Evidence – Air Temperature Air temperatures up 0.74 degrees C in the past 100 years Copyright IPCC

Evidence – Precipitation Droughts have increased in duration and frequency Copyright IPCC Drought Index Trend

Evidence – Sea Level Rise Since 1993 rate of sea level rise has nearly doubled Sea level Increases are variable Copyright IPCC Sea Level Rise High on North American Coasts

Evidence – Glaciers Glaciers declining across the globe Copyright IPCC Glacial Mass

Air temperatures will continue to rise Snowfall will decrease The speed at which glaciers and sea ice melts will increase The ocean temperature will rise further Precipitation patterns will shift The Future Threat Photo courtesy of South Dakota Department of Tourism

What It Means in the Field Rising sea levels Extreme weather events Change in vegetative types Drought Milder winters Dry conditions Warmer temperatures

Example from the Field Contraction in range of coldwater fish From: Flebbe et al Predicted Distribution of Wild Brook Trout Current Distribution of Wild Brook Trout

Waterfowl

Factors Affecting Waterfowl Habitat Precipitation changes Drought Sea-level rise

Consequences for the Future Prairie Pothole region: 90% wetlands lost Upper Great Lakes: 39% waterfowl lost LA’s Chenier Plain: 99% waterfowl lost Atlantic and Pacific Coastal Zones: major breeding and migration habitats lost Western Boreal Forest: 12-15M waterfowl threatened

What It Means in the Field Fewer birds, shorter seasons Change in migration patterns More conservation efforts by hunters and governments

Example from the Field Vanishing Prairie Potholes

Freshwater Fish

Factors Affecting Freshwater Fish Habitat Rise in water temperature Flooding Drought Sea level rise Photo courtesy of South Dakota Department of Tourism

Consequences for the Future 42% of trout and salmon habitat lost Pacific Northwest salmon populations slashed up to 40% In localized areas bull trout reduced up to 90% Lower Appalachians up to 97% reductions Expansion of noxious weeds

What It Means on the Water Fishing spots will change Favorite fish will relocate Public water rights will conflict with private interests Limits and management practices will change

Example from the Field Trout at Risk

Big Game

Factors Affecting Big Game Habitat Precipitation: rain, snow and runoff. Temperature: global rise and regional adjustments

Consequences for the Future Increased parasite infestation Reduced food quality and habitat Habitat fragmentation

Upland Birds Photo courtesy of South Dakota Department of Tourism

Factors Affecting Upland Bird Habitat Increased air temperature Rain Snowfall Invasive species

Consequences for the Future Major reductions numbers An influx of invasive species Shrinking numbers of bobwhite quail Photo courtesy of South Dakota Department of Tourism

What It Means in the Field Fewer birds in the bag Birds concentrated in reduced cover Habitat dependent on human intervention Partnerships between hunters and public agencies

Example from the Field Reduced pheasant egg hatchability during first 48 hrs. of incubation (Yeatter 1950)

Strategies for Hope

83% Agree Issue is Serious

71% Expect Decrease in Game 71% are concerned

What ’ s Needed Mandatory cap Funding for research and projects An aggressive implementation plan Photo courtesy of South Dakota Department of Tourism

Take Responsibility Support existing conservation programs Promote new public policy initiatives Insist that global warming be considered Demand action