Climate change and historic trees

Abstract

Climate change is affecting and will continue to affect our culturally important landscapes. To protect these cultural resources, land managers need to prepare preservation and treatment plans to ensure the preservation of our outdoor heritage. Climate change variables such as temperature change, precipitation change, hardiness zone shifts, pest and disease outbreaks, and phenology changes are discussed in relation to their potential impacts on cultural landscapes, particularly trees. Using a culturally important streetscape in Athens, GA, as a case study, this paper makes general and specific recommendations for preparing for unknown climate futures.