Upland spruce-fir | Adaptation Workbook

This forest system occurs on nutrient-poor soils or glacial lake plains, and is often restricted to high snowfall areas with short growing seasons. Common tree species include balsam fir, white spruce, white pine, and other boreal species.

Climate Impact Statements

Upland spruce-fir forests may lose suitable habitat to other forest types as snowfall decreases, growing seasons lengthen, and temperatures increase.

Upland spruce-fir forests may be tolerant of increased moisture stress and disturbance from climate change.

Most dominant tree species in upland spruce-fir forests are expected to decline across northern Michigan by the end of the century (balsam fir, northern white-cedar, white spruce, and paper birch).

Some tree species in upland spruce-fir forests may be more likely to persist across northern Michigan by the end of the century (red maple, quaking aspen, and white pine).

Insect pests like spruce budworm may become more active and damaging to upland spruce-fir forests under a warmer climate.

Deer herbivory on preferred species may hinder regeneration.

Vulnerability

High

Adaptive Capacity

Low

Potential Impacts

Very disruptive to ecosystem

Applicable Sectors

Forest [FAR1]

Forest

Forested watershed

Forest Carbon Management

Recreation

Non-Forested Wetlands

Wildlife Management

Grassland

Test Sector