Course information

This course—created by Michigan State University, Forest Carbon and Climate Program— develops regional specific knowledge on the relationship between forests, climate, and carbon. In four presentations, the course covers: 1) Forest Background; 2) Climate Change and Forest Disturbance; 3) Carbon & Climate Impacts by Forest Type; and 4) Adaptive Management. Each presentation focuses on key topics and features unique learning outcomes for participants. Course content includes recorded presentations, links to online resources, and recommended reading. 

What you will learn 

This course begins with an introduction to the forest types commonly found in the Pacific Northwestern United States. Participants will learn about regional market trends, forest dynamics, and carbon pools and fluxes. We will then move into a discussion on the relationship between climate change and forest disturbance, with specific examples of changing conditions in the region. Next, we will cover specific impacts on different forest types in the region, highlighting implications for carbon storage. Learners will gain an understanding of how specific forest types are and will continue to be affected by climate change. Finally, we will cover adaptative management, and what it could look like on different landscapes. Utilizing various federal resources, we will discuss managing forests in a changing climate. 

Is this course for you?

Pacific Northwest US: Forest Carbon & Climate Adaptation is an introductory-level course appropriate for natural resource professionals seeking to gain a better understanding of how climate change will impact forests in their region. Learners should be comfortable with basic forestry terms and definitions and have a basic understanding of the forest carbon cycle. This course will give learners the tools resources to implement adaptive management practices on their forests. Additionally, this course may also serve as a refresher for those with a basic understanding of the relationships between forests, carbon, and climate. Reinforcing your current knowledge can strengthen understanding, especially as new resources, tools, and policies continue to emerge in relation to climate change and forest carbon.

Please note: There is a healthy amount of overlap between this course and the other MSU Regional Courses. If you register for multiple you may encounter such. It is recommended you only sign up for the most applicable course to your region and/or interests. If you would like a link to the other courses, please find the links below:

Northeast US: Forest Carbon and Climate Adaptation [Mar/Apr 26]

Southeast US: Forest Carbon and Climate Adaptation [Mar/Apr 26]

Registration

Registration is open from February 3, 2026 through March 10, 2026.

For group registrations or registering someone other than yourself please contact membership@safnet.org or 202-938-3910.

Pricing

Member: $175

Non-member: $220

Join SAF TODAY to take advantage of the growing member benefits, including course savings.

Course start date

Course content will be available starting March 3, 2026 at 10:00am ET.

Course access 

Course is accessible through April 30, 2026 at 11:55pm ET.

Course pace

This course is self-paced with an expected completion time frame of up to 6 weeks, but 2 bonus weeks are available to support your success of completing on time. This course must be completed in sequence and each presentation must be viewed in entirety to progress to the next section. Once a section is complete, you can return to the previous section. ForestEd will send you reminders along the way to help you stay on track. 

Learning Objectives

Upon successful completion of this short course, you will:

1. Speak fluently and confidently about the status of regional forests, major drivers of forest change, and trends in regional forest carbon.
2. Associate observed and projected regional climate change impacts with direct and indirect impacts to forests.
3. Distinguish key drivers and impacts across various subregions and ecologies, cover types, and specific tree species.
4. Identify adaptive management approaches relevant to forest type, landowner goals, and climate-related challenges.

Rubric

Successful completion of the course is measured by mastering each module's quiz to assess how well you recall and apply your new knowledge. You have unlimited attempts for each quiz to master the content. Passing score for each quiz is 80%.

Course Evaluation

Participant feedback is appreciated to help the course curators and subject matter experts continually improve the course for future participants.

CFEs

Upon successful completion of this course, you will earn 4 CFEs in Category 1. CFEs will automatically be added to your CFE record located on www.eforester.org.

Certificate

Upon successful completion of this course and course evaluation, participants may download and print a certificate verifying completion of the course and earning CFEs. CFEs will be uploaded to participant CFE records by the end of the day of course completion (11:59 pm ET). Certificates must be downloaded prior to April 30, 2026 at 11:55pm ET.

Get Started or Return to Place in Course

Once you are registered for the course, access this course within your MY DASHBOARD. You can pause at any point during the course and you can return right where you last left off. Simply select the presentation you were last viewing and you will be prompted to select if you wish to start where you left off. For additional tips for success, watch the Course Tutorial Video preceding the Welcome Presentation. Note: this course uses pop-up windows so be sure to enable pop-up windows on your browser.

Course Resources

Additional course resources are available within the Resources tab and within the Contents tab course sections.

Need Help?

For ForestEd questions, visit FAQs, email forestedsupport@safnet.org, or watch the Course Tutorial within the Contents tab. For questions about this course's content email forestc@msu.edu. For technical assistance, go to help.commpartners.com for self troubleshooting and/or live chat, or you can email forestedsupport@safnet.org.

Refund

This is a non-refundable item. Please view FAQs for additional information.