Short Summary
Stevens Point is located in the central part of Wisconsin on the Wisconsin River, about 110 miles north of Madison. With a population of just over 26,200, the city is home to a University of Wisconsin campus as well as a Mid-State Technical College campus. Stevens Point has 20 developed parks as well as a 27-mile hiking and biking trail, the Green Circle, that loops through the city and also connects with 45 miles of other trails that wind through forests, parks, wetlands, and rivers. The city’s forestry department has inventoried almost 7,000 trees throughout Stevens Point, including about 170 different species. Street trees provide $317,600 in annual benefits. Stevens Point experiences a typical Midwestern, temperate, humid continental climate. Understanding tree species vulnerability and climate change impacts in the region is crucial for developing effective management and adaptation approaches.
Tree Species Vulnerability
Species distribution modeling suggests that the changing climate will shift suitable habitat and heat and hardiness zones for various tree species in the Stevens Point region. In the tree species list identified for Stevens Point, 18 species have a low adaptability score, 64 species have a medium adaptability score, and 36 species have a high adaptability score. Climate change vulnerability of urban trees, including adaptive capacity and zone suitability under low and high emissions scenarios, is outlined in the tree species handout below.
Climate Change Impacts
The state of Wisconsin has warmed by 2-3°F since 1950 and is projected to warm by an additional 2-8°F by 2050. The state has also become 10-20% wetter since 1950 and the annual average is projected to increase. Extreme precipitation events may lead to flooding, which can result in runoff, erosion, infrastructure damage, and transportation issues. Human health impacts include heat-related illness, worsening chronic illnesses, mental health issues, injuries from dangerous weather events, infectious diseases spread by ticks and mosquitoes, and illnesses from contaminated food and water. A changing climate also impacts habitat and survivability of plants, fish, and wildlife, threatening the state’s annual $2 billion fishing industry. For example, warming water temperatures in lakes and streams will cause the loss of species such as Walleye, Northern Pike, and Brown Trout, while warm-water species such as Bluegill and Largemouth Bass will be favored.
Adaptation Demonstrations
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