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Climate zones play a significant role in shaping the forest ecosystems located within them by influencing multiple ecological processes, including growth, disturbances, and species interactions. Therefore, delineation of current and future climate zones is essential to establish a framework for understanding and predicting shifts in forest ecosystems. In this study, we developed and applied an efficient approach to delineate regional climate zones in the northeastern United States and maritime Canada, aiming to characterize potential shifts in climate zones and discuss associated changes in forest ecosystems. The approach comprised five steps: climate data dimensionality reduction, sampling scenario design, cluster generation, climate zone delineation, and zone shift prediction. The climate zones in the study area were delineated into four different orders, with increasing subzone resolutions of 3, 9, 15, and 21. Furthermore, projected climate normals under Shared Socioeconomic Pathways 4.5 and 8.5 scenarios were used to predict the shifts in climate zones until 2100. Our findings indicate that climate zones characterized by higher temperatures and lower precipitation are expected to become more prevalent, potentially becoming the dominant climate condition across the entire region. These changes are likely to alter regional forest composition, structure, and productivity. In short, such shifts in climate underscore the significant impact of environmental change on forest ecosystem dynamics and carbon sequestration potential. 

Eastern spruce budworm (Choristoneura fumiferana Clem; SBW) is a native forest pest that can severely damage spruce-fir forests in Maine. Monitoring SBW defoliation and populations is important to ensure forest managers make timely decisions regarding forest management. This research brief presents the results of a survey of Maine’s large forest owners and managers. Our findings indicate a need for clear policies and collaborations between forest organizations to prepare for a SBW outbreak. While many forest organizations use satellite imagery, personnel capacity and lack of knowledge are barriers to using remote sensing. We recommend strengthening forest health programs by hiring a remote sensing specialist and increasing knowledge and skills around remote sensing in Maine’s forest sector.