Trees on the Move: Navigating Assisted Migration with Dr. Wright

In this episode of "The Cone Zone," host Jesus Bernal sits down with Dr. Jessica Wright from the USDA Forest Service to discuss assisted migration and its potential to help forests adapt to climate change. Dr. Wright explains how moving trees to new locations might help them survive changing conditions and talks about her research on tree genetics and the Climate Adapted Seed Tool (CAST), which helps foresters choose the best seeds for future climates. Jesus and Dr. Wright also cover the challenges of assisted migration, such as the risk of spreading pests and diseases, and compare the costs of reforestation to other carbon capture methods. They discuss how this approach could be crucial for forest health and carbon storage. Tune in to find out how these strategies are shaping the future of reforestation and forest management. Don't forget to subscribe to "The Cone Zone" and visit conezonepod.wordpress.com for more information and updates. References Hinrichs, J. (n.d.). Planting trees for tomorrow’s climate. U.S. Forest Service. Retrieved August 20, 2024, from https://www.fs.usda.gov/detail/r5/home/?cid=FSEPRD1107989 Markham, L. (2021, October 4). Can we move our forests in time to save them? Mother Jones. Retrieved August 20, 2024, from https://www.motherjones.com/environment/2021/10/trees-forests-assisted-migration-fire-climate-joshua-redwoods-sequoia/ USDA Climate Hubs. (n.d.). Assisted migration (forests). Retrieved August 20, 2024, from https://www.climatehubs.usda.gov/hubs/northern-forests/topic/assisted-migration-forests#:~:text=Assisted%20species%20migration%20 Wright, J. W. (n.d.). US Forest Service Research and Development. U.S. Forest Service. Retrieved August 20, 2024, from https://www.fs.usda.gov/research/about/people/jessicawwright