From: fws-news-bounces@lists.fws.gov 

[mailto:fws-news-bounces@lists.fws.gov] On Behalf Of FWS News and Information
Sent: Monday, April 18, 2011 2:03 PM
To: fws-news@lists.fws.gov
Subject: [fws-news] The Climate of Conservation in America: 50 Stories in 50States

**************************************************************
 Contact:
David Eisenhauer
703-358-2284
David_Eisenhauer@fws.gov

The Climate of Conservation in America: 50 Stories in 50 States

Starting this Earth Day, April 22, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service will
launch a series of 50 stories for 50 consecutive weekdays that will
explore the many ways accelerating climate change is impacting or may
impact fish and wildlife across America. No geographic region is immune.

Combined with other resource stressors, such as urbanization, invasive
species and water scarcity, climate change is disrupting natural systems
upon which wildlife and people depend. The series will cover 50 states,
examining regional challenges posed by climate change. Here are just a few
examples:

       On the Atlantic Coast, the rising sea is claiming historical
nesting grounds for shorebirds and sea turtles.
       Loss of snowpack and changing hydrology in the Pacific Northwest
is having a profound impact on native trout species.
       As human influence on the natural landscape increases in the Rocky
Mountain West, there is a growing need to secure opportunities for
wildlife to move between large blocks of protected public land that
provide valuable habitat for large mammals like the grizzly bear.
       With temperatures in the Northeast predicted to rise in the coming
years, the deep snow cover Canada lynx depend on may be significantly
reduced, eliminating their competitive advantage over other predators.

In keeping with the 2011 Earth Day theme of “A Billion Acts of Green,” the
stories also will highlight science-based solutions and collaborative
actions that are making a difference for wild things and wild places.

“All across America, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is working with
partners to develop a shared understanding of changing environmental
conditions and to inform resource management actions using the best
science available,” said Service Acting Director Rowan Gould. “We know the
future is not the past restored; conservation success rests in our
collective ability to work in unison to safeguard our Nation’s wildlife
heritage.”

A new story will be posted each day, Monday through Friday, at
http://www.fws.gov/news/blog/  Visitors to the site will also be able to
share their thoughts on the story. The Service’s climate change web page
at http://www.fws.gov/home/climatechange will provide easy access to all
of the stories in the series.

The mission of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is working with others
to conserve, protect and enhance fish, wildlife, plants and their habitats
for the continuing benefit of the American people. We are both a leader
and trusted partner in fish and wildlife conservation, known for our
scientific excellence, stewardship of lands and natural resources,
dedicated professionals and commitment to public service. For more
information on our work and the people who make it happen, visit
www.fws.gov