Strategic Conservation

Federal, state and regional initiatives may provide funding, resources or support to assist land trusts with climate change planning, management and public education projects:

• U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Landscape Conservation Cooperatives
• U.S. Department of Interior, Regional Climate Science Centers
• NOAA Coastal Services Center, Digital Coast
• U.S. EPA, Climate Ready Estuaries
• State Wildlife Action Plans
• Additional resources for federal and state initiatives

U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Landscape Conservation Cooperatives

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is currently establishing region-based Landscape Conservation Cooperatives (LCCs) throughout the United States. These management-science partnerships will inform management actions addressing climate change and other stressors. LCCs may assist partners, such as land trusts, in developing a shared vision for conservation across the landscape that best protects biodiversity over the long term. The LCC program is open to participation from local and state governments, federal agencies, and NGOs. Funding opportunities are available.

U.S. Department of Interior, Regional Climate Science Centers

Eight regional DOI Climate Science Centers (CSCs) deliver basic climate change impact data within their regions across the United States. The network of CSCs will also provide tools for studying climate change impacts and managing land, water, fish and wildlife resources. The centers focus on regional climate change impacts and adaptation strategies. Learn more at the National Climate Change and Wildlife Center website.

NOAA Coastal Services Center, Digital Coast

The Digital Coast is a partnership led by NOAA Coastal Services Center that addresses coastal management issues, including land use, coastal conservation, hazards, marine spatial planning, and climate change. Digital Coast provides access to data, training, tools, and application examples relevant to coastal resource management. Learn more at the NOAA Coastal Services Center website.

U.S. EPA, Climate Ready Estuaries

The EPA Climate Ready Estuaries program works with the National Estuary Program and other coastal managers to assess climate change vulnerabilities, develop and implement adaptation strategies, engage and educate stakeholders, and share the lessons learned with other coastal managers. Learn more by visiting the Climate Ready Estuaries website, which offers information on climate change impacts in different estuary regions, access to tools and resources to monitor changes, and information to help managers develop adaptation plans for estuaries and coastal communities.

State Wildlife Action Plans

A number of states are engaging partners in the process of updating their State Wildlife Action Plans to address the impacts of climate change on wildlife and habitats. You can learn more about your state's Wildlife Action Plan by visiting the Wildlife Action Plans website, and selecting your state from the Explore the Action Plans dropdown list on the right.

Learn More

Find information about federal, regional, and state initiatives here.