Jul. 5--With all the fuss these days over global warming and its potential effects on a worldwide scale, it's easy to forget sometimes that climate changes are having dire effects right here at home.

But a trio of conservation agencies recently published a report that gives some striking local perspective to a global issue.

The Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency, The Nature Conservancy and the National Wildlife Federation released the report titled "Climate Changes and Potential Impacts to Wildlife in Tennessee."

Some of the info should be sobering for Tennesseans:

By the end of the century, if current warming trends continue, the state's forests are expected to undergo changes in growth and composition, with some tree types expanding at the expense of others. Some high elevation forest types --like the ones that decorate the famed Great Smokey Mountains Park in eastern Tennessee -- could be dramatically impacted or lost entirely.

Migratory songbirds may alter their ranges, with some species like the Canada warbler disappearing from the state.

Larger floods and longer droughts could cause increased erosion, further displacement of wildlife, reduced water supply and the spread of invasive species like Asian carp.

It's enough to make locals start thinking more about a global problem.

"I deal with stuff all the time, and I still found certain parts of the report shocking," said Greg Wathen of the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency. "When you start thinking about things that could happen right here at home, it hits you a little harder."

Fish and fowl

What some people might find most frightening are the specific fish, bird and animal species mentioned.

According to the report, brook trout populations are expected to decline steadily if surface water temperatures continue to increase. The mega-popular striped bass will experience habitat loss and could disappear, putting many fishing guides out of business.

In large reservoirs, an increase in temperature will negatively affect the fish that thrive in cooler temperatures like walleye and sauger. The smallmouth bass -- one of Tennessee's most beautiful game fish and a favorite among tournament and recreational bass anglers -- could also be forced into a smaller range.

"We're already seeing some of these things happen," Wathen said. "I do a lot of trout fishing myself, and brook trout have already pretty much disappeared from some of the places I fish.