Dry-mesic upland forest | Adaptation Workbook

Dry mesic upland forests are characterized by low fire frequency and dry-mesic soil conditions. Dominant species include black, white, northern red, and scarlet oak; shagbark, pignut, mockernut, and bitternut hickory; sugar and red maple, tuliptree, and shortleaf pine

Climate Impact Statements

Climate change may increase fire frequency in dry-mesic upland forests by the end of the century.

If soil moisture decreases in the summer, as some models suggest, it could have a negative impact on dry-mesic upland forests.

Projected changes in the red oak group species, which are common in dry-mesic upland forests, vary with climate scenario.

White oak, a common species in dry-mesic upland forests, will likely persist in the Central Hardwoods region through the end of the century.

Many nonnative invasive plant species are expected to continue to be a problem in dry-mesic upland forests.

Dry-mesic upland forests are widely distributed on a variety of soils and topographies, increasing adaptive capacity.

Habitat suitability for sugar maple, a common species in dry-mesic forests, is projected to decline across the Central Hardwoods region by the end of the century.

Vulnerability

Low-Moderate

Adaptive Capacity

High