Adaptation Strategies and Actions

Promote drought and heat-tolerant species: Promote adapted trees in pitch pine - scrub oak forests

Adaptation type
Land and forest stewardship or restoration
Adaptation strategy

Promote drought and heat-tolerant species.

Forests are likely to experience increased temperature and decreased moisture conditions as the climate changes. Therefore, it is important to promote species that are well adapted to these new conditions. 

Image
Pitch pine scrub oak forest vertical trees with a understory of smaller plants

Promote adapted trees in pitch pine - scrub oak forests
Both pitch pine and scrub oak are well adapted to drought and heat. Maintain both of these current species which are predicted to do well. Reduce stressors on these systems, including invasive species and browse by deer or other wildlife. In addition, restoring prescribed fire to these ecosystems can be an important strategy for restoring important habitat conditions and recruiting new pitch pine and oak seedlings. Refer to the resources below on strategies for increasing tree regeneration in these forests.

Photo credit: Anthony D'Amato

Habitats and Communities (Ecogroups)
Time
Repeated at time of harvesting
Cost
Minimal or no cost
Geographical
Parcel-scale
Forestry Goal 2: Reduce stress to forests