The Potential Influence of Changing Climate on the Persistence of Native Salmonids

Understanding how climate change will influence habitat for interior species of native salmonids is critical for effective management and recovery of these species. The US Department of the Interior, the US Department of Agriculture, state fisheries managers, and non-governmental organizations are increasingly challenged in attempting the recovery and restoration of native trout and salmon throughout their range. USGS scientists, in partnership with the US Forest Service and Trout Unlimited, completed a database including all existing species distributions and habitat information, and air and water temperature data for the interior West. Maps defining existing and projected future distributions of native salmonids, factoring in anticipated temperature, hydrology, and non-native impacts, alone and in combination, were developed. Partnership workshops with natural resource managers were planned to share the information and to gather feedback on enhancements for direct adaptive management applications.