Chapter 4 Habitats
Table 4.4.15-1 Climate change compared to other threats to Piedmont and Coastal Plain oak forests.
Rank Order
Threat
Comments
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-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 are likely a result of prolonged fire suppression. It is an ongoing problem regardless of climate change. Climate change may exacerbate it, if it makes controlled burning more difficult, but ongoing development and population growth have a much greater effect. Wildfires are likely to remain easy to control in the Piedmont. In the future climate, there may be an increase in natural fires (due to increased drought and higher average temperatures), but landscape fragmentation and fire suppression practices likely will continue to prevent most fires from spreading very far in the Piedmont and in the dissected lands where Oak Forests occur in the Coastal Plain. Most Oak Forests are expected to benefit from increased fire frequency, as long as the fire intensity is not too high. Direct effects of the warmer climate on these communities are likely to be limited. Similar Oak Forests range well to the south of North Carolina. The most severe droughts and hot spells of recent record have had only limited effects on them because they occupy the driest places on the Piedmont landscape.
Invasive Species
3
Fire Suppression
4
Climate Change
5
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2025 NC Wildlife Action Plan
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