Michigan Forest Ecosystem Vulnerability Assessment and Synthesis: A Report from the Northwoods Climate Change Response Framework Project

Stephen Handler, Matthew Duveneck, Louis Iverson, Emily Peters, Robert Scheller, Kirk Wythers, Leslie Brandt, Patricia Butler, Maria Janowiak, Danielle Shannon, Chris Swanston, Amy Clark Eagle, Joshua G. Cohen, Rich Corner, Peter B. Reich, Tim Baker, Soph
Posted on: 4/16/2014 - Updated on: 2/28/2020

Posted by

Rachel Gregg

Published

Abstract

Forests in northern Michigan will be affected directly and indirectly by a changing climate during the next 100 years. This assessment evaluates the vulnerability of forest ecosystems in Michigan's eastern Upper Peninsula and northern Lower Peninsula to a range of future climates. Information on current forest conditions, observed climate trends, projected climate changes, and impacts to forest ecosystems was considered in order to draw conclusions on climate change vulnerability. Upland spruce-fir forests were determined to be the most vulnerable, whereas oak associations and barrens were determined to be less vulnerable to projected changes in climate. Projected changes in climate and the associated ecosystem impacts and vulnerabilities will have important implications for economically valuable timber species, forest-dependent wildlife and plants, recreation, and long-range planning.

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