1. Dr. Bruce Stein National Wildlife Federation
Incorporating Climate Considerations into DoD Integrated Natural Resource Management Plans Resource Legacy Project
Dr. Bruce Stein National Wildlife Federation
Dr. Dawn Lawson
Navy SPAWAR
March 28, 2018

2. Extreme Weather and Non-Stationary Climate Pose Risks to DoD Resources and Readiness
Natural hazards have always been around, but climate change is increasing the risks from extreme weather and natural hazards.
Annual number of billion dollar plus natural disasters has more than doubled over long term average based on NOAA data
For example, in Northeast US, heavy precipitation events have increased by 71% over the past 50 years, according to most recent National Climate Assessment
Sea level along eastern seaboard has increased by about a foot in many places; creates an elevated launch pad for storm surge.
Costs of responding to and recovering from these natural disasters has been spiraling out of control – National Flood Insurance Program now more than 23 billion in debt
[Note image at right is Hurricane Joaquin “firehose”, which caused historic flooding in South Carolina in Oct. 2015]

3. Adaptation Guide Project Goals
Develop a user-friendly climate adaptation guide for installation natural resource planners and managers
Training
Develop and deliver associated outreach and training based on the guide

4. Project Performers
Dr. Bruce Stein (PI), Chief Scientist, National Wildlife Federation
Dr. Dawn Lawson (Co-PI), Ecologist, Navy Space and Naval Warfare Systems Command
Dr. Carolyn Enquist, Deputy Director, USGS Southwest Climate Science Center
Patty Glick, Senior Adaptation Specialist, National Wildlife Federation
Service Advisors
Air Force - Diane Pancoska, Paul Jurena
Army - Lorri Schwartz
Marine Corps - Lance Bookless, Jaqueline Rice
Navy - Tammy Conkle, Christy Wolf
National Guard - Michelle Richards

5. Design Considerations Need to Support Wide Variety of Installations and Managers
Cross-Service
Air Force, Army, National Guard, Navy, Marine Corps
Diversity of geographies and ecosystems
Coastal, desert, mountain, arctic, etc.
Varying sectors/program elements
T&E species, wetlands, BASH, fire management, invasives, forestry, etc.
Varying levels of technical expertise
Large and small installations

6. Building on Existing Work
Existing DoD Guidance
INRMP template/climate guidance
Ecosystem management approach
SERDP climate/resilience research
Climate-Smart Framework
Collaboratively developed, interagency planning process
Vetted and in wide application
Non-prescriptive
Builds on existing work
Focus on options and best practices for adaptation

7. High-Level Options for Incorporating Climate into INRMP
Include in INRMP as appendix
Greater flexibility
Can be a good starting point
Fully integrate into main body of INRMP
Enhances connection with multiple program elements and existing activities
May require more external coordination

8. Adaptation as Iterative Risk Management
Monitor and Adjust As Needed
Assess Climate Risks
Develop Adaptation Responses
Implement Risk Reduction Measures

9. INRMP Adaptation Planning Process
Getting Started
Conduct project scoping
Assemble planning team
Compile background information
Understand Climate Risks
Identify key climate concerns; project plausible future conditions
Assess vulnerability of target natural resources
Assess implications for INRMP goals and installation mission
Respond to Climate-Risks
Identify possible adaptation responses
Evaluate feasibility/effectiveness of possible responses
Select priority risk-reduction measures
Implement Risk Reduction Measures
Incorporate priority actions into INRMP implementation table
Execute new activities/projects as needed
Modify existing activities/projects as needed
Monitor and Adjust
Articulate expected results and indicators; Identify adaptive management thresholds
Monitor ecological responses, project effectiveness
Reinitiate adaptation planning as needed

10. Structure of Guide Introduction Climate Risks to DoD Natural Resources
Climate Adaptation – An Overview
Understanding Climate Change Basics
Addressing Climate in INRMPs
Adaptation Planning – A Step-by-Step Process
Appendices
Key Resources
Checklist
Supporting Worksheets

11. Training and Outreach
Associated training to build on multi- year adaptation training program with FWS/National Conservation Training Center
Pilot training to take place in August at SMR conference
Rollout strategy will combine in- person and remote. May include “train the trainer” opportunities.

12. Project Status
Brief at Pentagon to DoD Conservation Committee (March 2018)
Review draft of guide projected for early summer 2018
Pilot training to be held August at SMR in St. Louis
Final version of guide projected for late 2018
Outreach and additional training into 2019

13. Discussion: Adaptation Training Needs and Opportunities
Possible training venues?
Regional and/or topical training needs?
“Train the trainer” and other opportunities for scaling up?