.University of Alberta Bachelor of Science in Forest Management or Forest Business management.
Alberta Forest Genetic Resources Council
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Transcript of Alberta Forest Genetic Resources Council
Alberta Forest Genetic Resources Council
Climate Change: What can you do?
Cliff Smith, Chair, AFGRC
Alberta Forest Products Association’s Conference
September 28, 2006
The Council
Acts as an advisory group to the Minister of Alberta Sustainable Resource Development
Serves as a sounding board for emerging issues and new policies
Goals Genetic gain Adaptation Genetic diversity Conservation
Alberta Forest Genetic Resources Council – www.abtreegene.com
Photo courtesy of Dr. Barb Thomas
The Council
Alberta Forest Genetic Resources Council – www.abtreegene.com
Council Activities
Policy Review/ Positions Statements GMOs Non-native trees in
reforestation
Conservation Plan
Tree improvement standards (STIA)
Photo courtesy of Alberta Sustainable Resource Development
Alberta Forest Genetic Resources Council – www.abtreegene.com
Council Activities
Strategic Initiatives Council Communications Forest Productivity
Advocacy Research GAP Analysis
Workshops/ Conferences Climate Change Post Harvest Stand
Development
National Participation Benchmarking of Genetics
Programs Access & Benefit Sharing
Alberta Forest Genetic Resources Council – www.abtreegene.com
Photo courtesy of Alberta Sustainable Resource Development
AFGRC Communications
Alberta Forest Genetic Resources Council – www.abtreegene.com
The Challenge of Climate Change
Drought tolerance
Pest and disease resistance
Population movement
Flammability of the forest
Alberta Forest Genetic Resources Council – www.abtreegene.com
Photo courtesy of Alberta Sustainable Resource Development
The Threat
Radical changes in climate
New trees not growing
Economic disruption
Alberta Forest Genetic Resources Council – www.abtreegene.com
Photo courtesy of Duncan MacDonnell
The Opportunity
Some conditions may improve
New products and markets?
Alberta Forest Genetic Resources Council – www.abtreegene.com
Photo courtesy of MediaMatch West Communications Inc.
AFGRC Statement of Principle 1
The risk of
status-quo forest management exceeds the risk of making changes to forest resource practices
Alberta Forest Genetic Resources Council – www.abtreegene.com
Photo courtesy of FERIC
AFGRC Statement of Principle 2
Council's primary concerns are loss of forest
productivity loss of genetic
resources increased pest and
disease outbreaks extreme climate events increased forest fire
frequency and intensity
Alberta Forest Genetic Resources Council – www.abtreegene.com
Photo courtesy of Alberta Sustainable Resource Development
AFGRC Statement of Principle 3
Proactive adaptation strategies are required
Alberta Forest Genetic Resources Council – www.abtreegene.com
Photo courtesy of MediaMatch West Communications Inc.
AFGRC’s Next Step 1
Provide advice to the provincial government
Alberta Forest Genetic Resources Council – www.abtreegene.com
Photo courtesy of Canadian Forest Service– Laurentian Forestry Centre
AFGRC’s Next Step 2
Council will inform the public
and other decision-makers
promote the development of adaptation strategies
Alberta Forest Genetic Resources Council – www.abtreegene.com
Insert cover shot of AFGRC Climate Change fact sheet
What does this all mean?
Climate Change is A serious issue
impacting ecosystems worldwide
Alberta Forest Genetic Resources Council – www.abtreegene.com
Photo courtesy of Sarah Seinen
What you can do: 1
Think and Plan Be prepared Support and initiate
research Talk to the AFGRC
Alberta Forest Genetic Resources Council – www.abtreegene.com
Photo courtesy of Sarah Seinen
What you can do: 2
Education Educate yourself
about the impacts of climate change
Ask yourself if you and your organization are prepared
Keenly observe trends on your reforestation sites
Alberta Forest Genetic Resources Council – www.abtreegene.com
Photo courtesy of Doug Huffman
What you can do: 3
Seed Planning (1) Assess your reforestation sites and
choice of species based on an understanding of their likely response to climate change
Collect sufficient volumes of seed by species and ensure coverage of the seed zones within your Forest Management Plan areas
Alberta Forest Genetic Resources Council – www.abtreegene.com
What you can do: 4
Seed Planning (2) Follow all requirements of current
standards Increase participation in both in-situ and
ex-situ conservation
Alberta Forest Genetic Resources Council – www.abtreegene.com
What you can do 5:
Move Seed Move planting stock further north or to
higher elevation When moving across seed boundaries,
avoid movements into lower elevation seed zones
Alberta Forest Genetic Resources Council – www.abtreegene.com
Conclusion
What can you do?
Don’t rely on others.
Be proactive – NOW!
Photo courtesy of Alberta Sustainable Resource Development
Alberta Forest Genetic Resources Council – www.abtreegene.com
For More Information
Cliff Smith, Chair
Alberta Forest Genetic Resources Council
Phone: (780) 449-5626
E-mail: [email protected]
Web: www.abtreegene.com
Alberta Forest Genetic Resources Council – www.abtreegene.com