Many associated species in the north-central interior beech/maple forest ecosystem are projected to remain stable under a range of future climates.

Submitted by dshannon on

Models project that American beech, sugar maple, and eastern hemlock (occurring locally Ohio) will remain relatively stable under low climate scenarios, but will lose suitable habitat, growth potential, and volume in the assessment area under high climate scenarios. These species are vulnerable to the direct changes in temperature and precipitation, and are susceptible to increased moisture stress and other indirect impacts of climate change. Results are mixed for red maple, tulip tree, black cherry, and white ash, which are projected to lose suitable habitat but maintain potential growth and volume. Although the amount of suitable habitat may contract, models agree that remaining suitable habitat may allow regeneration of these species in the absence of other stressors. Results for northern red oak are highly variable across the assessment area, but suggest positive effects on regeneration where suitable habitat remains.