Download (PDF 949 KB): https://research.fs.usda.gov/download/treesearch/44413.pdf
Abstract
Addressing the increasing effects of climate change on natural resources requires multiple organizations, agencies, and institutions working cooperatively to incorporate climate change into resource management. In the Sky Island region of the southwestern United States and northern Mexico, Sky Island Alliance, a non-governmental organization, has convened a series of climate change adaptation workshops in cooperation with a variety of partners. This paper describes a process and methodology for bringing together federal and state agencies, local governments, non-profit organizations, tribal representatives, private landowners, and academic researchers in order to develop, on-the-ground and policy-level actions through climate change adaptation planning. Key outcomes of the workshops include: identification of climate change threats to and vulnerabilities of Madrean forest, riparian, desert, and grassland ecosystems in the Sky Island region; analysis of the effects of those changes in the region (both direct and indirect) and interacting factors; a list of ecosystem specific adaptation options for the region; a plan for implementation of an adaptation strategy; and development of a regional network of professionals working cooperatively to improve natural resource management under changing conditions. This paper highlights one approach for addressing the management and conservation challenges posed by climate change through collaborative engagement at a regional scale.
Parent Publication
Keywords
Madrean Archipelago,
Sky Islands,
southwestern United States,
northern Mexico,
natural environment,
fauna,
flora,
research,
management,
biodiversity,
climate change
Citation
Misztal, Louise W.; Garfin, Gregg; Hansen, Lara. 2013. Responding to climate change impacts in the Sky Island Region: From planning to action. In: Gottfried, Gerald J.; Ffolliott, Peter F.; Gebow, Brooke S.; Eskew, Lane G.; Collins, Loa C. Merging science and management in a rapidly changing world: Biodiversity and management of the Madrean Archipelago III and 7th Conference on Research and Resource Management in the Southwestern Deserts; 2012 May 1-5; Tucson, AZ. Proceedings. RMRS-P-67. Fort Collins, CO: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Rocky Mountain Research Station. p. 60-67.
