Dominant tree species in upland spruce-fir forests are expected to decline across northern Wisconsin and western Upper Michigan by the end of the century (balsam fir, black spruce, paper birch, quaking aspen, and white spruce).

These are boreal species near their southern range limits in Wisconsin and Michigan. Multiple forest impact models tend to agree that these species are more likely to decline in suitable habitat and biomass across a range of climate scenarios by the end of the century. Several species in this system are limited by high growing-season temperatures, so projected warming in the assessment area may exceed the physiological limits of this forest system.