By Dea Larsen Converse, Communications Director, Wisconsin Initiative on Climate Change Impacts
Wisconsin’s native habitats are already under stress from urban development, cultivation, and competition with non-native invasive species. The latest report from the Wisconsin Initiative on Climate Change Impacts (WICCI) shows that climate change is amplifying these non-climate stressors with impacts from warmer winters, more extreme storms, and competition from non-native species. The last two decades have been the warmest on record in Wisconsin and the past decade has been the wettest.
“Healthy and diverse habitats can better absorb the stresses of a rapidly changing climate. Increasing efforts to restore and protect vulnerable native habitats can help them adapt while also helping maintain outdoor recreational opportunities that are important for our economy.” – Amy Staffen, WICCI Plants and Natural Communities co-chair
But there is hope. The WICCI Plants and Natural Communities Working Group recommends science-based, climate adaptation-focused management approaches to help native habitats in Wisconsin and offers workshops for property managers and stakeholders to help translate concepts relating to climate change impacts into tangible, real-world actions. There is hope for the future but it’s up to us.
Read more here.