Chapter 4 Habitats
Addendum 2
TABLE 4.43 Comparison of climate change with other threats to Piedmont and Coastal Plain oak forests
Rank Order
Threat
Comments
Development
1
The extensive examples in the Piedmont and the more limited range examples in the Coastal Plain continue to be rapidly destroyed by ongoing urban, suburban, rural, residential, and commercial development. Continued population growth makes this the most severe threat in the current and the future climate. However, the fragmentation and loss of extent will increase the alteration caused by climate change, as isolated communities are unable to migrate, and species are unable to move to more favorable sites. Typical past logging practices, both high-grading and clearcutting, have had negative impacts on forest structure and composition, often converting oak forest to other types. Incentives for logging practices geared toward restoration rather than purely short-term financial objectives will reduce (but not eliminate) the negative impacts of logging. While many examples harvested in the past regenerated as oak forests, many harvested at present become dominated by successional pine, maple, or other hardwoods and it is unclear if oak dominance will return. The loss of old trees caused by increased disturbance coupled with future climate conditions will exacerbate impacts caused by timber harvest. Demand for biofuels may reduce timber rotations and may provide incentives to harvest additional areas that have not been commercially viable. Tree-of-heaven, princess tree, autumn-olive, and other invasive plants are likely to continue to expand regardless of the climate. A number of smaller invasive plants are increasing in disturbed oak forests and pose a risk of increase. Emerald ash borer is a severe threat to the ash component of Dry and Dry — Mesic Basic Oak — Hickory Forest. Exotic diseases, such as the sudden oak death fungus, represent a severe potential threat even under the current climate. Increased drought may make forests more susceptible to other diseases and pests. The threat posed by fire regime alteration is less certain in rank. Lack of fire is causing slow changes in composition, including reduced oak regeneration. The growth of dense shade-tolerant understories and the consequent failure of oaks to regenerate is
Extractive Uses/ Timber Harvest
2
Invasive Species
3
Fire Suppression
4
2022 Addendum 2 NC Wildlife Action Plan
4A2- 7
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