land Model. Ongoing warming is projected to increase future drought-related tree mortality in the driest parts of the region (e.g., Southwest, Rock Mountains, Great Basin), while also increasing future fire in the Sierra Nevada and Rocky Mountains. Forests in the Pacific Northwest are projected to be least vulnerable to these disturbance.
Land use strategies to mitigate climate change in carbon dense temperate forests
B.E. Law, T.W. Hudiburg, L.T. Berner, J.J. Kent, P.C. Buotte, and M.E. Harmon (2018)
Proceedings of the National Acamedy of Sciences, 115(14) 3663
Temperate forests in the Pacific Northwest are among the most carbon-dense ecosystems in the world. This study evaluated current forest carbon uptake and emissions from harvest and fire in Oregon, as well as potential future effects of afforestation, reforestation, management changes, and bioenergy productions on forest carbon sequestration over the 21st century. Oregon's forests absorbed ~72% of state-wide carbon emissions in 2011-2015. Forest fires and timber harvest accounted for ~8% and ~31% of state-wide carbon emissions, respectively. Restricting forest harvest on public lands and decreasing the frequency of harvest on private lands could significantly increase forest carbon sequestration over the coming century.
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