Secretary Cindy Adams Dunn Trout fishing at Ohiopyle State Park Connecting Conservation, Protection, Restoration, and Stewardship February 27, 2016

DCNR Strategic Initiatives

Why is this one of our initiatives? It’s a scientific fact that atmospheric carbon insulates the planet. No one has ever disputed the greenhouse effect. Global annual average temp. measured over both land and water had risen 0.8 C through 2012. As of 2015 it is 1 C Model simulations for natural influences include solar & volcanic. If it were just due to natural causes, we would have seen a slight cooling. If it were due to sun, stratosphere would be warming too, but it’s cooling. Source: U.S. National Climate Assessment

Projected Changes in Fish Habitat GHG emissions continue to increase unchecked GHG emissions are substantially reduced If greenhouse gas emissions aren’t reduced, increasing temperatures and changes in stream flows are likely to transform habitat currently suitable for coldwater fish into areas that are only suitable for warmwater fish Source: U.S. EPA

Current Impacts of Climate Change– Invasive Species The hemlock wooly adelgid has been spreading north as winters warm Kudzu is reproducing in Pennsylvania (photo from Lebanon County) Most invasives spread and thrive in a changing climate.

Riparian Buffers Stabilize eroding streambanks Provide shade, creating cool water which native brook trout and other species require Filter out pollutants such as fertilizers, chemicals, and sediment Offer natural flood control to protect downstream neighbors

Citizen Science Monitoring Citizen scientists have become significant contributors to our understanding of climate change. The programs listed on this slide allow citizens to report their observations on the timing of natural events from flowering and bud burst to animal migrations and severe weather events. The data is used by scientists to better understand the impacts of climate change on the natural world.

Foot bridge at Reeds Gap State Park