Abstract or Description
The Hemlock Woolly Adelgid (Adelges tsugae, HWA) is an invasive forest pest that was introduced to the Eastern U.S. in 1951. The HWA feeds on Eastern Hemlock (Tsuga canadensis) trees, which are an important component of the climax forest in Maine (Northern Research Station 2010, Carey 1993). These slow growing, shade tolerant trees will often die within 6 years of a HWA infestation. While much of the East Coast has seen devastating HWA outbreaks, Maine has largely been spared due to the HWA’s inability to survive in a colder climate (Paradis et al. 2007).
However, with warming winter temperatures due to climate change, it is possible that this protection could disappear in the future (NOAA). In this study, I use GIS techniques to quantify the amount of forest vulnerable to HWA invasion in the coming years.
Rights
Recommended Citation
Mealor, Drew "Hemlock Woolly Adelgid: Climate Change and Range Expansion," Atlas of Maine: Vol. 2013: No. 2, Article 4.Available at: https://digitalcommons.colby.edu/atlas_docs/vol2013/iss2/4