| Table of Contents: Current Members Past Minutes Major Accomplishments Working Group Publications | |
| Introduction: Genetic diversity provides the fundamental basis for the evolution of forest trees and the potential for adaptation to change. Loss of genetic resources is threatened by a variety of causes, most relating to the demands of a burgeoning human population. These losses could occur on the very brink of an era when genetic resources are most needed and more valuable than ever. Movement of forest genetic resources, both at the species and the population level, may be necessary to counter environmental change and provide for sustainable development. Forest genetic resources are critical to breeding programs designed to address economic and ecological challenges. Conservation and management of forest genetic resources, however, has received little support except for a few of the most valuable commercial species. Mission: To generate and share knowledge that is crucial for the conservation and sustainable use of North American forest genetic resources to the benefit of present and future generations. Objectives:To promote the collection, exchange, and dissemination of information about forest genetic resources so that in situ and ex situ programs of conservation and sustainable use are based on sound scientific knowledge;To promote cooperation and coordinate research, conservation, training, and knowledge exchange among member countries on genetic resource conservation problems;To facilitate the international exchange of forest genetic resources for research and conservation purposes;To encourage and promote genetic improvement programs for important commercial forest species as a component of forest conservation and as a contribution to the economic welfare of North Americans. Impacts: Increased awareness of the role of genetic diversity for the sustainable management of forest ecosystems and their resiliency; Guidelines and recommendations for specific actions like seed source transfer,Specific tools for decision makers and forest managers,Publications,Training sessions.Increased awareness of climate change threats on forest genetic resources;Guidelines for assisted migration,Model scenarios,Conferences,Training sessions.Information on North American forest genetic resources to international organizations;Contribute to FAO’s integration of the State of the World’s Forest Genetic Resources,Contribute to other Regional Networks on conservation of forest genetic resources [eg ConFORGen, LAFORGEN (Latin America Forest Genetic Resources Network), etc.]. | |
| Operating Strategy: The FGRWG identifies tasks relevant to its objectives and assigns a task force to accomplish the aims of the task. Each task force is appointed by the chairperson and usually includes one representative from each of the three member nations. Accomplishments are evaluated during the Working Group’s periodic meetings. Tasks are either continued until completed, or terminated if further progress seems unlikely. The Working Group provides the NAFC with a two-year work plan and accounts for its actions with activity reports.To see the charter of the Forest Genetics Working Group, click here. |
| Mexico | Canada | USA |
| Ramon Silva Flores CONAFOR José Ángel López López CONAFOR J. Ricardo Sánchez Velázquez CONAFOR Jesús Vargas Hernández COLPOS E-mail: vargashj@colpos.mx Cuauhtémoc Sáenz Romero EMSNH E-mail: csaenz@umich.mx | Tannis Beardmore CFS E-mail: tannis.beardmore@canada.ca Sally Aitken UBC E-mail: sally.aitken@ubc.ca Elizabeth Campbell NRC E-mail: Elizabeth.campbell@canada.ca | Bryce Richardson USFS E-mail: brichardson@fs.fed.us Brad St. Clair USFS E-mail: bstclair@fs.fed.us Kurt Johnsen USFS E-mail: kjohnsen@fs.fed.us |