Climate change adaptation in Olympic National Forest and Olympic National Park

Here, the USDA elaborates a multi-agency effort to determine how to adapt management of federal lands on the Olympic Peninsula, Washington, to climate change. Efforts on the Olympic Peninsula began in the summer of 2008 and included Olympic National Forest (ONF), Olympic National Park (ONP), scientists from the U.S. Forest Service Pacific Northwest Research Station, Region 6 of the Forest Service, the University of Washington, and the U.S. Geological Survey.

The project process involved science-based sensitivity assessments, review of management activities and constraints, and adaptation workshops in each of four focus areas (hydrology and roads, fish, vegetation, and wildlife). The process produced adaptation options for ONF and ONP, and illustrated the utility of place-based vulnerability assessment and science-management workshops in adapting to climate change. For more details go to: