Climate Change and Sustainability

"The management implications for protecting species, biological communities, and physical resources within finite land management boundaries in a rapidly changing climate are complex and without precedent." - Jon Jarvis, Director of the National Park Service (October 28, 2009)

In response to the impacts that climate change will have on all of our nation's national parks, the National Park Service (NPS) has established an overarching Climate Change Response Strategy , which is active here at Apostle Islands as well. Efforts of the NPS Climate Change Response Program are coordinated around four areas: Adaptation, Mitigation, Science and Education. Apostle Islands National Lakeshore actively works to integrate all four areas into park planning, management, operations, and staff culture. The Apostle Islands National Lakeshore Sustainability Policy outlines the park's dedication to policies and practices that improve environmental performance and fosters long-term sustainability.

 

Sandspits are unique features in the Apostle Islands and are susceptible to impacts from climate change like shoreline erosion.

Damon Panek, NPS