In response to increasing impacts of climate change and other stressors on America’s natural resources, the United States Congress has called for the development of a national, government-wide strategy to safeguard fish, wildlife, plants, and the natural systems upon which they depend.
The National Fish, Wildlife and Plants Climate Adaptation Strategy is currently being developed with input from a broad range of federal, state, and tribal partners, with active engagement with non-government organizations, industry groups, and private landowners.
Co-Chairs
Leading this effort are three co-chairs:
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS), representing the Department of the Interior, is the primary government agency dedicated to the conservation, protection, and enhancement of fish, wildlife, plants, and their habitats. The Service manages the National Wildlife Refuge System and implements some of our most important environmental laws.
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) is the scientific agency within the Department of Commerce focusing on the conditions of the oceans and the atmosphere. NOAA guides the use and protection of ocean and coastal environments, conducts applied scientific research, and provides weather, climate and ecosystem information.
The New York Division of Fish, Wildlife, and Marine Resources manages the state’s fish, wildlife, and marine systems. As a co-chair of this effort, the Division represents all state fish and wildlife agencies more broadly.
In addition, the Fish and Wildlife Service has entered into a cooperative agreement with the Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies (AFWA) to provide support for developing the Strategy. AFWA is the national association of state fish and wildlife agencies, and works to advance sound, science-based management and conservation of fish and wildlife and their habitats in the public interest.
Visit the links at left to learn more about the Management and Technical Teams and the many partners and participants in this national effort, or to Contact Us or, learn more about the process and timeline for developing the Strategy.
