Climate change, no matter who you ask, is either real or a biased phenomenon that is altering our planet at an alarming rate. As temperatures rise, weather events become more dangerous and ecosystems suffer from climate change can be seen as a real problem. One of the places hardest hit by climate change is the delicate ecosystem of northern Minnesota. In northern Minnesota two of the state's largest ecosystems come together and create a very delicate transition zone called the prairie-forest ecotone. In this area, vast coniferous and deciduous forests transform into tallgrass prairies, an area where climate change can have a major impact on plant and wildlife communities, disturbance regimes and forest succession. As the climate continues to change, numerous species will be affected by climate change and will continue to be negatively affected. Currently, temperatures in Minnesota are increasing at an alarming rate and forecasts call for a 1.5°C to 2°F increase in spring and summer temperatures as early as 2025-2035 and winter and fall temperatures are expected to increase as well between 5°C and 8°C (Lenarz et al 2009). As temperatures rise, many species that need and depend on cooler temperatures begin to suffer. Minnesota's transition zone is an area filled with a delicate mix of tree and grass communities that require specific temperatures, growing season lengths, and natural disturbances to maintain the delicate balance. To help maintain the balance of plant communities, many studies have revealed large and continuous changes in the distribution and abundance of various plant taxa in response to climate change (Umbanhowar Jr, 2004). The most important event that is happening... middle of the paper... temperatures. In 2007, an aerial survey of moose populations showed substantial declines due to climate change and malnutrition (Lenarz 2008). Climate change in wildlife is a cumulative process that is changing the health of moose and could lead to very serious disease or death. Climate change is introducing a number of changes in the plant and wildlife community along with these changes in normal disturbance regimes, and forest succession is also changing. Increased heat and decreased humidity have ushered in a new era of grasslands in the area, and along with that, increased the threat of wildfire in the area. As more fires occur, small trees have no chance to grow and remain fodder for small to medium-sized herbivores. But fire is not the only disturbance that occurs in this area and is in second place, after the beetle.