Harvard Forest Ecology Symposium 2008 - Session II

New England Landscape Response to Climate Change and Land Use: Ecosystem Science addressing Policy Concerns

A Focus on Land Use, Forests and Carbon Dynamics

The Harvard Forest Long Term Ecological Research program utilizes physical, ecological and social sciences to study important processes that have and will shape the New England landscape over time. Methods include: regional and site-based studies, large experiments, long-term measurements of key processes, and modeling. Topics include: natural disturbances, land-use history, invasive pests/pathogens/plants, physical and chemical climate, and forest conversion and harvesting.

Recognizing the scientific challenges and policy implications of this work in the arena of land change, climate change, and forest carbon dynamics, we seek to develop an integrated study of these processes and their ecological and societal consequences. The symposium session will provide input to and facilitate the development of this research. By examining recent and future changes in New England we hope to (1) enhance exchange among scientists and improve our science; (2) identify new opportunities for research and funding and (3) apply our science to current and future policy needs.

Specifically, this work will include:

• analysis of the ecological consequences of 25 years of forest harvesting and conversion and the development of future scenarios of these processes
• modeling and analysis of the impact of these processes, initially on carbon storage and habitat conservation; subsequently on water and other factors
• initial focus on Massachusetts due to its spatially explicit data on logging activity and land conversion; subsequent extension across New England and the Northeast

Land Conversion Scenarios would be based on different, realistic conditions:

• Wildland and Woodland scenario of greatly increased conservation
• Status Quo scenario involving an extrapolation of recent trends
• Enhanced Development scenario of increased population and economic growth

Forest Harvesting Scenarios would include

• Status Quo based on current rates (1.5% of forests harvested per year, randomly distributed and at moderate intensity)
• Reduced Harvest, due to parcelization and lack of markets and landowner interest
• Wildland and Woodland approach of large reserves and increased harvesting of the majority of forests for timber production and carbon sequestration

The structure includes short morning presentations and discussion and longer group discussions after lunch. The intent is to allow for scientist input on current knowledge, approaches and challenges, policy input on the questions and information needs, and exchange within and among these groups on the best way forward.