Conserving Plant Biodiversity in a Changing World:
A View from NW North America
University of Washington Botanic Gardens, Seattle, WA
March 13-14, 2012
Conference Sessions
Climate Change: Observed Effects on Plants and Plant Communities
This section will focus on ways in which recent and past climate changes have affected
individual species as well as plant assemblages. These could include recent changes in
phenology, demography, interspecific interactions, etc. that are associated with changes in
climate. Studies on rare as well as common or dominant species are welcome. Paleobotanical
studies that demonstrate effects of past climate changes are also appropriate. Field studies that
can demonstrate a causal association between climate and vegetative changes are particularly
desirable.
Climate Change: Predicted Effects on Plants and Plant Communities
Vulnerability assessments, habitat suitability models, and scenario planning are some of the
science-based tools that managers are using to develop management strategies and tactics to
protect rare plants and biological diversity. In this session we would like to hear how managers
and scientists are evaluating the influence of climate on plant communities and specific
challenges associated with rare plants and communities.
Climate Change: Management Strategies Adapt to Observed and Predicted Effects
There is a great deal being written on the observed and potential effects of climate change but
much less on how managers and managing agencies should respond. Nonetheless, this is where
the rubber (science) hits the road (application). Presentations may be of a philosophical nature.
However, we are especially interested in providing the audience with examples of specific
actions based on sound science. Managing for increased resiliency, creating corridors, designing
habitat-diverse preserves and translocations are just some of the management strategies that have
been advanced to respond to the influence of climate change on plant diversity.
Disturbance Ecology and Plant Conservation
Disturbance and changes in disturbance regimes may in some cases cause a loss of rare plants
and biological diversity. In other situations disturbance is required to preserve species and
communities. Invasive species and changing fire frequencies are two types of disturbance that
we expect to be prominent in this session. Results of research on disturbance effects, methods to
mitigate effects of disturbance or managing for disturbance are appropriate for this session.
University of Washington
College of the Environment
School of Forest Resources
Recovery of rare species and the restoration of their habitat
Rare species, both plants and animals, require a properly functioning, healthy ecosystem for
long-term survival and conservation. Agencies, universities, and NGOs, with the support of
dedicated volunteers are planning recovery actions for imperiled species and implementing these
projects on local landscapes. Through the commitment of many contributing parties we are
attaining positive results on the recovery of imperiled species in this time of shrinking budgets
for environmental protection. This session will highlight several regional recovery projects that
have contributed to our improved understanding of ecological relations and the conservation of
rare species.
Reintroduction in a Changing World: How well is it working, how can it be done better,
and under what circumstances is it appropriate or not?
Native plant species are increasingly being reintroduced to sites where they formerly occurred,
and introduced to new sites within and outside their known ranges. Despite the apparent clarity,
the lack of a universally accepted terminology slows progress in the field. The attempt to
establish native species involves not only practical and scientific issues, but also those having to
with human value systems. Recent reviews differ on how well reintroduction appears to be
working, and the jury is still out. Questions of its potential use as a tool in countering the effects
of global climate change only make the situation more challenging. This session invites
contributions about any aspect of reintroduction from empirical studies to more general
discussions of the utility, risks, or proper application of the practice.
Strategies for implementing conservation: partnerships, outreach, and public engagement
Especially in times of shrinking conservation budgets and expanding ecological change, a range
of creative strategies are needed to achieve success in conserving botanical biodiversity.
Strengthening connections among governmental agencies, academic institutions, conservation
organizations, and committed individuals enables the scientific community to continue
conservation work in more effective ways, and may broaden and deepen public support for these
efforts. This session will explore innovative strategies and case studies for funding and
implementing projects and enhancing public support for plant conservation.
Taxonomy, ecology, and population dynamics of rare and endangered plants
Rare plants are the subject of a wide variety of taxonomic, genetic, ecological, and population
dynamics studies throughout the Pacific Northwest. This basic taxonomic and natural history
information provides the foundation upon which rare plant conservation and recovery actions are
built. This session is intended to provide an opportunity for researchers, students, agencies, and
private organizations to share and learn about current developments in rare plant science.
University of Washington
College of the Environment
School of Forest Resources