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the nature conservancy, indiana

Climate Change Challenge: Less Water, Worse Droughts

Grant Award: $147,017; Year Awarded: 2013

Prolonged late summer drought-stress, when precipitation is expected to be at a minimum and temperatures at their highest, will likely have the greatest effect on mesic tree species, which are dominating dry forests in Indiana. Fire suppression has further increased the vulnerability of these forests to future climate regimes. This project aims to reduce the dominance of mesic trees within the forest understory in favor of trees more resilient to prolonged droughts. The results of this work will be used to advance discussions on the creation of climate resilient forests with private and public land stewards.