Lowland conifer forests function in a relatively narrow window of hydrologic and soil conditions. These conditions are expected to be perturbed in a variety of ways, including through increased severe precipitation events and flooding, increased risk of drought, and changes in the water table or relative influence of precipitation versus groundwater. In general, drier conditions would be expected to have a greater negative impact than excess moisture. Organic soils could decompose more quickly under warmer and drier conditions. Drier conditions in peatland systems could also impair tree regeneration or alter tree species composition toward the few hardwood species found in these areas. Wetland communities may be affected by increased storm events because shallow-rooted trees on saturated soils may be more prone to windthrow.