Poor Fen is moderate to highly vulnerable to climate change. Increasing temperatures may lead to more water loss through evaporation, altering delicate hydrologic balances.

Submitted by dshannon on

Increasing temperatures may lead to more water loss through evaporation, altering delicate hydrologic balances. However, with similar to slightly increased precipitation and higher groundwater recharge projected, hydrologic changes may be minimal. If water levels do rise or drop over time, sites with floating "bog" mats may be able to fluctuate naturally. Nutrient enrichment through changing land use and groundwater pollution may be one of the greatest threats and could increase non-native invasive species. However, several factors may reduce vulnerability. Low topographic position and connections to cold groundwater may reduce the impact of modest increases in temperature. Many dominant species appear to tolerate or even benefit from moderate increases in temperature and relatively high species diversity may reduce the impact of individual species losses. Moderately acidic soils also provide a buffer against invasive species.