Upland spruce-fir forests may be tolerant of increased moisture stress and disturbance from climate change.

Upland spruce-fir forests can persist on droughty, nutrient-poor sites and they regerate well after disturbance such as fire. These traits may allow upland spruce-fir forests to tolerate a moderate amount of climate change and disturbance. Conditions that promote wildfires are generally projected to become more common in the Northwoods by the end of the century. Increases in stand-replacing wildfire could provide opportunities for regeneration where conditions remain suitable for the dominant species.