Spruce-Fir | Adaptation Workbook

Montane spruce-fir forests occur at the highest elevations (above 3,350 feet), and within the assessment area are found only in the Catskill Mountains of New York. These forests are dominated by boreal species, particularly red spruce and balsam fir. Although spruce-fir forests are dominated by conifers, they may contain a number of associated northern hardwood species, such as yellow birch, paper birch, mountain maple, striped maple, and mountain ash.

Climate Impact Statements

Previous human influences, including logging and acid deposition, may have reduced the adaptive capacity of some spruce-fir forests.

Montance spruce-fir forests are restricted to the cool, moist environments at the highest elevations in the Mid-Atlantic region.

All dominant species in montane spruce-fir forests are projected to lose habitat and productivity under both climate scenarios, with more substantial impacts projected under greater warming.

Projected increases in temperature could lead to additional heat and moisture stress in montane spruce-fir forests.

There is relatively low species and genetic diversity in montane spruce-fir forests, which are isolated at the highest elevations in the region.

Insect pests and diseases such as beech bark disease and hemlock woolly adelgid could become more problematic in spruce-fir forests under a warmer climate.

Vulnerability

High

Adaptive Capacity

Low

Potential Impacts