Forests in the Great Lakes region are under increasing pressure from climate change, disease, and invasive species like the emerald ash borer beetle. To deal with these challenges, forest managers are strategically planting species that are expected to fare better under changing and stressful conditions – a strategy known as “adaptation plantings.”  

A new study funded by the Midwest CASC looked at how adaptation plantings are being used across the upper Midwest region. The goal was to understand the range of strategies that are already in use and to identify what managers find is working to conserve forests. Scientists gathered information through surveys, interviews, focus groups, and from visits to more than 20 project sites. They found a wide variety of approaches to adaptation plantings across the region. Projects differed in scale, selection of tree species, planting densities, and whether or not they took measures to protect young plants from grazing animals like deer. While policies, budgets, and other capacities varied widely among organizations and projects, the study found growing interest in adaptation plantings in the region where there is no one-size-fits-all approach to this.  

The research also highlighted a common need and desire for more connections among forest managers. Many managers said they were more likely to try adaptation plantings if they could see examples of successful projects and hear the experiences, lessons learned, and practical advice from other managers. Knowledge sharing can help managers lower barriers to adaptation plantings like high costs or limited staff capacity.  

This Midwest CASC study offers managers a snapshot of current adaptation practices in the region by identifying trends, successes, and potential opportunities for adaptation plantings in Great Lakes forests. 

This research was funded by the Midwest CASC project, “Exploring the Potential for Adaptive Tree Plantings to Restore and Sustain Forest Habitats Across the Upper Lake States.”