Future Forests of Coastal Maine: An experimental study of sapling survival in a changing climate

Moskowitz, Jess; Fisichelli, Nicholas

From the abstract: "The forests of coastal Maine are experiencing many changes, including warming temperatures, altered precipitation regimes, tree pests, and abundant deer. How will the forests of Maine respond to these pressures? Which tree species will thrive and which may decline? Will we continue to see historically dominant northern ranging tree species thrive in Downeast and Midcoast Maine or will more warm-adapted southernly species shift northwards and become dominant? To address these questions we conducted a pilot study planting and monitoring survival for saplings of eight species, some species historically dominant in the region and some southern ranging. Saplings were planted at four sites from Penobscot Bay to the Schoodic Peninsula. Initial results of this study point towards sapling survival varying both by planting location and species. While research examining specific stressors and tree survival are needed, we hope the results of this pilot study will help direct such research and inform conservation actions in support of more resilient forests here in coastal Maine."