Pennsylvania Climate Change Adaptation and Mitigation Plan

Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources
Posted on: 6/16/2019 - Updated on: 6/25/2019

Posted by

CAKE Team

Published

Abstract

The Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR) is the caretaker of 2.2 million acres of state forests, 121 state parks, advisor to the owners of 15 million acres of private forest land, is a leader in providing outdoor recreation, and the state’s primary conservation agency. DCNR’s mission is to conserve and sustain Pennsylvania’s natural resources for present and future generations, giving the department a unique role and responsibility in helping the commonwealth reduce and adapt to climate change.

The department’s land management practices can mitigate atmospheric carbon as well as ensure that our public lands remain resilient and can adapt to climate change. DCNR can also be a leader, serving as an example of climate-smart land management, green infrastructure development, and providing technical assistance and funding to help its constituents deal with climate change.

While climate change presents some very significant challenges, there is much we can do to both limit its effects and cope with the impacts. This plan provides an overview of the current and projected impacts of climate change on DCNR’s lands and mission. It also lays out a framework for implementing the department’s climate change strategy (see Appendix A), by reducing atmospheric carbon and building resilience to the inevitable impacts of climate change.