Webinar - Impact of Climate Change on Wetlands in Canada’s Prairie Parkland and Western Boreal Forest

Authors
Vanessa Harriman
Lauren Bortolotti
Kylie Mcleod
Resource Date:
2025

Impact of Climate Change on Wetlands in Canada’s Prairie Parkland and Western Boreal Forest

Dr. Vanessa Harriman, Dr. Lauren Bortolotti, and Kylie McLeod

Ducks Unlimited Canada

Prairie Parkland and Western Boreal Forest wetlands are expected to be sensitive to changes in temperature and precipitation with climate change. These wetlands support both people and wildlife. Understanding how climate change will affect these habitats is essential for informing effective conservation strategies and climate adaptation plans. We will present on completed work modelling future distribution and abundance of wetlands in the Prairie Parkland and introduce ongoing research in the Western Boreal Forest. In the prairies, results suggest that climate change impacts on wetlands will be both spatially and temporally heterogenous. As we develop the boreal wetland model (4 x 4 km scale), we are engaging with groups and organizations to better understand the specific types of information that will assist in monitoring, planning, and adapting to the impacts of climate change on wetlands. By integrating research findings with needs of user groups, our work aims to enhance the conservation of these vital ecosystems. This presentation will include some interactive elements to better understand the audience’s knowledge gaps and information needs on the effects of climate change on boreal wetlands. Participation is encouraged!