"US Releases Plan To Help Wildlife Adjust To Climate Change"

"WASHINGTON -- The Obama administration on Tuesday announced a nationwide plan to help wildlife adapt to threats from climate change."



"Developed along with state and tribal authorities, the strategy seeks to preserve species as global warming alters their historical habitat and, in many cases, forces them to migrate across state and tribal borders.

Over the next five years, the plan establishes priorities for what will likely be a decadeslong effort. One key proposal is to create wildlife "corridors" that would let animals and plants move to new habitats. U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Director Daniel M. Ashe said such routes could be made through easements and could total "much more than 1 million acres." The plan does not provide an estimate of the cost.

The effects of climate change are already apparent, the plan notes. Oyster larvae are struggling off the Northwest coast. In the Atlantic, fish are migrating north and into deeper waters. Geese and ducks do not fly as far south. In the West, bark beetles destroy pines because winters are not cold enough to kill infestations."

Neela Banerjee reports for the Tribune Washington Bureau March 26, 2013.

Source: LA Times, 03/27/2013