Montane spruce-fir | Adaptation Workbook

These forests occur at higher elevations (generally above 1500 feet) and are generally dominated by red spruce and balsam fir. They may also contain northern hardwood species, such as yellow birch or sugar maple.

Climate Impact Statements

Montane spruce-fir forests may lose suitable habitat to other forest types as temperatures and growing seasons increase.

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

Montane spruce-fir forests are especially vulnerable at lower elevations or more southern latitude

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.

Vulnerability

Moderate-High

Adaptive Capacity

Moderate

Potential Impacts

Disruptive

Applicable Sectors

Forest

Forested watershed

Forest Carbon Management

Recreation

Non-Forested Wetlands

Wildlife Management