Scientific advances and adaptation strategies for Wisconsin lakes facing climate change
Document Type
Article
Publication Date
6-21-2019
Department
College of Forest Resources and Environmental Science
Abstract
Climate change threatens inland lakes, which are highly valued for their ecological and economic benefits. Here, we synthesize adaptation strategies that could offset climate impacts on Midwestern lakes. Our synthesis is based on results from the Wisconsin Initiative on Climate Change Impacts lake adaptation workshop, in which 48 researchers and managers with expertise on Wisconsin’s inland lakes gathered to provide input on climate adaptation strategies. We identified recent scientific advances, knowledge gaps, and examples of successful climate adaptation strategies with respect to four key themes: lake levels, water quality, aquatic invasive species, and fisheries. While adaptation strategies for each theme differed, there was consensus around the need for a multifaceted approach that incorporates communication and outreach, policy and regulation changes, traditional resource conservation approaches, and novel engineering designs. Managers should focus on protecting high-quality lakes, building lake resilience, and retaining beneficial ecosystem services. Most importantly, thoughtful and strategic interactions with stakeholders, policymakers, and researchers across multiple disciplines will be key to implementing climate adaptation strategies.
Publication Title
Lake and Reservoir Management
Recommended Citation
Magee, M. R.,
Hein, C. L.,
Walsh, J. R.,
Shannon, P. D.,
Vander Zanden, M. J.,
Campbell, T. B.,
&
et al.
(2019).
Scientific advances and adaptation strategies for Wisconsin lakes facing climate change.
Lake and Reservoir Management, 1-19.
http://doi.org/10.1080/10402381.2019.1622612
Retrieved from: https://digitalcommons.mtu.edu/michigantech-p/664
Publisher's Statement
© 2019 North American Lake Management Society. Publisher’s version of record: https://doi.org/10.1080/10402381.2019.1622612