How do northern ecosystems respond to climate change? We began in 1973 to investigate small mammal population dynamics in the Kluane boreal forest region of the southern Yukon and very quickly realized that the 9-10 year snowshoe hare cycle is the keystone event in these forests. Our research group broadened our scope to study the dominant plants and animals of the boreal forest community and have now extensive data spanning 25-45 years for different plants and animals in this forest ecosystem. I will discuss the major findings that have arisen from nearly 500 person-years of research in this ecosystem, and ask what needs to be done next.

The Natural Resources & Environmental Studies Institute (NRESi) at UNBC hosts a weekly lecture series at the Prince George campus. Anyone from the university or wider community with interest in the topic area is welcome to attend. Presentations are also made available to remote participants through Livestream and Blue Jeans. Go to http://www.unbc.ca/nres-institute/colloquium-webcasts to view the presentation remotely.

Past NRESi colloquium presentations and special lectures can be viewed on our video archive, available here.