ASSISTED MIGRATION | Little Fishtrap

What is Assisted Migration?

Response

Assisted migration involves recognizing that as our climate changes, so do the ecosystems around.

Human-Assisted

Scientists and citizens can make the decision to move plants and animals to areas outside their native habitat in an effort to adapt to warming temperatures.

Goal

The global goal is to address the needs of changing habitats, supporting ecosystems and biodiversity by building climate resilience.

Assisted Migration at Littlefish Trap

We have successfully planted more than 150 redwoods (Sequoia sempervirens) and giant sequoias (Sequoiadendron giganteum) on the property, thanks to our collaboration with Propagation Nation and Archangel. This initiative serves as an experiment to adapt our forests to climate change and addresses the regional decline of the Douglas Fir (Pseudopseduo menziesii).

Protecting Our Forests

We selected Coast Redwood (S. sempervirens) and Giant Sequoia (S. giganteum) for Little Fishtrap due to their adaptation to slightly warmer climate conditions than historically seen in the Puget Sound Basin. Prior to the last Ice Age when the climate was warmer, these species were widely spread throughout North America. In addition, they are being used in other assisted migration efforts around the region. In a changing climate, Douglas fir (Pseudotsuga menziesii) is showing dramatic declines throughout its range and as a result the dominant tree in our forest is at risk. Planting both redwood and sequoia now is an optimistic endeavor towards a healthy forest of the future.

Meet the Trees

Coast Redwood

Sequoia sempervirens

Coast redwoods thrive in moist, temperate coastal environments, predominantly found in California. They prefer well-drained, mineral-rich soils and are often located in areas with high soil moisture due to fog and precipitation. In terms of reproduction, coast redwoods can regenerate through seeds, stump sprouting, and artificial cuttings. They begin producing seeds at 5 to 15 years of age, with higher viability as they mature. Seeds are small and lightweight, dispersing widely when cones open in the fall, although germination rates are typically low.

Optimal growing conditions for coast redwoods include ample soil moisture, which is crucial for seedling establishment since they lack root hairs. They can germinate on various substrates such as mineral soil, litter, or logs in both shaded and sunny environments, provided moisture levels are adequate. Overall, coast redwoods flourish in damp, foggy climates that support their unique growth and reproductive strategies.

Giant Sequoia

Sequoiadendron giganteum

Giant sequoias are primarily found in the Sierra Nevada mountains of California, thriving at elevations between 5,000 and 7,000 feet. They prefer well-drained, sandy or gravelly soils often linked to volcanic activity. The reproduction of giant sequoias occurs through small, woody cones that release seeds when they mature, typically after a few years. The seeds germinate most effectively in mineral soil exposed by fire or other disturbances, as the fires clear competing vegetation and enrich the soil. In terms of growing conditions, giant sequoias require ample moisture, primarily from winter snowfall and summer rains. They thrive in regions with warm summers and cold winters, displaying resilience to drought. Additionally, they need full sunlight, which is crucial for the growth of young trees in open canopies, contributing to their remarkable size and ecological significance.

Redwoods and Sequoias Planted

Assisted migration is the human-assisted movement of species and populations of plants and animals to areas outside their recent historical distributions.

FirmageDdon

Death to the Douglas Fir

The decline of Douglas fir trees in the Pacific Northwest is attributed to several interconnected factors. Climate change has led to more frequent periods of "hot drought," characterized by below-average precipitation and above-average temperatures, particularly during the growing season. This stress makes it increasingly difficult for trees to extract water from the soil. Additionally, insect infestations, particularly by the flatheaded fir borer, have decimated nearly half a million Douglas fir trees since 1975. These tree losses are predominantly occurring in lower elevation areas, where the trees are more vulnerable to climate change impacts. Trees located at the edges of stands are particularly susceptible to higher temperatures and increased evaporative demand, contributing further to the decline. The consequences of this trend are significant, affecting forest health by creating expansive dead standing wood that elevates wildfire risks, reducing wildlife habitat as the forests become less hospitable, and decreasing carbon storage capacity. This phenomenon has even been termed "Firmageddon" by researchers, underscoring its severity and widespread implications for the ecosystem.