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

2. DCNR Strategic Initiatives

3. 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 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

4. 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

5. 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.

6. 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

7. 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.

8. Foot bridge at Reeds Gap State Park