Tree Plantings Anticipate Climate Change

IN THE SUPERIOR NATIONAL FOREST  (AP) - A team of researchers is planting thousands of red oak trees in northern Minnesota over the next two years in an experiment designed to help the north woods adapt to coming climate change.

Researchers fear that as winters become warmer, the boreal forest may decline. They are predicting the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness could look more like southern Minnesota or Iowa by the end of the century.

Researchers hope planting the red oak trees outside their current range can ensure the forest will live on.

Researchers are planting 60,000 seedlings to create genetic diversity. Over the next few years, the team will measure the survival and growth of the red oaks and share results with other natural resource managers.