Aspen-birch | Adaptation Workbook

Stands are dominated by quaking aspen, bigtooth aspen, paper birch, or balsam poplar. Some stands may have codominant tree species such as balsam fir or white spruce.

Climate Impact Statements

Aspen-birch forests in northern Wisconsin and western Upper Michigan may be vulnerable to temperature increases and moisture stress from climate change.

Aspen-birch forests in northern Wisconsin and western Upper Michigan may be tolerant of increased disturbance to climate change.

Many dominant tree species in aspen-birch forests are expected to decline across northern Wisconsin and western Upper Michigan by the end of the century (balsam poplar, paper birch, and quaking aspen).

Deer herbivory on preferred species may hinder regeneration.

Insect pests like forest tent caterpillar and spongy moth (Lymantria dispar) and diseases like hypoxylon canker may become more active and damaging in aspen-birch forests under a warmer climate.

Vulnerability

Moderate-High

Adaptive Capacity

Moderate

Potential Impacts

Disruptive

Applicable Sectors

Forest [FAR1]

Forest

Forested watershed

Forest Carbon Management

Recreation

Non-Forested Wetlands

Wildlife Management

Grassland

Test Sector