Climate change strategy available for review and comment

edited from DOI press release……

In 2010, Congress called for a national, government-wide strategy to address impacts of changing climate, and directed the President’s Council on Environmental Quality and the Department of the Interior to develop it. CEQ and Interior brought together a partnership of federal, state and tribal fish and wildlife conservation agencies to draft the strategy. More than 100 researchers and resource managers from across the country contributed to the draft document.

That draft titled “National Fish, Wildlife and Plants Climate Adaptation Strategy” is available for public review and comment through March 5, 2012. It can be found on the web at www.wildlifeadaptationstrategy.gov

The strategy creates a framework for unified action to safeguard fish, wildlife and plants, as well as the important benefits and services the natural world provides, including jobs, food, clean water, clean air, building materials, storm protection, and recreation.

Department of Interior Deputy Secretary David J. Hayes noted: “The impacts of climate change are already here and those who manage our landscapes are already dealing with them. The reality is that rising sea levels, warmer temperatures, loss of sea ice and changing precipitation patterns – trends scientists have definitively connected to climate change – are already affecting the species we care about, the services we value, and the places we call home. A national strategy will help us prepare and adapt.”

Author Comment:  Coastal areas are especially vulnerable to changes that can affect recreational boaters, marinas and other shore-based services. It is incumbent upon the boating community to pay attention to this report, and be sure that it addresses those interests.

The draft Strategy is available for review and comment. The 45-day public comment period is from January 20 to March 5.