Experimental forests and climate change: Views of long-term employees on ecological change and the role of experimental forests and ranges in understanding and adapting to climate change

In this project, we examined the views of 21 long-term employees on climate change in 14 Rocky Mountain Research Station Experimental Forests and Ranges (EFRs). EFRs were described by employees as uniquely positioned to advance knowledge of climate change impacts and adaptation strategies due to the research integrity they provide for long-term studies, the ability to host experimental treatments on the efficacy of adaptation actions, and the opportunity for long-term field observations to inform and improve research. Institutional commitment and capacity was identified by participants as critical to realizing the potential of EFRs to contribute to climate change research.