Climate change vulnerability and adaptation in the Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area, Mount Hood National Forest, and Willamette National Forest

Abstract

A science-management adaptation partnership was developed among the Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area, Mount Hood National Forest, and Willamette National Forest, and other organizations (hereafter referred to as CMWAP) to identify climate change issues relevant for resource management in central Oregon and southern Washington). This partnership assessed the vulnerability of natural resources to climate change and developed adaptation options that minimize negative impacts of climate change and facilitate transition of ecosystems and organizations to a warmer climate. The vulnerability assessment focused on water resources and infrastructure, fisheries, vegetation, wildlife, recreation, and ecosystem services.The vulnerability assessment shows that the effects of climate change on hydrology in the CMWAP assessment area will be significant, primarily because decreased snowpack and earlier snowmelt will shift the timing and magnitude of streamflow; peak flows will be higher, and summer low flows will be lower. Projected changes in climate and hydrology will affect aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems, especially as frequency of extreme climate events (drought, low snowpack) and ecological disturbances (flooding, wildfire) increase.