1. Alberta Forest Genetic Resources Council Climate Change: What can you do? Cliff Smith, Chair, AFGRC Alberta Forest Products Associations Conference September 28, 2006

2. The Council Acts as an advisory group to the Minister of Alberta Sustainable Resource Development Serves as a sounding board for emerging issues and new policies Goals Genetic gain Adaptation Genetic diversity Conservation Alberta Forest Genetic Resources Council – www.abtreegene.com Photo courtesy of Dr. Barb Thomas

3. The Council Alberta Forest Genetic Resources Council – www.abtreegene.com

4. Council Activities Policy Review/ Positions Statements GMOs Non-native trees in reforestation Conservation Plan Tree improvement standards (STIA) Photo courtesy of Alberta Sustainable Resource Development Alberta Forest Genetic Resources Council – www.abtreegene.com

5. Council Activities Strategic Initiatives Council Communications Forest Productivity Advocacy Research GAP Analysis Workshops/ Conferences Climate Change Post Harvest Stand Development National Participation Benchmarking of Genetics Programs Access & Benefit Sharing Alberta Forest Genetic Resources Council – www.abtreegene.com Photo courtesy of Alberta Sustainable Resource Development

6. AFGRC Communications Alberta Forest Genetic Resources Council – www.abtreegene.com

7. The Challenge of Climate Change Drought tolerance Pest and disease resistance Population movement Flammability of the forest Alberta Forest Genetic Resources Council – www.abtreegene.com Photo courtesy of Alberta Sustainable Resource Development

8. The Threat Radical changes in climate New trees not growing Economic disruption Alberta Forest Genetic Resources Council – www.abtreegene.com Photo courtesy of Duncan MacDonnell

9. The Opportunity Some conditions may improve New products and markets? Alberta Forest Genetic Resources Council – www.abtreegene.com Photo courtesy of MediaMatch West Communications Inc.

10. AFGRC Statement of Principle 1 The risk of status-quo forest management exceeds the risk of making changes to forest resource practices Alberta Forest Genetic Resources Council – www.abtreegene.com Photo courtesy of FERIC

11. AFGRC Statement of Principle 2 Council's primary concerns are loss of forest productivity loss of genetic resources increased pest and disease outbreaks extreme climate events increased forest fire frequency and intensity Alberta Forest Genetic Resources Council – www.abtreegene.com Photo courtesy of Alberta Sustainable Resource Development

12. AFGRC Statement of Principle 3 Proactive adaptation strategies are required Alberta Forest Genetic Resources Council – www.abtreegene.com Photo courtesy of MediaMatch West Communications Inc.

13. AFGRCs Next Step 1 Provide advice to the provincial government Alberta Forest Genetic Resources Council – www.abtreegene.com Photo courtesy of Canadian Forest Service– Laurentian Forestry Centre

14. AFGRCs Next Step 2 Council will inform the public and other decision- makers promote the development of adaptation strategies Alberta Forest Genetic Resources Council – www.abtreegene.com Insert cover shot of AFGRC Climate Change fact sheet

15. What does this all mean? Climate Change is A serious issue impacting ecosystems worldwide Alberta Forest Genetic Resources Council – www.abtreegene.com Photo courtesy of Sarah Seinen

16. What you can do: 1 Think and Plan Be prepared Support and initiate research Talk to the AFGRC Alberta Forest Genetic Resources Council – www.abtreegene.com Photo courtesy of Sarah Seinen

17. What you can do: 2 Education Educate yourself about the impacts of climate change Ask yourself if you and your organization are prepared Keenly observe trends on your reforestation sites Alberta Forest Genetic Resources Council – www.abtreegene.com Photo courtesy of Doug Huffman

18. What you can do: 3 Seed Planning (1) Assess your reforestation sites and choice of species based on an understanding of their likely response to climate change Collect sufficient volumes of seed by species and ensure coverage of the seed zones within your Forest Management Plan areas Alberta Forest Genetic Resources Council – www.abtreegene.com

19. What you can do: 4 Seed Planning (2) Follow all requirements of current standards Increase participation in both in-situ and ex-situ conservation Alberta Forest Genetic Resources Council – www.abtreegene.com

20. What you can do 5: Move Seed Move planting stock further north or to higher elevation When moving across seed boundaries, avoid movements into lower elevation seed zones Alberta Forest Genetic Resources Council – www.abtreegene.com

21. Conclusion What can you do? Dont rely on others. Be proactive – NOW! Photo courtesy of Alberta Sustainable Resource Development Alberta Forest Genetic Resources Council – www.abtreegene.com

22. For More Information Cliff Smith, Chair Alberta Forest Genetic Resources Council Phone: (780) 449-5626 E-mail: afgrc@shaw.caafgrc@shaw.ca Web: www.abtreegene.comwww.abtreegene.com Alberta Forest Genetic Resources Council – www.abtreegene.com