Building climate resilience in Canada’s forest sector

Canada’s forests are experiencing both risks and opportunities brought on by the effects of climate change. Climate-related disturbances such as wildfires and pest outbreaks are becoming more frequent, and alongside rising temperatures and changes to water availability, are altering how forests grow and function. These changes are in turn reshaping forested landscapes across the country. They create real consequences for the forest sector and the approximately 300 communities that depend on the forests for their livelihoods and cultural practices.

To help the forest industry prepare for and adapt to changing conditions, the Saskatchewan Research Council (SRC), with support from NRCan, led a project to assess climate vulnerability across a large, commercially managed forested area along the Saskatchewan-Manitoba border. This case study highlights the project activities and reports valuable results and lessons to guide others who are working to build a more resilient forest sector across the country.