Urban Forest Health

Urban Forest Health

Taxonomy Machine Name
sector_urban_forest_health
Taxonomy Alias
urban_forest_health
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Climate Vulnerability Assessments for Plant Communities of Wisconsin. Boreal Rich Fen Assessment

Wisconsin Initiative on Change Impacts [WICCI]. 2017. Climate Vulnerability Assessments for Plant Communities of Wisconsin. Boreal Rich Fen Assessment. Wisconsin Initiative on Climate Change Impacts, Madison, WI.

Climate Vulnerability Assessments for Plant Communities of Wisconsin. Alder Thicket Assessment.

Wisconsin Initiative on Change Impacts [WICCI]. 2017. Climate Vulnerability Assessments for Plant Communities of Wisconsin. Alder Thicket Assessment. Wisconsin Initiative on Climate Change Impacts, Madison, WI.

Climate Change Vulnerability Assessments for Plant Communities of Wisconsin - Non-forested wetlands Assessment.

Wisconsin Initiative on Change Impacts [WICCI]. 2017. Climate Vulnerability Assessments for Plant Communities of Wisconsin. Non-forested wetlands Assessment. Wisconsin Initiative on Climate Change Impacts, Madison, WI.

Southern Tamarack Swamp is highly vulnerable to climate change. Tamarack habitat is projected to decline, but sites may transition to shrub-carr or hardwood swamp.

Submitted by dshannon on

Potential changes in precipitation patterns and groundwater infiltration could alter hydrologic regimes. Tamarack and many of the dominant tree species are projected to decline, although red maple may be more adaptable. However, tamarack is a pioneer species and has the ability to regenerate rapidly when conditions are favorable, and the community may persist in more northern sites or in climate refugia. It will likely fare less well in southern locations and in isolated stands in fragmented landscapes with limited connectivity to other natural communities.

Southern Sedge Meadow is moderately-high to highly vulnerable to climate change. Most species appear to be more sensitive to climate-influenced changes in hydrology and water chemistry than warming.

Submitted by dshannon on

Changes in surface water hydrology are likely, with a projected increase in both droughts as well as the frequency and intensity of floods, along with associated sedimentation and nutrient enrichment. Changes to groundwater regimes are possible as well, although both an increase in groundwater recharge as well as decreases in ground water levels are possible. For both surface and groundwater-driven sites, increased nutrient enrichment is likely and could fuel an expansion of invasive species.

Precipitation patterns will be altered, with projected increases in annual precipitation and potential for reduced growing season precipitation.

Submitted by pleopold on

All global climate models agree that there will be changes in precipitation patterns across the assessment area, but there is large variability among projections of future precipitation. Most climate models project increases in total annual preciptation, with most of the precipitation occurring in winter and spring. Projections of summer and fall precipitation vary more widely, with many models projecting decreased precipitation or only very slight increases (<15%).

Shrub-carr is low to moderately-low vulnerable to climate change. Although shrub-carr is generally adapted to short-term water level fluctuations, high water over the long-term could convert some sites to marsh.

Submitted by dshannon on

More frequent large rain events could increase sedimentation and soil disturbance, leading to increases in non-native invasive species. Nutrient loading of both groundwater and surface water could also fuel invasives. Potential changes in precipitation patterns and groundwater infiltration could alter hydrologic regimes. Although shrub-carr is generally adapted to short-term water level fluctuations, high water over the long-term could convert some sites to the marsh.

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.