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Climate change adaptation for the US National Wildlife Refuge System
Brad Griffith1, J Michael Scott, Robert Adamcik
1USGS-Alaska Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit, University of Alaska Fairbanks, Fairbanks, AK 99775, USA. brad.griffith@uaf.edu
Environmental Management
|June 24, 2009
Summary
The National Wildlife Refuge System (NWRS) faces complex climate change challenges. System-wide planning and immediate adaptation are crucial for maintaining biological integrity and conserving species.
Area of Science:
- Conservation Science
- Climate Change Ecology
- Wildlife Management
Background:
- The U.S. National Wildlife Refuge System (NWRS), established in 1903, comprises 635 units and 37 Wetland Management Districts.
- NWRS units provide essential seasonal habitats for migratory waterfowl and other species.
- Decades-long stressors like habitat loss, invasive species, pollution, and water competition are exacerbated by climate change.
Purpose of the Study:
- To analyze the challenges climate change poses to the NWRS.
- To identify necessary strategic responses for adaptation.
- To ensure the NWRS fulfills its mandate of maintaining biological integrity, diversity, and environmental health.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing stressors and their interaction with climate change within the NWRS.
- Assessment of the NWRS's capacity to respond to climate change impacts.
- Identification of key components for a strategic, system-wide adaptation plan.
Main Results:
- Climate change presents a pervasive and complex challenge, interacting with existing stressors.
- Geographic isolation and small unit sizes compound climate change impacts.
- The NWRS has latitude to respond through species-focused conservation and maintaining ecological health.
Conclusions:
- Individual refuge-level actions are insufficient; system-wide strategic planning is essential for climate change adaptation.
- Immediate adaptation requires integrated research and management, with rigorous future projections.
- Expanding the NWRS conservation footprint via land acquisition, partnerships, and education is vital.
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