Model projections are limited for most dominant species, but tend to project increases in suitable habitat for many species in the small stream riparian forest ecosystem.

Many riverine species in this forest type were modeled only by the Tree Atlas; thus evidence is somewhat limited regarding dominant species. Suitable habitat is projected to remain stable or increase for sycamore, river birch, black walnut, and boxelder. Silver maple is projected to decrease under low climate scenarios and increase under high climate scenarios. Hemlock and red maple were modeled by all three models. Eastern hemlock is projected to remain stable or decrease in suitable habitat and potential growth; basal area and trees per acre are projected to decrease due to succession, and to a lesser extent due to climate. Red maple had mixed results for suitable habitat and potential growth, and basal area and trees per acre are projected to increase due to succession and climate change.