Climate change, the boreal forest, and moose: Scenario planning to inform land and wildlife management

While moose have documented thermal tolerances and habitat requirements, uncertainties remain regarding the pathways through which climate change might affect the species and the nature and timing of its response, presenting an opportunity to proactively consider the implications for the management and conservation of this species into the future from a multi-state perspective.

Scenario planning is one decision support method that can help managers incorporate information about future changes in climate and other drivers into their management decisions. The development of future scenarios (of climate change, socioeconomic conditions, land use changes, and ecological responses) can help state and federal managers understand plausible ecological futures, vulnerabilities, and opportunities as a result of climate change and related stressors.

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