Many Forested Rich Peatland species are projected to decrease across northern Minnesota by the end of the century (black spruce, tamarack, balsam fir, and paper birch).

Submitted by sdhandler on

Multiple forest impact models tend to agree that these species are more likely to decrease in suitable habitat and biomass across a range of climate scenarios by the end of the century. Most species in this system are at the southern edge of their ranges in Minnesota, and therefore may not tolerate warmer conditions. Minnesota is also approaching the southern range limit for sphagnum moss. Red maple, white pine, and speckled alder may become larger components of this system in the future, but it is unclear if Forested Rich Peatlands will maintain their inherent identity if that composition shift occurs.