Climate Adaptation Strategies and Approaches for Conservation and Management of Non-Forested Wetlands

Climate Adaptation Strategies and Approaches for Conservation and Management of Non-Forested Wetlands

Authors: Amy Staffen, Ryan P. O’Connor, Sarah E. Johnson, P. Danielle Shannon, Jason Fleener, Kelly Kearns, Hannah Panci, Mariquita Sheehan, Aaron Volkening, and Matthew Zine.

Year: 2019

Type: White Paper

Climate Hub region:Northern Forests Climate Hub

DOI: Not Applicable

Source: Not Applicable

Abstract

This publication provides perspectives, information, resources, and tools to wetland managers and natural resource professionals in the Midwest and Northeast regions of the United States as they endeavor to adapt natural communities and ecosystems to the anticipated effects of climate change.

In this publication, we identify potential strategies and approaches that facilitate climate adaptation while meeting wetland conservation or restoration management goals and objectives. Adaptation strategies and approaches are intended to build upon current management actions that work to sustain ecosystems over the long term and support site goals while also adjusting systems to changing conditions. While it is beyond the scope of this publication to comprehensively address all potential adaptation tactics applicable to the conservation of wetlands, we provide examples to guide thinking, recognizing that individual wetland management projects have unique goals. Wetland professionals, reliant on their expertise and judgement, can use the adaptation strategies and approaches presented in this document to develop custom adaptation tactics based on the local conditions.

Citation

Staffen, A., O’Connor, R., Johnson, S.E., Shannon, P.D., Kearns, K., Zine, M., Sheehan, M., Fleener, J., Panci, H., Volkening, A. 2019. Climate Adaptation Strategies and Approaches for Conservation and Management of Non-Forested Wetlands. Report NFCH-4. USDA Northern Forests Climate Hub. Houghton, MI: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Climate Hubs. 41 p.

Acknowledgments

This is a joint product of the USDA Northern Forests Climate Hub, the Wisconsin Initiative on Climate Change Impacts Plants and Natural Communities Working Group and the Northern Institute of Applied Climate Science, a collaborative, multi-institutional partnership led by the USDA Forest Service.