Fish, wildlife, and ecosystems across the Commonwealth and across the Northeast are being impacted by climate change. MassWildlife is participating in a number of projects to respond to these impacts and plan for the challenges ahead. Use the resources below to learn more about research and planning related to ecosystem resilience and climate adaptation.
Resources
Massachusetts Ecosystem Climate Adaptation Network: Mass ECAN is a community of practice for climate adaptation practitioners and researchers who are interested in ecosystem resilience and natural resources conservation. The goal of Mass ECAN is to build community, increase knowledge sharing, and foster collaboration among climate adaptation practitioners and researchers interested in ecosystem resilience across Massachusetts. The group maintains an email list and database of participants to facilitate collaboration and knowledge exchange.
Massachusetts Wildlife Climate Action Tool: The Massachusetts Wildlife Climate Action Tool can be used by local decision-makers, conservation managers, land trusts, regional planners, landowners, and community leaders in Massachusetts who are interested in taking action in response to climate change. Users can access information on climate change impacts and the vulnerabilities of various fish and wildlife and their habitats. The tool also allows users to explore adaptation strategies and actions to help maintain healthy, resilient natural communities in the face of climate change.
Massachusetts’ State Wildlife Action Plan: The State Wildlife Action Plan (SWAP) presents over 600 Species of Greatest Conservation Need (SGCN) in the Commonwealth, the 35 types of habitat that support these species, and the actions necessary to conserve them.
The Vulnerability of Northeastern Wildlife to Climate Change: Using decision science to inform management: This project focuses on developing assessments of wildlife in Massachusetts and mammals across the northeastern forest. The goal is to develop specific adaptation actions, including managing climate change refugia and incorporating actions into project planning at the state and forest level.