An Ecoregional Conservation Assessment for the Klamath-Siskiyou Ecoregion and Proposed Siskiyou Crest Climate Refuge, Southwest Oregon and Northern California, USA

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Abstract
The Klamath-Siskiyou Ecoregion (KSE) of southwest Oregon–northern California, USA, has globally exceptional biodiversity but is experiencing mounting pressures from climate change and land uses. We conducted an ecoregional conservation assessment of the KSE and the Siskiyou Crest subregion (SCS), a proposed climate refugium within the KSE. We integrated protected area priorities based on established conservation targets with climate change planning and fire risk reduction for communities. Both areas contained very low levels (1 km from nearest structures, far removed from effective community fire protection in both locales. The relatively higher-elevation SCS is projected to maintain refugia properties (cooler, wetter) for longer periods than the KSE; however, that function may dissipate toward the end of the century and under a higher emissions scenario. We recommend increased protections of potential refugia combined with fire risk reduction of the built environment to more effectively maintain unique biota and prepare communities for increased likelihood of wildfire spillover events.
Funding Information
  • Wilburforce Foundation
  • Weeden Foundation
  • Environment Now
  • Siskiyou Crest Alliance

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