Western Forests: Climate Change Synthesis Project

One of the themes for YCELP is a focus on the American West. With federally managed public lands occupying at least a third of the land base in western states, the region is home to a unique set of policy challenges. Our policy interests include oil and gas development on public lands, habitat protection for endangered species, mining, wildfire, ranching, and recreation. 

In partnership with the Council of Western State Foresters, YCELP researchers are working to identify actions underway by western states that contribute to climate change adaptation and mitigation. The synthesis report will include detailed case studies that highlight the critical role played by forestry in climate action, especially in the arid West and the more remote Pacific Island territories with membership in the Council. Analysis of patterns and success stories will help to amplify climate-smart forestry.
 
 

To learn more about YCELP’s work on western environmental issues, contact Lisa Dale at lisa.dale@yale.edu. For more information on projects in this area, visit the Yale American West Initiative.