Northern and boreal species are expected to face increasing stress from climate change in the Mid-Atlantic Region.

Submitted by sdhandler on

Across northern latitudes, warmer temperatures are expected to be more favorable to individuals near the northern extent of their species’ range and less favorable to those near the southern extent. Results from climate impact models project declines in suitable habitat and landscape-level biomass for northern and high elevation species such as black spruce, balsam fir, red spruce, and paper birch. Forest ecosystems dominated by boreal species, such as spruce-fir or paper birch, are consistently rated as the most vulnerable across numerous regional vulnerability assessments. These northern species may persist in the region throughout the 21st century, although with declining vigor. Boreal species may remain in areas with favorable soils, management, or landscape features.

Evidence
Agreement