Plan

USFWS National Fish, Wildlife, and Plants Climate Adaptation Strategy

Summary

The purpose of the National Fish, Wildlife and Plants Climate Adaptation Strategy is to inspire and enable natural resource administrators, elected officials, and other decision makers to take action to adapt to a changing climate. Adaptation actions are vital to sustaining the nation’s ecosystems and natural resources— as well as the human uses and values that the natural world provides.

Year

2024

Details

Hazards Addressed

Changing Seasons

Erosion and Shoreline Recession

Flooding – Coastal

Flooding – General

Flooding – Rainfall-induced

Multiple or All Hazards

Severe Winter Weather

Vector-Borne Disease

Assets

Agriculture and Food Supply

Critical Facilities

Energy and Utilities

Multiple or All Assets

Natural Areas and Wildlife

Transportation and Mobility

Urban Landscape and Tree Canopy

Water Infrastructure – General

View the Plan

Options Used

Review existing legal, regulatory and policy frameworks that govern floodplain mapping, flood insurance and flood mitigation. Identify opportunities to improve their usefulness to reduce risks and increase Restore existing wetlands to provide resilient habitats, improve water quality and slow floodwaters. Increase floodplain and channel roughness to help dissipate the anticipated increase in runoff. Install bioengineered surfaces (e.g., vegetation incorporated with wood and rock to harden channels) along

Restore disturbance regimes as appropriate to emerging conditions, including instituting human-assisted disturbance where necessary (e.g., prescribed fire).

Steps to Resilience

Understand Exposure

Assess Vulnerability & Risk

Investigate Options

Prioritize & Plan

Plans

USFWS National Fish, Wildlife, and Plants Climate Adaptation Strategy

Organizations to Contact

U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS)

Council on Environmental Quality

National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA)

Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies (AFWA)

Relevant Options

Ensure food infrastructure located near vulnerable populations is easily accessible during severe weather.

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