Dry oak and pine/oak forest and woodland

This forest ecosystem includes major patch-forming forests and woodlands where soils are generally xeric, sandy, and have low water holding capacity. Common species include white oak, black oak, chestnut oak, mockernut hickory, pignut hickory, scarlet oak, shortleaf pine, pitch pine, Virginia pine, eastern white pine, Table Mountain pine, and scrub oak.

Climate Impact Statements

Although severe drought or intense fire could damage the dry oak and pine/oak forest and woodland ecosystem, a moderate increase in drought and fire is likely to benefit this ecosystem.

Wildfire potential could increase under drier conditions, although fire intensity will determine whether it is a positive or negative impact for the dry oak and pine/oak forest and woodland ecosystem.

Increased frequency of wind and ice storms will lead to more frequent disturbances for the dry oak and pine/oak forest and woodland ecosystem.

Many common species in the dry oak and pine/oak forest and woodland ecosystem are projected to remainstable in total volume, but shift in size classes from many small trees to fewer large, old trees.

Many invasive species, insect pests, and pathogens in the Central Appalachians will increase or become more damaging this will particularly affect the dry oak and pine/oak forest and woodland ecosystem.

Vulnerability

Low

Adaptive Capacity

Moderate-High

Potential Impacts

Very supportive to ecosystem