This year on Earth Day, April 22, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and its partners launched an unprecedented series of 50 stories for 50 consecutive weekdays that explores the many ways accelerating climate change is impacting or may impact fish and wildlife across America.
In keeping with the 2011 Earth Day theme of “A Billion Acts of Green,” the series covers 50 states, examining regional challenges posed by climate change. They also will highlight science-based solutions and collaborative actions that are making a difference for wild things and wild places.
The 50 stories will cover a broad range of issues and impacts. Upcoming stories include:
Water pollution, agriculture runoff and the construction of dams and reservoirs have already shrunken habitat for rare fish and mussel species in Oklahoma. A historic drought is compounding the problem. And now, biologists speculate the fish and mussels could face another potential stressor: rising stream temperatures as a result of climate change.
Changes in water temperature and the unpredictability of a changing climate are complicating already challenging efforts to restore and rebuild populations of Southern Appalachian brook trout across East Tennessee and its southern range. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is working with its partners in the Eastern Brook Trout Joint Venture to develop the science needed to restore populations of brook trout and strengthen their long-term sustainability in cold-water fisheries so popular among anglers.
Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge is the first national wildlife refuge in the nation to develop a comprehensive strategy to adapt to sea-level rise before it is too late.
A new story is posted each day, the project will be completed this month. Visit www.fws.gov and share your thoughts on the story for your state. The Service’s climate change web page at www.fws.gov/home/climatechange provides easy access to all of the stories in the series.
Category: Mother Nature