Oak associations | Adaptation Workbook

Oak forests occur on sandy to dry-mesic soils. Oaks depend on high sunlight conditions for regeneration. Common tree species include northern red, white, black, and northern pin oaks.

Climate Impact Statements

Oak forests may be tolerant of increased moisture stress due to climate change.

Climate change effects on the wildfire regime or ability to use prescribed fire could benefit or disrupt oak forests.

Many oak species in are expected to increase or remain steady in northern Michigan by the end of the century, particularly under mild climate scenarios.

Insect pests like forest tent caterpillar and spongy moth (Lymantria dispar) and diseases like oak wilt may become more active and damaging in oak forests under a warmer climate.

High diversity may improve the adaptive capacity of oak forests.

Vulnerability

Low-Moderate

Adaptive Capacity

Moderate-High

Potential Impacts

Mixed

External Link

Michigan Natural Features Inventory Abstract - Oak Associations

Applicable Sectors

Forest [FAR1]

Forest

Forested watershed

Forest Carbon Management

Recreation

Non-Forested Wetlands

Wildlife Management

Grassland

Test Sector