Chequamegon-Nicolet Nat'l Forest Takes Lead on Climate Change For Future Planning

In July, the Lake Superior Partner Team heard from Dale Higgins, US Forest Service Hydrologist about the Forest Service's work on climate change. He is involved in assessing vulnerability of sites and prioritizing key areas in the Chequamegon National Forest in the Lake Superior watershed.

The Forest Service has selected two watersheds to study: the headwaters of the Marengo and the 20-Mile Creek. The goal is to document and improve watershed conditions. He is looking at twelve indicators eg aquatic/physical, geomorphic etc. Assessment is mainly done via GIS data. The next step will be to prioritize areas for restoration work for the next 3-5 years.

Why these watersheds?
20 Mile has a good mix of projects already approved or underway. Good partner potential. Located in the Great Lakes basin. Small enough to get a plan done by Sep 30. 11,734 acres. 43% in National Forest.

Marengo headwaters excellent mix of projects. Good opportunity for collaborations. Bigger, more complex. 33,144 acres. 63% in the National Forest.

Potential projects include: road stream crossings, instream restoration, relocation of FR378, restore chanellized section, decommission roads, riparian restoration, stabilizing streambanks.

Climate Change Response Framework in Northern Wisconsin--report now available!

The Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest is at the forefront of research and action planning for adaption to climate change. The Climate Change Response Framework Project is a highly collaborative effort working to help land managers in northern Wisconsin understand the potential effects of climate change on forest ecosystems and integrate climate change considerations into management. Since 2009, this project has set out numerous tasks to bridge the gap between scientific research on climate change impacts and on-the-ground management activities. Land managers currently face the immense challenge of anticipating the effects of climate change on forest ecosystems and then developing and applying appropriate management strategies. Our project works to identify strategies and approaches for climate change adaptation and mitigation relevant to forest ecosystems in northern Wisconsin. A new report has been released to help land managers and others concerned about the health of our forests, plan for changes in our climate and its effects on our forests.

Summary of report

To order the a hard copy of the Climate Change Response Framework
in Northern Wisconsin report, click here.