Forested watershed

Forested watershed

Taxonomy Machine Name
strategy_forested_watershed
Taxonomy Alias
forested_watershed
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Shifts in forest composition in New England and northern New York will take at least several decades to occur in the absence of major disturbance.

Submitted by Maria on

Model projections that show future changes in habitat for many tree species do not account for migration constraints, longevity of current species, or differences among age classes. Because mature trees are expected to remain on the landscape, and recruitment of new species is expected to be limited, major shifts in species composition will not likely be observed by the middle of the century, except along ecoregional boundaries and in areas that undergo major stand-replacing disturbance events.

Conditions affecting tree regeneration and recruitment will change in New England and northern New York.

Submitted by Maria on

Climate change impacts are more likely to be observed in seedlings and early growth than in mature trees. Temperature and moisture requirements for seed dormancy and germination are often much more critical than habitat requirements of an adult tree. Predicted changes in temperature, precipitation, growing season onset, and soil moisture may alter the duration or manifestation of germination conditions, and individual species will be uniquely affected.

Forest composition will change across the landscape in New England and northern New York.

Submitted by Maria on

Changes in distribution for individual species is expected to lead to shifts in forest assemblages and tree species may rearrange into novel communities.Major shifts in overstory species composition may not be observable until well into the 21st century because of the long time frames associated with many ecosystem processes and responses to climate change. These shifts, however, may become more apparent along ecotones where boreal species reach the southern edge of their range.

Forest productivity in New England and northern New York will increase during the next several decades in the absence of significant stressors.

Submitted by Maria on

Model projections that show future changes in habitat for many tree species do not account for migration constraints, longevity of current species, or differences among age classes. Because mature trees are expected to remain on the landscape, and recruitment of new species is expected to be limited, major shifts in species composition will not likely be observed by the middle of the century, except along ecotonal boundaries and in areas that undergo major stand-replacing disturbance events.

Forest vegetation in New England and northern New York may face increased risk of moisture deficit and drought during the growing season.

Submitted by Maria on

The uncertainty of future precipitation patterns makes it difficult to determine whether conditions may become dry enough to increase moisture stress for plants in the Northeast. Forests that are affected by moisture deficits and drought are more likely to experience reduced tree vigor or increased mortality, both of which can affect forest composition and structure. Further, warmer temperatures can drive or enhance drought-induced mortality by disrupting plant physiology . This “hotter drought” can also interact with other forest stressors to cause tree death and forest die-off .

Certain insect pests and pathogens will increase in occurrence or become more damaging in New England and northern New York.

Submitted by Maria on

The loss of a traditionally cold climate and short growing season in the region may allow some insect pests and pathogens to expand their ranges northward such as hemlock woolly adelgid and southern pine beetle. Forest impacts from insect pests and pathogens are generally more severe in ecosystems that are stressed by drought and other stressors. Basic information is often lacking on the climatic thresholds that trigger increased populations of many forest pests, and our ability to predict the mechanisms of infection, dispersal, and transmission for disease agents remains low.

Forest vegetation may face increased risk of moisture deficit and drought during the growing season.

Submitted by Maria on

The uncertainty of future precipitation patterns makes it difficult to determine whether conditions may become dry enough to increase moisture stress for plants in the Northeast. Forests that are affected by moisture deficits and drought are more likely to experience reduced tree vigor or increased mortality, both of which can affect forest composition and structure. Further, warmer temperatures can drive or enhance drought-induced mortality by disrupting plant physiology . This “hotter drought” can also interact with other forest stressors to cause tree death and forest die-off.

Lowland Conifer

Submitted by Maria on

A broad range of forested wetlands with a conifer or mixed conifer-hardwood overstory. These forested wetlands typically have saturated soils, which may also be seasonally flooded. Many of these forests are associated with limestone or other calcareous substrate and have acidic and nutrient-poor soils. Soils are primarily mineral, though there may be peat development or organic muck accumulation in headwater wetlands and depressions. Various conifer species may be present based on local conditions, such as black spruce, tamarack, and eastern hemlock.

Lowland and Riparian Hardwood

Submitted by Maria on

A range of forested wetlands found in depressions and low-lying areas, along waterways, and in floodplains. These forests are heavily influenced by local hydrology, with plant communities that reflect the occurrence of seasonal flooding, erosion, groundwater seepage, or other local dynamics. Better-drained soils may support a variety of hardwood species suited to local conditions, often dominated by pin oak, swamp white oak, shagbark hickory, and sweetgum.