Until recently, research on climate change impacts on Pacific coastal forests has focused on conifers (Hagar, 2007). Deciduous trees are less often considered in climate change models, but forest managers are beginning to recognize their important role in ecosystem function (Hagar, 2007). Broadleaf trees including A. macrophyllum have been shown to play a significant role in the biodiversity of coastal forests, their presence is associated with abundance of bird and mammal species in particular (Hagar, 2007). A. macrophyllum also influences soil characteristics by increasing the nutrients and pH of soils which could foster conifer growth (Fried et. al., 1990; Hamdan & Schmidt, 2012). This is counter to the conventional view that a presence of deciduous vegetation promotes conifer mortality (Acer Macrophyllum pursh, 2018; Hamdan & Schmidt, 2012).
A few studies have considered the impacts of climate change on A. macrophyllum, and their results indicate that it is one of the least vulnerable trees in the Pacific Northwest (Case & Lawler, 2016; Hamann & Wang, 2006). While most conifers are expected to lose potential habitat, deciduous trees are not expected to experience significant habitat loss (Hamann & Wang, 2006). The range of A. macrophyllum is expected to increase by 50-75% by 2100 (Hamann & Wang, 2006; Hamdan & Schmidt, 2012). Researchers suggest that the resilience of this species is due to its high reproductive rates and long range dispersal (Case & Lawler, 2016; Hamann & Wang, 2006). In previous studies, the spatial patterns of the increase were not investigated, and the accuracy of predictions varies.