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Climate change threatens the social, ecological, and economic benefits enjoyed by forest-dependent communities worldwide. Climate-adaptive forest management strategies such as genomics-based assisted migration (AM) may help protect many of these threatened benefits. However, such novel technological interventions in complex social–ecological systems will generate new risks, benefits, and uncertainties that interact with diverse forest values and preexisting risks. Using data from 16 focus groups in British Columbia, Canada, we show that different stakeholders (forestry professionals, environmental nongovernmental organizations, local government officials, and members of local business communities) emphasize different kinds of risks and uncertainties in judging the appropriateness of AM. We show the difficulty of climate-adaptive decisions in complex social–ecological systems in which both climate change and adaptation will have widespread and cascading impacts on diverse nonclimate values. Overarching judgments about AM as an adaptation strategy, which may appear simple when elicited in surveys or questionnaires, require that participants make complex trade-offs among multiple domains of uncertain and unknown risks. Overall, the highest-priority forest management objective for most stakeholders is the health and integrity of the forest ecosystem from which all other important forest values derive. The factor perceived as riskiest is our lack of knowledge of how forest ecosystems work, which hinders stakeholders in their assessment of AM’s acceptability. These results are further evidence of the inherent risk in privileging natural science above other forms of knowledge at the science–policy interface. When decisions are framed as technical, the normative and ethical considerations that define our fundamental goals are made invisible.

The accelerating marks of climate change on coral-reef ecosystems, combined with the recognition that traditional management measures are not efficient enough to cope with climate change tempo and human footprints, have raised a need for new approaches to reef restoration. The most widely used approach is the “coral gardening” tenet; an active reef restoration tactic based on principles, concepts, and theories used in silviculture. During the relatively short period since its inception, the gardening approach has been tested globally in a wide range of reef sites, and on about 100 coral species, utilizing hundreds of thousands of nursery-raised coral colonies. While still lacking credibility for simulating restoration scenarios under forecasted climate change impacts, and with a limited adaptation toolkit used in the gardening approach, it is still deficient. Therefore, novel restoration avenues have recently been suggested and devised, and some have already been tested, primarily in the laboratory. Here, I describe seven classes of such novel avenues and tools, which include the improved gardening methodologies, ecological engineering approaches, assisted migration/colonization, assisted genetics/evolution, assisted microbiome, coral epigenetics, and coral chimerism. These are further classified into three operation levels, each dependent on the success of the former level. Altogether, the seven approaches and the three operation levels represent a unified active reef restoration toolbox, under the umbrella of the gardening tenet, focusing on the enhancement of coral resilience and adaptation in a changing world.

Summary 1. Some bat species make long‐distance latitudinal migrations between summer and winter grounds, but because of their elusive nature, few aspects of their biology are well understood. The need for migratory stopover sites to rest and refuel, such as used by birds, has been repeatedly suggested, but not previously tested empirically in bats. 2. We studied migrating silver‐haired bats (Lasionycteris noctivagans) at Long Point, ON, Canada. We used digital radio‐transmitters to track 30 bats using an array of five towers that effectively covered the entire region (c. 20 × 40 km). We measured stopover duration and departure direction, and documented movement patterns, foraging activity and roost sites. We measured body composition on arrival using quantitative magnetic resonance and simulated long‐distance migration using observed body composition to predict migration range and rate. 3. Migration occurred in two waves (late August and mid‐September). Most bats stayed 1–2 days, although two remained >2 weeks. One third of the bats foraged while at the site, many foraging opportunistically on nights when rain precluded continued migration. Bats roosted in a variety of tree species and manmade structures in natural and developed areas. Half of the bats departed across Lake Erie (minimum crossing distance c. 38 km) while half departed along the shoreline. 4. Simulations predicted a migration rate of c. 250–275 km per day and suggest that all but one of the bats in our study carried sufficient fuel stores to reach the putative wintering area (estimated distance 1500 km) without further refuelling. 5. Our results suggest that migrating bats stopover for sanctuary or short‐term rest as opposed to extended rest and refuelling as in many songbirds. Daily torpor could reduce energy costs when not in flight, minimizing the need for extended stopovers and allowing bats to potentially complete their migration at a fraction of the time and energy cost of similar sized birds.

Forest assisted migration, the human-mediated movement of tree populations or species, is an adaptive silvicultural tool that could help forest transition to future climate while maintaining their productivity and ecosystem services. However, we need additional knowledge about the physiology of translocated seedlings to select the most appropriate species, provenances (i.e., seed sources) and silvicultural treatments surrounding this adaptive strategy. We used the first experimental site of the DREAM Network to assess early ecophysiology of local and translocated seedlings of eight species (Prunus serotina, Quercus rubra, Acer saccharum, Picea glauca, Picea rubens, Pinus strobus, Pinus resinosa, Thuja occidentalis). Seedlings were planted in a mixed plantation design in patch clearcut and in regular shelterwood system. For each species, seedlings were produced from three geographical provenances representing current climate (2018), mid-century and end-of-century climates (predicted for 2050 and 2080, respectively), based on climate analogues. Shelterwood partial cover proved useful during the establishment with limited impacts on physiological performance. When planted in patch clearcut, Prunus serotina, Quercus rubra, and Acer saccharum from mid-century and end-of-century climate analogues experienced lower water stress, suggesting a better drought tolerance than those from local provenances. Overall, from a photosynthetic capacity and water stress perspective, translocated southern seedlings perform as well as or better than local provenances, suggesting that they can acclimate to their new destination site.

Prevailing global norms surrounding species migration governance are focused on threats to ecosystem services and human needs. This article recommends a move toward an ecocentrist ethic in assisted species migration for a more transformative approach to species migration governance than currently prevails. The changed circumstances posed by human-induced climate change beg the question of which species will be prioritized for protection, management, and migration. What are the implications of this selectivity for nature governance, and what are the prospects for a new classification of species based on nature-centric and intrinsic values? A more holistic view arising from earth system governance would take note of the complexity of species’ responses to climate change and consider how prevailing anthropocentric norms might be transformed to reflect the needs and interests of species themselves. This approach would likely, perhaps ironically, permit the expansion of human-assisted migration as an important tool in nature and biodiversity governance.

Introduction: Global climate change and associated stressors threaten forest ecosystems due to the rapid pace of climate change, which could exceed the natural migration rate of some tree species. In response, there is growing interest to research and implement forest assisted migration (FAM). Here, we used a species-independent indicator based on climate analogy, according to the sigma (dis)similarity (σd) index, to match planting sites across the eastern US with (future) climatically-compatible seedlots (CCS).Methods: We developed CCS for a grid composed of 1 × 1° of latitude and longitude. CCS were based on future climate analogs with ≤2σd analogy to ensure CCS were representative of future climate change. CCS were located for three time periods, 2030's, 2050's, and 2090's and three emissions scenarios (SSP2-4.5, SSP3-7.0, and SSP5-8.5) from the Coupled Model Intercomparison Project phase 6 database, using 12 climate variables.Results: CCS were identified for the majority of 1 × 1° grids based on the SSP3-7.0 scenario. Approximately 28% of 1 × 1° grid's 2090's projections included future climate novelty. The 2030's, 2050's, and 2090's CCS were located on average 222, 358, and 662 km or 1, 2, and 3 eastern seed zones away from the 1 × 1° grids, respectively. CCS were also located further south-southwest (188–197°). In addition, the average forest cover of CCS was approximately 2%, 5%, and 10% less than that of the 1 × 1° grids.Discussion: Our development and synthesis of CCS emphasized four key results: (i) average distances to 2030's and 2050's CCS were similar to seed-transfer guidelines for some tree species, but 2090's CCS exceeded current recommendations; (ii) south-southwesterly locations of CCS aligned with tree species habitat distribution dynamics; (iii) future climate novelty potentially challenges the conceptual basis of FAM if tree species are not adapted to climate change; and (iv) variation in forest cover among CCS presents potential opportunities and challenges due the presence or absence of forestland to source seed. Ultimately, our goal was to locate and synthesize CCS that could enable FAM decision support.

Climate change adaptation can have unexpected and detrimental effects, typically conceptualized as maladaptation and narrowly defined in relation to climatic hazards and climate vulnerability. We revisit this narrow framing of maladaptation using a deliberative risk analysis method in 16 focus groups across British Columbia, Canada, where forests are crucial to social, economic and environmental well‐being. By analysing emergent logics of support and opposition around genomics‐based assisted migration as an adaptation strategy in forests, we identify four sources of potential maladaptation in this context: technical failure, opportunity cost, path dependence and the too‐narrow framing of adaptation. Combined, these suggest that maladaptation is also too narrowly conceptualized, reflecting an obsolete definition of adaptation as rational adjustment to climatic hazards. Rather than being a failure of adaptation, per se, we argue that maladaptation comprises climate‐adaptive policies or actions that, in a broader frame, threaten the very values that decision‐makers ostensibly seek to protect and enhance. A free Plain Language Summary can be found within the Supporting Information of this article. A free Plain Language Summary can be found within the Supporting Information of this article.

Global warming is predicted to extend the growing season of trees and plants, and advance spring phenology. However, intensification of extreme climate events in mid-latitude forests, from weakening of the jet stream and atmospheric blockings, may expose trees to increased risk associated with more frequent late-spring frosts. Still, little is known regarding the intraspecific variation in frost tolerance and how it may be shaped by local adaptation to the climate of seed origin. As part of an assisted migration trial located in different bioclimatic zones in the province of Quebec, Canada, and following an extensive late-spring frost that occurred at the end of May 2021, we evaluated the frost damages on various white spruce ( Picea glauca ) seed sources tested on three sites (south, central, and north). The severity of frost damages was assessed on 5,376 trees after the cold spell and an early spring warming which advanced bud flush by approximately 10 days on average. The frost damage rate was similar among sites and seed sources and averaged 99.8%. Frost damage severity was unrelated to the latitude of seed origin but was variable among sites. The proportion of severely damaged trees was higher in the northern site, followed by central and southern sites. The proportion of severely damaged trees was linearly and inversely related to tree height before the frost event. Apical growth cancelation was not significantly different among seed sources including local ones, and averaged 74, 46, and 22%, respectively, in central, northern, and southern plantation sites. This study provides recommendations to limit the loss of plantation productivity associated with such a succession of spring climate anomalies. Implications for seed transfer models in the context of climate change and productivity of spruce plantations are discussed in the light of lack of local adaptation to such pronounced climate instability and ensuing large-scale maladaptation.

Forest Assisted Migration (FAM) emerges as a promising strategy of adaptation to climate change (CC) in the forestry sector. This method integrates various sources of knowledge to identify optimal locations for future tree species establishment through human intervention. As climate change presents numerous challenges to Quebec’s forests, including shifts in suitable habitats for tree species, the FAM recommends a proactive approach to adapt to these changes. Recognizing the importance of addressing risks and following international resolutions, such as the Paris Agreement on Climate Change (COP21) and Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD), social perception becomes a critical consideration in the decision-making process regarding FAM. To investigate this issue, we conducted semi-structured interviews with 18 key stakeholders in Quebec, including officials from the Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry, employees of private forestry technical companies, forestry researchers, private forest owners, non-governmental organizations (NGO) members, and other forest stakeholders. We analyzed the data collected in this phase through thematic discrimination, focusing on (i) acceptability (ii) risk perception (iii) feasibility, and (iv) purpose. Then, we compared the discourses with data from other publications addressing the social aspects of FAM. To develop this reflection, we found it important to use a conceptual framework that encompasses the articulation among some concepts of intervention through FAM vs. non-intervention, public trust in government authorities, risk perception and scientific knowledge. The interviews revealed a general inclination among stakeholders to support FAM, dependent upon cautious implementation with pilot projects and studies serving as references for future large-scale applications. Concerns raised by stakeholders included seed production, adequate experimental monitoring, and careful species selection. While some stakeholders were more knowledgeable about current FAM research, others emphasized the importance of economic viability, public participation in decision-making, and transparency in forestry processes. We identified communication and public involvement as fundamental aspects for advancing the perspective of FAM implementation in Quebec; it is crucial to recognize the presence of humans in FAM target areas and their potential contributions to implementation. Moving forward, forest authorities responsible for FAM should prioritize stakeholder engagement at all levels to ensure a socially inclusive strategy of adaptation that respects a wide range of considerations.

Case studies of climate adaptation approaches are needed to inform the broader use of these strategies across longleaf pine (Pinus palustris Mill.) ecosystems in the Southern US. To address this need, we evaluated overstory structure and tree regeneration in longleaf pine-hardwood stands, and a transition approach was implemented to intentionally facilitate change to encourage adaptive responses. Stand density reduction and species selection were prescribed to reduce tree vulnerability to drought stress. Turkey oaks (Quercus laevis W.) were also planted as a part of an assisted population migration strategy. After the treatments, Hurricane Michael impacted the study stands. The percent reduction in large overstory longleaf pines due to the hurricane was 6.3 ± 6.1% (grand mean ± standard deviation, which was derived from the stand means). At least one live planted turkey oak was present in 74 ± 26% of the planted clusters of turkey oaks that could be located six years after planting them. Our findings demonstrate the ability of transition stands to accommodate a large-scale disturbance event and maintain ecosystem functionality, the desired stand structure, and species composition. The relative success of forestry assisted migration plantings of turkey oaks may alleviate some concerns about the risk of maladaptation.