Conserving Freshwater and Coastal Resources in a Changing Climate

– Research adaptation techniques for
effectively preserving freshwater
systems as they respond to climate
change.
Long Term Recommendations
• Seek funding for LIDAR mapping.
• Support accurate, high resolution elevation
mapping for coastal wetlands.
• Floodplain mapping should be updated
to better predict future scenarios of
hydrological systems.
• Prioritize protection over restoration of
aquatic ecosystems.
• Establish long-term goals that consider midcentury
and end of century climate
predictions.
• Evaluate existing monitoring programs and
implement additional programs.
• Promote the use of conservation methods
which mimic natural processes.
• Promote the removal of existing and prevent
the construction of new hard structures.
• Promote migration corridors.
• Pay special attention to north/south
migration corridors.
Big Picture Recommendations
• Work with federal, state and local agencies
to strategically maximize the number of
aquatic ecosystems that are designated as
protected areas.
• Promote regional planning which integrates
climate change into land use and
conservation strategies.
• Promote stricter wetland protection at all
levels of government.
• Work with local land trusts and property
owners to build a vision of the future for
local properties that incorporates climate
change considerations.
• Continue to work to reduce other
anthropogenic stressors such as development,
pollution, and wetland drainage.
• Partner with other environmental non-profits
on climate change issues.
This report documents both the vulnerability and
resiliency of aquatic ecosystems. These natural areas
have been under increasing stress for centuries, yet have
managed to adapt and continue to thrive. Organizations
devoted to protecting ecosystems at risk have an important
role to play in preparing for and reacting to climate
change. By integrating climate change concerns into
their operations and the evaluation of their properties,
conservation organizations will be better equipped to
anticipate negative changes before they occur. This will
allow conservation planning to become more proactive,
providing freshwater and coastal ecosystems a greater
chance of survival, a critical element for the health of
the natural world as a whole.
Climate change is already affecting aquatic ecosystems.
Therefore, immediate action is imperative.
Photography by Harold E. Malde
Conserving Freshwater and Coastal Resources in a Changing Climate
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