Red pine forests may be tolerant of increased surface fires.

Red pine can thrive with regular surface wildfires. Conditions that promote wildfires are generally projected to become more common in northern Wisconsin and western Upper Michigan by the end of the century. Greater wildfire activity could be positive for this forest type. In some areas, the on-going shift toward mesic species in these forests is a current threat, and this trend may continue if fire suppression activities remain constant and broadleaf species like red maple and black cherry increase under climate change. Also, a shift to more frequent crown fires could hamper regeneration of red pine.