WASHINGTON, D.C. — A new guide prepared by the National Wildlife Federation for the U.S. Department of Defense will help natural resource managers prepare for and adapt to the effects of climate change on military installations. 

"The approximately 25 million acres of land managed by DoD are integral to the military’s mission of keeping our nation secure. As such, there is an operational need to ensure that current and future climatic changes do not compromise the ability of installations to serve their essential operational, training, and testing functions," Dr. Bruce Stein, chief scientist for the National Wildlife Federation, and his co-authors wrote in the guide. "Understanding climate risks and vulnerabilities, and getting a start on adapting to these changes, will greatly improve the chance for sustaining the capacity of ranges and bases to meet their mission now and into the future."

Climate Adaptation for DoD Natural Resource Managers, is designed to help installation managers sustain military readiness by preparing for and reducing climate-related vulnerabilities and risks. The guide provides an overview of how climatic changes may impact military lands and resources, and offers a structured process for incorporating climate considerations into Integrated Natural Resource Management Plans, formal documents that outline how each installation will conserve and manage its natural resources.

The new guide was developed by the National Wildlife Federation in collaboration with the Naval Information Warfare Center Pacific, and with support from the Department of Defense Legacy Resource Management Program.  

Climate Adaptation for DoD Natural Resource Managers is available online at www.nwf.org/DoDAdaptationGuide and https://www.denix.osd.mil/nr/DoDAdaptationGuide/