Northern hardwoods | Adaptation Workbook

Forests are composed largely of sugar and red maple. Eastern hemlock, yellow birch, basswood, red oak, and black cherry are common associates, found in varying amounts based upon site conditions.

Climate Impact Statements

Northern hardwood forests may be susceptible to increased drought and moisture stress due to climate change.

Northern hardwood species in northern Wisconsin and western Michigan may tolerate a mild amount of warming, but many species could deline under a warmer, drier climate by the end of the century (sugar maple, yellow birch, and eastern hemlock).

Northern hardwood forests may be impacted by a reduced and more variable snowpack, as well as more frequent freeze-thaw events.

Deer herbivory on preferred species may hinder regeneration.

Insect pests like forest tent caterpillar and diseases like Dutch elm disease may become more active and damaging in northern hardwoods in Wisconsin and western Upper Michigan under a warmer climate.

High diversity may improve the adaptive capacity of northern hardwood forests.

Vulnerability

Moderate

Adaptive Capacity

Moderate-High

Potential Impacts

Disruptive

Applicable Sectors

Forest [FAR1]

Forest

Forested watershed

Forest Carbon Management

Recreation

Non-Forested Wetlands

Wildlife Management