Abstract

Forests in western Washington are being affected by changes in the climate. As the climate continues to warm, and temperature extremes occur more often, forests will experience more impacts, with consequences for the values that small forest landowners derive from their forests. Some potential effects of climate change on forests are well understood. For example, we are seeing changes, such as dieback in western redcedar. Other effects will appear over timing, requiring landowners to be flexible and adaptable in managing forest land.

This guide provides forest landowners in western Washington with information to (1) understand how your forests may be affected by climate change, and (2) identify actions that you can take to reduce adverse impacts, increase resilience, and contribute to thriving forest lands and habitat across the region.