Lowland mixed conifer | Adaptation Workbook

These forests typically have saturated soils, which may also be acidic or nutrient-poor. Conifer or mixed conifer-hardwood species include black spruce, red spruce, tamarack, balsam fir, eastern hemlock, and red maple.

Climate Impact Statements

Lowland conifer forests may have limited tolerance to changes in precipitation and water tables.

Organic soils may be more vulnerable to change in lowland mixed conifer forests.

Many of the dominant tree species are expected to decline by the end of the century, including black spruce, red spruce, northern-white cedar and balsam fir.

Warmer temperatures may allow balsam woolly adelgid to increase, while dampening the effects of the eastern spruce budworm in the northern New England and New York.

Changes in herbivore populations may also have substantial effects on forest growth and composition, especially in regard to northern-white cedar.

Vulnerability

Moderate-High

Adaptive Capacity

Low-Moderate

Potential Impacts

Disruptive

Applicable Sectors

Forest

Forested watershed

Forest Carbon Management

Recreation

Non-Forested Wetlands

Wildlife Management