Blurredforest.jpg

THE NATURE CONSERVANCY, COLORADO

CLIMATE CHALLENGE: BIgger and hotter fires

grant award: $212,872; Year awarded: 2019

The ponderosa pine ecosystem on the Front Range of Colorado, serves as habitat for 250 vertebrate animals, including species that live only in this forest type, such as pygmy nuthatch, Abert’s squirrels, and Northern Goshawks. Climate change is predicted to significantly impact this ecosystem - specifically the frequency and severity of wildfire and post-fire regeneration. This will lead to the loss of crucial habitat, which provides climate connectivity between lower and higher elevations, carbon storage of 40 to 54 tons in every hectare, the lowering of local summer temperatures, and drinking water filtration for downstream cities. To increase the resilience of ponderosa pine forests to climate stressors, this project will reforest severely burned areas and apply forest thinning and prescribed burning to protect critical wildlife habitat.

 

 

The WCS Climate Adaptation Fund: proudly supporting innovative actions to address the impacts of climate change since 2011

WCS_Logo_SS.png
 
In this season of extreme temps and #wildfire, check out our blog on three adaptation strategies that work: @mongabay https://news.mongabay.com/2019/11/in-a-season-of-wildfire-three-strategies-that-work-commentary/
The Chickasaw Nation’s tribal territory has high #biodiversity and resilience, making it a strategic #conservation location. To ensure this landscape remains resilient in the face of climate change, TNC OK will use prescribed fire and promote c
With climate change driving hotter temps across the US, many areas are looking at an increased risk of drought and fires. For real, tested solutions to these threats, check out our project map and explore projects across different ecosystems/geograph
Did you see our summer newsletter? A lot has happened with the Fund so far this year! https://mailchi.mp/wcs/caf-summer-newsletter For updates like this, be sure to subscribe to our email list and continue following us at @WCSAdapts.
In the US, pine rockland ecosystems are found only in the southernmost part of FL, and 80% of these ecosystems are vulnerable to climate-driven sea-level rise. Our 2020 grant partner, @nababutterfly is restoring connectivity between pine rockland p
Our 2020 grant partner Borderlands Restoration Network is working in one of the remaining migratory wildlife corridors between the U.S. and Mexico. They are installing erosion control structures and revegetating native plant communities, to recharge
Southwest CO's Mancos River supports riparian ecosystems, and the livelihoods and Indigenous lands of over 4,000 people. However, this river is vulnerable to climate-driven drought. @mountainstudiesinstitute along w/ the Ute Mountain Ute Tribe is wor
Bringing climate adaptation to scale requires a well-developed strategic communications plan. Don't know where to start? Our website has a guide to help you out! https://www.wcsclimateadaptationfund.org/strategic-communications
Have you read our recent 5Ws paper? It introduces a framework to make #conservation and nature-based solutions more resilient to #climatechange, drawing on lessons learned from a decade of funding over 100 projects. Read it here: #nbs https://conbio.
California islands are scarce, have high endemism, and serve as a refuge for 17 species of seabirds. However, #climatechange and high temperatures are threatening their survival. @oikonos_org is providing 185 durable, climate-resilient nests for seab
As #drought impacts the West, we hope lessons can be drawn from projects that have dealt with this climate impact. Our project with @WWF improved water retention in the Big Bend region of TX by reconnecting the Rio Grande with its floodplain. Learn