Ecology and Vulnerability

Forest: Oak- Hickory

Oak and Hickory forest

Photo Credit: Emily S. Huff

Stressors

Temperature changes

Precipitation changes

Change in timing of seasons

Invasive plants and animals

Pests and diseases

Development and habitat loss

Terrestrial connectivity loss (roads and development)

Climate Change Vulnerability Assessment: Central/Southern hardwood forest (Massachusetts)

Ranking

Increase Likely

Confidence

Medium

Climate scenario

Low (doubling of CO2) - High (tripling of CO2)

Location

Massachusetts

Time period

2100

References

Manomet Center for Conservation Science (Manomet) and Massachusetts Division of Fisheries and Wildlife (MA DFW). 2010. Climate change and Massachusetts fish and wildlife: Volume 2 habitat and species vulnerability. Massachusetts Division of Fisheries and Wildlife, Westborough, MA.

Climate Change Vulnerability Assessment: Oak/hickory

Ranking

Low Vulnerability

Confidence

Not Specified

Climate scenario

SRES B1 (Lower emissions scenario) and A1FI (Higher emissions scenario)

Location

Massachusetts

Time period

2015 - 2100

References

Janowiak, M., et al. In preparation. New England Forest Ecosystem Vulnerability Assessment and Synthesis: A Report from the New England Climate Change Response Framework. U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Northern Research Station.

Related Adaptation Strategies and Actions

Use threshold-based adaptive management: Incorporate ecological thresholds to guide coastal protection and restoration

Adapt or update municipal plans: Master Plans

Adapt or update municipal plans: Transportation Improvement Plans

Maintain habitat connectivity: Modify stream crossings to allow wildlife passage

Maintain habitat connectivity: Amphibian and reptile tunnels

Maintain habitat connectivity: Collect road crossing data

Promote drought and heat-tolerant species: Encourage species in northern and middle edge of range

Protect ecosystem diversity: Establish large connected conserved areas

Promote structural diversity: Retain biological legacies

Maintain diversity of native tree species: Restore native tree species

Promote structural diversity: Diversify tree age classes

Reduce wind and ice damage: Increase structural diversity of the forest

Preserve unique habitats: Establish forest patch reserves

Prioritize at-risk communities: Protect rare species

Promote drought and heat-tolerant species: Promote adapted trees in oak/hickory forests

Manage herbivory to promote tree regeneration: Control deer/moose impacts

Prevent the introduction of invasive species: Monitor for invasive insects

Prevent the introduction of invasive species: Control invasive exotic plants

Maintain or improve the ability of forests to resist pests and pathogens: Increase species and structural diversity

Protect forest streams and wetlands: Maintain riparian and wetland buffers

Maintain or restore soil quality: Increase snags and logs

Maintain or restore soil quality: Limit recreational impacts

Maintain or restore soil quality: Protect soils during harvests

Keep forests as forests: Protect your land