PENNSYLVANIA CLIMATE CHANGE ADAPTATION STRATEGY
NATURAL RESOURCES WORKING GROUP
October 15, 2010 (10:00 am to 3:00 pm)
DCNR Topographic and Geologic Survey Learning Center, Middletown, PA
Attendees:
-Co-Chair Nels Johnson – The Nature Conservancy
- Co-Chair Sally Just – PA Department of Conservation and Natural Resources
- Doug Austen – US Fish and Wildlife Service - Landscape Conservation Cooperatives
- Greg Czarnecki – PA Department of Conservation and Natural Resources
- Rob Davidson – PA Department of Agriculture
- Dave Day – PA Fish and Boat Commission
- Mary Ann Furedi – PA Natural Heritage Program
- Sara Grisé – Pennsylvania State University - PA Sea Grant
- Dave Heicher – Susquehanna River Basin Commission
- Kim Hoover – PA Department of Environmental Protection - Climate Change Program
- Diane Husic - Moravian College
- Benjamin Jones – Pennsylvania Game Commission
- Austin Kane – National Wildlife Federation
- Collin Koers – Allegheny National Forest
- Matt Kowalski – PA Natural Heritage Program
- Dan Kunkle - Lehigh Gap Nature Center
- Neil Leary - Dickinson College
- Laura Leites – Pennsylvania State University – School of Forestry
- Huang S. Lin – Department of Environmental Protection
- Stephanie Livelsberger – PA Department of Conservation and Natural Resources
- Andrew Pitz – Natural Lands Trust
- Greg Podniesinski – PA Department of Conservation and Natural Resources
- Jessica Seminara – The Nature Conservancy
- Erica Smithwick – Pennsylvania State University – Department of Geography
- Jim Thorne – Natural Lands Trust
- Chad Voorhees – PA Department of Conservation and Natural Resources – Bureau of Forestry
- Jack Williams - PA Trout Unlimited
- Rob Witmer – PA Department of Conservation and Natural Resources – Bureau of Forestry
- Paul Zeph – Pennsylvania State University - PA Sea Grant
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Introduction / Overview of Process
Nels and Sally provide an overview of the timeline for the overall climate change adaptation report to be
issued by DEP. Our report is due to them November 22. Nels and Sally will put together a report to give
to DEP to meet this deadline. We have been given limitations on the amount of information to include in
this report; however, we will not lose any of the details that have been shared or discussed in our
meetings.
This group will meet December 8th to look at our key priorities and cross-cutting issues. We will develop
a work plan for 2011, so that we will continue to move forward on adaptation issues. There is a lot we
can do to address climate change adaptation without formally being tasked with this assignment.
Next on the agenda, each sector group will report on the assignment completed in September to reorganize and prioritize key issues and actions, as well as assign them a short or long term and high or
low resources designation. As the attendees listen, they are instructed to keep track of possible crosscutting issues / actions. We will look at these cross-cutting issues and actions this afternoon.
Plants/Wildlife – Greg Czarnecki
Greg shares that his group began the assignment with a disorganized list of ideas, but few actions. A
two- hour call helped them to organize the list. These issues and actions are high level, and do not
represent everything that can be done. The group tried to look at short - and long- term and high or low
resources designations. They recognized that a lot of data already exists and a lot of work is being done.
Below are the key issues and actions for plants / wildlife. Comments we have received from Ben Jones
and Diane Husic will be incorporated by Nels and Sally.
PLANTS / WILDLIFE KEY ISSUES / ACTIONS
1. KEY ISSUE: Species vulnerability to climate change
 Complete climate vulnerability assessment by PA Natural Heritage Program and consider habitat
and ecosystem vulnerability assessment. (short term, high resources)
 Locate existing or collect new data to establish baseline conditions for vulnerable species and
establish a central database for vulnerable and ecologically valuable species. (short term, high
resources)
 Establish a statewide monitoring and research network that includes universities, community
colleges, and environmental groups. (long term, high resources)
2. KEY ISSUE: Phenological disruption
 Create a centralized and coordinated phenological network in Pennsylvania. (short term, high
resources)
 Evaluate the consequences of and the potential responses to phenological disruptions. (long
term, high resources)
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3. KEY ISSUE: Invasive species and pathogens
 Conduct predictive modeling and risk assessment for invasive species and pathogens that may
be moving into the state (long term, high resources)
 Incorporate climate change into the invasive species management plan (short term, low
resources)
 Establish monitoring and an early detection plan for invasives and pathogens (long term, high
resources)
4. KEY ISSUE: Ability of species to migrate, disperse, and change ranges
 Identify pathways and refuges using existing studies and additional research as needed (short
term, high resources)
 Protect existing vital corridors and refuges (long term, high resources)
 Reestablish necessary corridors (long term, high resources)
5. KEY ISSUE: Maintaining ecosystem function & resilience
 Identify and prioritize habitat and ecosystems most vulnerable to climate change and other
stressors. (short term, high resources)
 Develop protective measures, which include genetic and biological diversity concerns, for these
at risk habitats and ecosystems. (long term, high resources)
6. KEY ISSUE: Working across geographic and organizational boundaries
 Establish a formal climate change working group comprised of PA Game Commission, DCNR, PA
Fish and Boat, federal agencies, academic institutions, the business community, and
environmental NGOs. (short term, low resources)
 Collaborate with existing regional climate change initiatives. (short term, low resources)
 Explore developing new collaboratives with surrounding states. (long term, high resources)
Dave Day asked about consideration for species suites, etc.? The WRCP may possibly convene a group
on this (universities, etc.). Mary Ann Furedi added that we have chosen some species as indicators for
certain habitats, suites, etc. in the CCVI.
Freshwater – Andy Pitz
Andy explains that the group had a lot of re-organizing to do, and that we moved actions around,
consolidated some actions and added new actions, too.
Andy reviewed with the group the freshwater key issues and actions that appear below.
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FRESHWATER KEY ISSUES / ACTIONS
1. KEY ISSUE: Thermal Changes to Rivers, Streams, Lakes and Wetlands
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Develop a regional or statewide water temperature monitoring system to track changes in
thermal conditions of aquatic habitats in order to help target areas where enhancements are
needed. (Short-term (but could be extended), Low)
Develop and use ecological flow thresholds to manage withdrawals so they do not increase
thermal stress on sensitive species and habitats (Long-term, High)
NEW: Utilize Active River Area (ARA) as a tool to prioritize protection.
Protect springs, seeps, vernal pools and known infiltration zones. (Long-term, High)
2. KEY ISSUE: Altered Hydrology, Changes in Natural Flow Regimes, Changes in Groundwater Use and
Recharge
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Revise storm water regulations to accommodate increase in precipitation and runoff / Update
and install storm water BMPs / Restrict use of impervious surfaces in key watershed areas.
(Long-term, High)
Protect and restore floodplain wetlands and forest areas to reduce runoff amounts and rates.
(Long-term, High)
Provide for more complex physical instream habitat and reconnect streams to floodplains to
reduce runoff amounts and rates, and to provide instream thermal, drought and winter refugia
for fish and other organisms. (Long-term, High)
o Require accommodation of increased flow and need for fish/wildlife passage in new and
rehabilitated bridges and culverts – subset of restoring natural morphology.
o NEW: Use natural stream channel design in planning for flood protection instead of hard
/ riprapping.
Evaluate water requirements and cumulative impacts for new energy development (gas,
biomass, nuclear) (Long-term,??)
Improve knowledge about key factors promoting recolonization by extirpated fish and mussels
(Long-term, High)
Encourage withdrawal and consumptive uses consistent with changes in groundwater recharge
(Long-term, High)
Develop more diverse groundwater and surface water withdrawal sources to maintain flexibility
to meet human and ecological needs during droughts (Long-term, High)
Promote more expansive source water and groundwater infiltration zone protection by local
governments and land trusts (Long-term, High)
Encourage more sustainable water uses, especially during drought periods, through basin
commissions and major water (companies??)
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NEW: Develop or apply management practices to increase groundwater recharge for
stormwater control and wastewater systems (ex. Penn State system that incorporated spray
irrigation in forest).
Evaluate and update infrastructure (e.g., culverts and bridges) to accommodate increased peak
flows. (Long-term, High)
3. KEY ISSUE: Declining Riparian Ecosystem and Watershed Conditions
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NEW: Expand or restore riparian buffers where degraded or absent. (Long-term, High)
o Evaluate tree species to replace loss of eastern hemlocks in riparian areas.
o Evaluate planting of more southern riparian species to out compete new invasive
infestations.
o Promote planting of more tolerant native species and restrict sale of invasive
species in nursery trade.
Using appropriate methods, control invasive plants in sensitive riparian areas (Long-term, High)
Protect and restore forest cover in riparian areas through easements, CREP, WRP, etc. (Longterm, High)
Expand or revise current minimum riparian buffer zones to better protect thermal conditions on
headwater streams (size class 1 and 2 streams) (Long-term, ??)
NEW: Protect and enhance existing forested riparian buffers on all streams, but especially
headwater/small (1st and 2nd order) streams.
Work with existing federal & state programs to help evaluate watersheds and streams and to
fund improvement projects. (Long-term, Low)
4. KEY ISSUE: Changes in Water Quality and Chemistry
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Protect, restore, and create wetlands to improve water quality. (Long-term, High)
Increase monitoring of water quality and chemistry issues and correlate to climate and water
temperature data. / Investigate whether higher temperatures will affect water quality /
chemistry. (Long-term, High)
o Tighten restrictions on use, handling, and transport of toxic chemicals and produced
waters from hydraulic fracturing for natural gas development.
Expand efforts to identify and remove large “legacy” sediment deposits in floodplains across
Pennsylvania (Long-term, High)
Consider climate change during TMDL development and implementation. (Short-term, Low)
NEW: Restore and expand riparian buffers to reduce non-point source pollution. (Long-term,
High)
Monitor and encourage reduction of thermal discharges to rivers & streams where such
discharges, either individually or cumulatively, have significant deleterious impacts on aquatic
life. (Long-term, High)
5. KEY ISSUE: Changes in aquatic ecosystem and species composition (including native, exotic,
invasive species, pathogens, etc.)
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Identify and protect refugia for different aquatic habitats and species / Identify and protect
refugia for flow sensitive species in each basin. (Long-term, Low)
Evaluate pathogens that might be new threats to riparian habitats and assess possible
biocontrol options (Short-term, High)
Identify critical habitat needs and life cycles for fish and mussel species to better target
protection and management actions. (Short-term, High)
o Identify threshold ecological flow requirements for aquatic sensitive species (e.g.,
TNC/SRBC ecological flows project).
o Conduct low flow impact studies on key species and habitats.
o Increase monitoring of fish, invertebrate and mussel communities before and after
changes in flow regimes.
6. KEY ISSUE: Engaging and educating constituents on climate change impacts on aquatic systems and
their recreational / economic benefits
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Educate recreational fishermen and other stakeholders on the importance of climate change
impacts on freshwater aquatic systems. (Short-term, Low)
Encourage homeowners, farmers, recreational industry and commercial users to use rainwater
catchment systems to lower demand for groundwater and surface water withdrawals. (Shortterm, Low)
Diane noted that there are volunteers who are collecting water data, and asked who can coordinate and
digitize these records for monitoring.
Forests – Paul Zeph
Paul noted that his group did a lot of lumping and grouping, but did not throw things from July meeting
out. The group asked, what are the key gaps, what are sensitive habitats that need enhanced protection
and priority? How do we maintain green infrastructure in place?
FORESTS KEY ISSUES / ACTIONS
1. KEY ISSUE: CONNECTIVITY
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Assess the state's ecological matrix with core and hub areas, identifying existing and missing
ecological corridors. (short term, low)
Prioritize protection of special habitat areas and ecological corridors (including bogs, fens, other
key wetlands, boulder fields, barrens, ridge-top and riparian corridors, etc.) (short term, low)
Secure funding to better protect vulnerable habitat areas and corridors, restore damaged
priority corridors, and help landowners minimize fragmentation from energy extraction and
generation activities. (short and long term, high)
Enact legislation to mandate restoration of original vegetation of cleared gas well pads, similar
to mining laws. (short term, low)
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Work with State Assembly and state agencies to promote and expand programs that assist and
reward landowners for protecting or restoring critical habitats and corridors, including corridors
through urban and agricultural areas (e.g. CREP, TreeVitalize, Clean and Green, tax incentives).
(short term, low)
Ensure that maintenance of plantings is an integral component of urban programs. (short and
long term, low or high)
2. KEY ISSUE: INTERACTIONS OF STRESSORS
 Expand capacity of resource management agencies (increased staff and funds) to monitor,
model, and survey critical ecological indicators that can be used to improve adaptive
management by public and private landowners. (long term, high)
 Expand use of prescribed fire to diminish fuel build-up and promote fire-dependent (oak-pine
barrens) and fire-facilitated (oak-hickory forests) ecosystem; and dedicate resources to better
monitor ecological response to fire and better utilize data collected to inform burning practices
and policies. (short and long term, low)
 Expand programs for insect and pathogen threats, including research, monitoring, and biocontrols; and create flexible funding mechanism to enable timely response of control measures
to address immediate threats. (short and long term, high)
 Assess potential interaction of increased biomass harvesting with areas vulnerable to nutrient
leaching from atmospheric deposition. (long term, ??)
Agriculture – Rob Davidson
Rob reached out to others in department for feedback on the key issues / actions from the July meeting.
AGRICULTURE KEY ISSUES / ACTIONS
1. KEY ISSUE: Increased need for water
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Water recycling
Use grey water
2. KEY ISSUE: Increased invasive species, including pests and pathogens
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Learn about management strategies for invasive species (including pests/pathogens) from
states where they are already established
Make invasive species (e.g., multiflora rose, autumn olive) valuable as a biofuel or animal feed
3. KEY ISSUE: Changes in agricultural production and practices
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Expand technical assistance programs to help farmers make decisions about crops and
production practices (e.g., Penn State Ag. Extension, NRCS, County Conservation Districts,
county extension agents)
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4. KEY ISSUE: Changes in land use
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Expand regional planning initiatives, especially in agricultural areas, with focus on agricultural
security zones.
Rob shared some information from his review with his department. Regarding the increased need for
water, they did not see this as being as much of an issue. Agriculture has been dealing with this issue for
a long time. Key for the sector will be educating individuals on benefits and impacts, etc.
Regarding invasive species, on the other hand, there seem to be huge issues. They are trying to figure
out what species may be wiping out crops due to climate change.
They also discussed the benefit of climate change for being able to grow new species. It is not clear how
this will be affected by invasive species, however.
Regarding changes in land use, there is a need to educate those in the ag and non-ag community about
implications of land use and climate change.
Overall, Rob noted that agricultural adaptation actions will not be a huge undertaking using what we
already have.
Andy commented that there seems to be more infrastructure, organizational support for farmers in
adapting to climate change, vs. constituents in the other natural resource sectors. There is a benefit in
creating win-win situations for individuals (grants, etc. to farmers for managing land well - no-till,
riparian buffers, etc.)
Jim Thorne said he was surprised to hear that adaptation is not seen as a big issue in agriculture. Rob
reiterated that farmers have been doing this for years, and that more adapted seed stock (southern
species) already exists.
There was some continued discussion about precipitation variability, and increased consumptive or nonconsumptive water use. It is also recommended to encourage farmers to grow an increased variety of
fruit and vegetables compared to current crops.
CAROUSEL EXERCISE
Attendees were asked to go around the room to comment on, and prioritize, the key issues and priority
actions for each sector. The actions that came out of the September exercise were written on flip chart
sheets and hung up in different parts of the room. Participants were also asked to consider whether any
important things were missed up to this point, and write them on the sheet if so.
CROSS-CUTTING ISSUES AND ACTIONS
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After the lunch break, Nels and Sally presented a draft list of cross-cutting issues and the group
discussed the cross-cutting issues and actions they had made note of during the previous part of the
meeting.
Dave noted the following:
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Monitoring – is important in Plants/Wildlife, Forests, Ag, and Freshwater systems
Hydrology – water also touches all groups
Corridors – esp. for plants, wildlife, fisheries
Genetic diversity – is cross-cutting for agriculture, plants / wildlife
Economic aspects – ties in across all sectors - significant economic impacts for each sector group
Education / information – also a cross-cutting issue
Andy explained in an aside here that the Freshwater group combined the issues of water quality, altered
hydrology and thermal changes. As a result, we are still missing “umbrella statement” actions to
incorporate more the more specific actions.
Greg noted the following cross-cutting issues:
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Bringing existing data together
Interaction of stressors
Invasives/pathogens
All of the above are in addition to what was already mentioned.
Ben stated that he feels there is more strength in actionable items; we should not go too heavy on
monitoring. As part of gaining support for this general process, we must take action, not just gather
information. One cross-cutting issue would be to focus on things like those talked about in the SWAP
revisions: no-regret actions.
There is some discussion about whether it is okay to blur the line between adaptation and mitigation?
There could be some actions that would help with both.
After the group discussion, the following list of cross-cutting issues and actions emerges:
CROSS-CUTTING ISSUES
1. Changes in habitat, and natural and agricultural (plant and animal) species composition
2. Interactions of stressors and interactions of disturbances (will include bullet list)
3. Core and key habitat (refugia / resilient habitat) / connectivity / movement (network)
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Facilitated
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Natural
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Key Habitats
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Riparian
4. Hydrologic alterations (physical, chemical)
5. Genetic diversity (agricultural and native)
6. Impact on soil biology (Jim), chemistry, physics (Jim Thorne), and composition (agriculture,
forests, freshwater)
7. Lack of understanding of relevance of impacts and timing, and lack of acceptance of science of
climate change adaptation**
8. Lack of understanding about economic impacts from climate change and benefits from
adaptation**
9. Lack of coordination between those working on climate change issues**
10. Land use changes
11. Economic challenges: lack of sufficient funding and staff
** - There is a suggestion to blend the “lack of” issues into one compelling statement. Nels and Sally will
work on this.
CROSS-CUTTING ACTIONS
1. NO REGRET ACTIONS: Take "no-regret" actions, institutional actions. Capture actions we are already
taking on the ground; consider whether we need to adjust current actions through lens of climate
change adaptation / mitigation.
2. MONITORING: Developing an integrated monitoring system for adaptive management and for
education / outreach purposes (across forests, freshwater, wildlife and agricultural systems).
3. COORDINATION / RESOURCE INTEGRATION: Task force or consortium to recommend integrated
resource ?? - coordination of activities / strategies, sharing of data, centralized repository [Nels / Sally to
wordsmith.] [COMBINE WITH #4??]
4. PROGRAM INTEGRATION: Integrating climate change into existing programs, especially grant
programs (e.g., WRCP; SWAP, PA Invasive Species Council).
5. ECONOMICS / RELEVANCE: Building an economic case, relate natural resources to human needs
(drinking water, health care, etc.), (e.g., family budget / climate change family budget; urban heat stress
issues) [Compare with health sector actions and figure out overlaps between natural resources, health,
infrastructure, etc.] [POLITICAL WILL]
6. LAND USE PLANNING AND DEVELOPMENT: Promote adaptive land use [do not use term "smart
growth"] - protecting core areas, riparian buffers, corridors, agricultural lands and developing in an
integrated manner (residential, commercial and green spaces).
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7. RESILIENCE OF ECOSYSTEMS / AGRICULTURAL SYSTEMS: Invasives, insect pests, pathogens, natural
disturbances (fire, storms). [See action lists for more specific actions - bullet list].
8. EDUCATION AND OUTREACH: Bolster school curriculum, education and outreach to children,
constituent groups (homeowners, landowners, etc.), and decision makers (with PA examples of impacts
and adaptive responses (focus on personal relevance). Deliver message, inform and engage as a
consortium of organizations; develop shared message as a group; provide opportunities to learn by
doing (restoration, etc.) [POLITICAL WILL]
NEXT STEPS
The next steps are:
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Creating a new list of key issues and actions based on the comments and discussion today.
Nels and Sally will draft a report according to the guidelines specified by DEP for inclusion in the
larger climate change adaptation report.
This group will convene again on December 8th in this location to discuss how to move forward
with a Natural Resources work plan based on the key issues and actions we have generated.
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