Chik-Wauk Museum and Nature Center hosted Dr. Lee Frelich, Director of the Center for Forest Ecology at the University of Minnesota, for a talk on climate change and boreal forests last week. Frelich has authored 210 publications with 332 coauthors from 26 countries. He is listed among the top 1% of all scientists in the world in the Ecology and Environment category by the Web of Science. His research has been featured in the news media 570 times. Additionally, Dr. Frelich has provided consulting services on forest management for the U.S. Army, Air Force, National Forest Service, and National Park Service. 

Minnesota hosts the southern margin of boreal forest which stretches around the northern reaches of the globe. Dr. Frelich provided photos of similar forest examples from across the world, and explained how trees are impacted more by increased summer temperatures than increased winter temperatures. Climate projections predict an increase of 2-5 degrees Celsius in the next century. Using the USFS Climate Change Atlas, boreal species are predicted to decrease in significance. Temperate species such as red oak, basswood, and maple are expected to increase their presence in the forest. 

45 million acres of boreal forest burned in the 2023 season, significantly higher than the previous record of 17.5 million acres the previous season. An average of 5.1 million acres of boreal forest burns every year in Canada. An increase in higher-severity fires is expected in Northern Minnesota with climate change.

 Mark Hennessey, Chik-Wauk's Director, introduced Dr. Frelich and his many research accomplishments.

 Chik-Wauk's Nature Center was near capacity for the popular talk.