Climate adaptive management

The effects of climate change in British Columbia are predicted to increase forest disturbance by drought, fire, insects, and disease, as well as cause a loss of estuarine ecosystems. Creating a climate adaptive management strategy will vary from place to place, and are likely to change over time. Adaptation is an effort to reduce the severity of climate change impacts¹. Key considerations and components of adaptation strategies should include; determining action needed to reduce vulnerability, a monitoring program to evaluate success of the strategy, the ability to incorporate new knowledge and an understanding of policy and funding².

 

The following list is from Urban Forest Climate Adaptation Framework for Metro Vancouver³ (Also refer to section on Trees in the Landscape)

Considerations for tree/plant selection

  • Habitat value
  • Tolerance (drought, saturation, shade, and pollution)
  • Risks (Flammability wind breakage, invasive)
  • Soil volume needs
  • Suitable location
  • Characteristics

Soil considerations

  • Minimize soil interfaces (ensure entire root ball is in one soil type)
  • Preserve or improve soil quality (protect native soils and limit contamination)
  • Minimize competition (for water, nutrients ad light)
  • Increase water storage capacity and reduce water loss (protecting native soils and using mulch to reduce water loss)
  • Prevent compaction 
  • Maximize soil volume

Water considerations

  • Efficient irrigation (Water bags, water pods, water wells, drip irrigation)
  • Passive water harvesting (permeable hardscape, bioswale, raingarden)
  • Active water harvesting (cistern, rain barrel, tanks)
  • Reduce water demand (drought tolerant plants/trees)
  • Maximize permeable surfaces
Water bags are used on younger trees throughout Vancouver

Tree management 

  • Monitor and care for newly planted trees
  • Scheduled pruning 
  • Protect during construction
  • Maintain wind firmness (wind resistance with species, adequate soil, windbreaker with groups of trees)

 

 



1. Burch, S. (2010). Transforming barriers into enablers of action on climate change: Insights from three municipal case studies in British Columbia, Canada. Global Environmental Change, 20(2), 287–297. doi:10.1016/j.gloenvcha.2009.11.009
2. Spittlehouse, D. L. (2008). Ministy of Forests and Range Forest Science Program. Climate Change, Impacts, and Adaptation Scenarios: Climate Change and Forest and
Range Management in British Columbia
3. Diamond Head. (2017). Urban Forest Climate Adaptation Framework for Metro Vancouver Tree Species Selection, Planting and Management