Coastal Forest Loss Speeds Up: Albemarle Peninsula trees retreat 21%; ghost forests spread faster​on October 8, 2026 at 4:36 am

Over the last 36 years, North Carolina’s coastal forests have seen a dramatic decrease in forest cover. The decline sped up after 2010 due to rising sea levels and increased salinity. The research revealed a troubling shift, with once green areas transforming into marshes, shrubs, or ghost forests. Moreover, extreme weather events have intensified the threat of saltwater intrusion, making these forests increasingly vulnerable.