Policy challenges for wildlife management in a changing climate

Abstract

Try as it might, wildlife management cannot make wild living things adapt to climate change. Management can, however, make adaptation more or less likely. Given that policy is a rule set for action, policy will play a critical role in society’s efforts to help wildlife cope with the challenge of climate change. To be effective, policy must provide clear goals and be based on a clear understanding of the problem it seeks to affect. The “National Fish, Wildlife, and Plants Climate Adaptation Strategy” provides seven major goals and numerous policy related actions for wildlife management in a period of climate change. The underlying themes of these recommendations and the major challenges to their achievement are identified and discussed.

Parent Publication

• Forest conservation and management in the Anthropocene: Conference proceedings

Citation

Shaffer, Mark L. 2014. Policy challenges for wildlife management in a changing climate. In: Sample, V. Alaric; Bixler, R. Patrick, eds. Forest conservation and management in the Anthropocene: Conference proceedings. Proceedings. RMRS-P-71. Fort Collins, CO: US Department of Agriculture, Forest Service. Rocky Mountain Research Station. p. 427-441.