Assisted Migration Adaptation Trial

Approximately 275 million seedlings are planted in British Columbia each year. When those trees are harvested 60 to 80 years after they are planted, the climate could be 3 or 4 degrees warmer than when the seedlings were planted, exposing the trees to maladaptation and health risks.

Consequently, government researchers have initiated a large, long-term climate change research study: the Assisted Migration Adaptation Trial (AMAT). The AMAT helps forest managers understand tree species’ climate tolerances so they can select seedlots best adapted to current and future climates.

At right is a map of AMAT test site and seed source locations. Click to enlarge.

Seeds from 15 species growing in B.C. and neighbouring American states were planted between 2009 and 2012 at 48 reforestation sites from northern California to southern Yukon.

• View the AMAT Test Sites (XLSX)
• View the AMAT Seedlots (XLSX)

The growth and health of the seedlings will be monitored and related to the climate of the plantations, enabling researchers to identify the seed sources most likely to be best adapted to current and future climates. The information will be used to revise B.C.’s species and seed source selection guidelines, helping to ensure maximum health and productivity of planted forests well into the future.

Photograph of the 15 species. Click to enlarge.