Ecosystem Change and Wildfires in the Boreal Forest

Describe patterns in abundance, distribution and resiliency of aquatic invertebrates, habitats and waterbirds in the boreal forest region of Alaska and across North America.

Abstract

Boreal wetlands and lakes account for 50% of the global lake surface area and are internationally important breeding areas for a variety of waterbird species. Temperatures in the boreal forest have risen by 3–4 °C over the past 60 years, compared to a global mean increase of 0.6 °C. Recent research has indicated a drying of some boreal wetlands in response to climate warming, potentially altering the basic ecosystem structure of these wetlands. Wetlands of the boreal region annually support millions of breeding waterbirds, including ducks, swans, loons, and grebes. Warmer temperatures are predicted to increase wildfire intensity and frequency over the coming decades. This research examines the response of boreal forest habitats and associated wildlife to wildfire and future projections of increased temperature and additional fires.

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Products

Title	Type
Waterfowl populations are resilient to immediate and lagged impacts of wildfires in the boreal forest	Publication
Waterfowl Counts and Wildfire Burn Data from the Western Boreal Forest of North America, 1955-2014	Data

Contacts

Lewis, Tyler L., 907-786-7172
Schmutz, Joel A., 907-786-7186

Status: completed
Start Year: 2015
End Year: 2018

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Project Sites

USGS Mission Area and Program

Ecosystems → Wildlife Program

Major Initiatives

USGS - Wetlands and Terrestrial Ecology

Keywords

Biological Classification > Animals/Vertebrates > Birds > Ducks/Geese/Swans
Climate Indicators
Land Surface > Landscape > Landscape Management