America's sportsmen enjoy impressive opportunities for fishing and hunting because the conservation actions of the last century have delivered abundant and widely distributed populations of fish and game. But the geographic ranges of fish, wildlife and habitats we see today are likely to shift. Big game will have to adapt to changes in their forage base and alter their migration patterns. Changes in water quality and quantity will affect both saltwater and freshwater ecosystems and fisheries. Wetland losses predicted for the prairie pothole region could reduce waterfowl productivity in North America's duck-breeding "factory." Invasive species, parasites and disease-causing organisms may flourish in warmer temperatures, profoundly affecting upland game birds.

Sportsmen are likely to be among the first to experience the impacts of climate change. Their hunting and fishing opportunities in those places where they have enjoyed past successes and great memories are likely to be altered. How we address the challenges of global climate change now will dictate the sporting opportunities for future generations. In adapting to climate change, securing funding for wildlife management will be critical. The proper tools and resources will enable wildlife management agencies to take steps to monitor fish and wildlife resources and mitigate the effects of climate change.

In order to implement this strategy, the TRCP has established the climate change working group, 20 scientists and fish and wildlife experts working to ensure that the issue of climate change is properly addressed in order to conserve the resources that hunters and anglers use.

For more information, please go to trcp.org -- Jay Cassell