The Southern Indiana forests that nature lovers will explore a century from now will be transformed by the impacts of global climate change, according to a new report from the U.S. Forest Service. They also may be less hospitable for humans and endangered species.
Upland forests in regions of moderate precipitation, like Southern Indiana, are among the most vulnerable to the impacts of global climate change, say the authors of the 254-page Central Hardwoods Ecosystem Vulnerability Assessment and Synthesis," which analyzes the forested, southern regions of Indiana, Illinois and Missouri.
"Projections suggest that northern mesic species such as sugar maple, American beech, and white ash may fare worse under future compared to current climate conditions," the report says. "But other species such as post oak and shortleaf and loblolly pine may benefit from projected changes in climate."