earthtalk

Which types of trees and forests are at risk?

Dear EarthTalk: How will global warming change the distribution of trees across the continental U.S.? Which types of trees and forests are most at risk?     — Mike Powers, Golden, Colo.

 

It’s true that climate change is already affecting tree distribution and forest cover in the United States (as well as everywhere), but only time will tell which tree species are most successful at adapting and whether we will lose significant amounts of forest cover overall.

“A walk in the woods or a stroll on a tree-lined street could be a very different experience just a few decades from now,” says U.S. Forest Service researcher Stephanie Worley Firley. “Higher temperatures, altered precipitation patterns and longer growing seasons predicted for the future could require that some tree species will have to move — or be moved — into new areas where habitat will be more suitable.” She adds that some tree species may be able to stay in place by adapting to new conditions, but many others are unlikely to be able to adapt and “may succumb to the pressures of climate change.”

One example of an iconic tree species that is already suffering from the effects of climate change is the Quaking Aspen, the most widely distributed tree species in North America. Given their shallow root systems, aspens are particularly sensitive to drought; warmer, drier weather overall as a result of global warming means more drought and more trouble for the trees moving forward. Researchers worry that aspens may be gone from the southern (and driest) band of its range within decades, and foresee drastic declines in the tree’s overall distribution as temperatures inch up, drought pervades and forest fires rage throughout the region.

Some other tree species on the ropes thanks to climate change include Sugar maple, Balsam fir, Black ash, Paper birch, White pine, Tamarack and Red spruce.

EarthTalk® is produced by Roddy Scheer & Doug Moss for the 501(C)3 nonprofit EarthTalk. See more at www.emagazine.com. Send questions to: question@earthtalk.org.

earthtalk
The views expressed here are not necessarily those of The Millerton News and The News does not support or oppose candidates for public office.

Latest News

Transfer Station gets grant for ‘pay as you throw’ garbage plan

Transfer Station gets grant for ‘pay as you throw’ garbage plan
The Salisbury-Sharon transfer station.
Patrick L. Sullivan
The application estimates a UBP (unit-based pricing) model at the Salisbury/Sharon Transfer Station will lower waste yields by 25-40% in the two towns

SALISBURY/SHARON — The governor’s office announced on Oct. 29 that the Salisbury/Sharon Transfer Station will receive a state grant to implement a unit-based pricing system —known as UBP or “pay as you throw” — and expand its composting operations.

The Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) awarded the transfer station $266,692 through its Sustainable Materials Management grant program. The funds will support a gradual, three-phase transition to a pay-per-bag model to replace the current $150 flat fee paid by households. Both the Salisbury and Sharon selectboards endorsed the application when it was submitted in June.

Keep ReadingShow less
waste management

SNAP delays prompt response from area food access advocates

SNAP delays prompt response from area food access advocates

The federal government shutdown has delayed SNAP benefits payouts nationwide, prompting New York State and Dutchess County governments to distribute millions of dollars in aid to food banks and pantries.

Dutchess County Executive Sue Serino announced on Friday, Oct. 31, that $1.5 million in reserve emergency funds would be distributed to food pantries across the county. The county plans to distribute $150,000 per week for 10 weeks to pantries across Dutchess.

Keep ReadingShow less
food access

Community Quilting Workshop returns to Wassaic

Community Quilting Workshop returns to Wassaic

The Wassaic Community Quilting Workshop welcomes all ages and skill levels. Expert quilters will be on hand to help guide the work.

Photo Courtesy Joshua Simpson Photography

WASSAIC — The third annual Wassaic Community Quilting Workshop with local artist Natalie Baxter will take place on Saturday, Nov. 15, from 1 to 5 p.m. at the Wassaic Fire Station. The free, drop-in event — which is held in partnership with the Wassaic Project — is open to the public and no quilting experience is required.

Participants can expect a hands-on workshop led by quilting pros where they will learn to design, cut and piece together a quilt square using sewing machines under the guidance of experienced quilters. The completed squares will be sewn into a large community quilt, to be displayed at the Wassaic Project’s Maxon Mills before being auctioned off to support the Wassaic Fire Company.

Keep ReadingShow less
community events

Pumpkin Smash returns to Millerton to promote composting

Pumpkin Smash returns to Millerton to promote composting

MILLERTON — Halloween may be in the rear view mirror, but don’t toss those pumpkins just yet.

In partnership with McEnroe Organic Farm, the North East Climate Smart task force will host its annual Pumpkin Smash at Eddie Collins Park on Saturday, Nov. 15, from 2 to 5 p.m. The family-friendly event aims to help community members dispose of their pumpkins in a fun, eco-friendly way.

Keep ReadingShow less
events