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Managing for Tomorrow—A Climate Adaptation Decision Framework

Open-File Report 2025-1005
Prepared in cooperation with U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
By: , , , , , , and 
https://doi.org/10.3133/ofr20251005

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Abstract

Climate change presents new and compounding challenges to natural resource management. With changing climate patterns, managers are confronted with difficult decisions on how to minimize climate effects on habitats, infrastructure, and wildlife populations. To support climate adaptation decision making, we first conceptualized an approach that integrates the principles of the resist–accept–direct framework, climate scenario planning, and decision analysis into a general framework to support adaptation planning. This framework was implemented and refined by working with three National Wildlife Refuge System refuges within the Midwest Region. The objectives of this report are to describe the climate adaptation decision framework and provide guidance for how to apply the framework to support transparent, consistent, and decision-focused adaptation planning. We include a workbook to support the application of each step of the framework as well as lessons learned from our experiences developing the framework. The climate adaptation decision framework has wide applicability to aid adaptation planning within natural resource management and underscores the important role of engaging interest groups in climate adaptation decisions.

Suggested Citation

Bouska, K.L., Booker, J., Clark, S., Delaney, J., Eash, J., Post van der Burg, M., and Roop, H., 2025, Managing for tomorrow—A climate adaptation decision framework: U.S. Geological Survey Open-File Report 2025–1005, 53 p., https://doi.org/10.3133/ofr20251005.

ISSN: 2331-1258 (online)

Study Area

Table of Contents

  • Acknowledgments
  • Abstract
  • Introduction
  • Framework Development and Refinement Approach
  • Framework Steps
  • Additional Lessons Learned
  • Summary
  • Resources
  • References Cited
  • Glossary
  • Appendix 1. Illinois River National Wildlife and Fish Refuge Complex Climate Adaptation Workshop Summary
  • Appendix 2. Ottawa National Wildlife Refuge Complex Climate Adaptation Workshop Summary
  • Appendix 3. Agassiz National Wildlife Refuge Climate Adaptation Workshop Summary
  • Appendix 4. Climate Adaptation Decision Framework Workbook 
Publication type Report
Publication Subtype USGS Numbered Series
Title Managing for tomorrow—A climate adaptation decision framework
Series title Open-File Report
Series number 2025-1005
DOI 10.3133/ofr20251005
Publication Date April 11, 2025
Year Published 2025
Language English
Publisher U.S. Geological Survey
Publisher location Reston, VA
Contributing office(s) Upper Midwest Environmental Sciences Center
Description vi; 53 p.
Country USA
State Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Ohio, Wisconsin
Online Only (Y/N) Y
Additional Online Files (Y/N) N
Additional publication details