Adaptation Plans

Tribes throughout the United States are developing and implementing tribal climate change adaptation plans and climate vulnerability assessments. Search this list for examples of tribal climate change adaptation plans, as well as other plans and planning resources that may be useful reference guides.

Title Year Sort ascending Description Geography Website
Stillaguamish Tribe Natural Resources Climate Change Vulnerability Assessment 2016

This report describes an assessment of the climate change vulnerability of priority species and habitats for the Stillaguamish Tribe of Indians. In addition to describing our approach and resulting sensitivity scores and vulnerability rankings, we provide an appendix of quick reference fact sheets for each of the assessed species and habitat types, highlighting their primary climate sensitivities and research needs. These estimates of climate vulnerability, underlying climate sensitivities, and key information gaps should help lay the foundation for the Tribe’s future climate adaptation and research efforts. To download a PDF of the plan, click here.

Categories: Adaptation Plan, natural resources, climate change

Northwest Link
1854 Ceded Territory Including the Bois Forte, Fond du Lac, and Grand Portage Reservations: Climate Change Vulnerability Assessment and Adaptation Plan 2016

To the Ojibwe, natural resources are cultural resources. There is no separation between how the bands manage and interact with a resource and how their culture endures: one is dependent on the other. Climate change, however, is threatening the very viability of many natural resources important to the Ojibwe. Warmer winters, increasing fall precipitation, increasing extreme precipitation events, more occurrences of drought, and earlier ice out dates across the 1854 Ceded Territory already are affecting flora and fauna that are imperative to the culture, history, well-being, and life-ways of the Ojibwe people. Through this project, the Bois Forte Band, Fond du Lac Band, Grand Portage Band, and 1854 Treaty Authority partnered with Adaptation International, and the Great Lakes Integrated Sciences and Assessment Center at the University of Michigan. The purpose of the project was to investigate how changing climate conditions already are and could continue to affect the landscape and species within the 1854 Ceded Territory and the respective reservations. In addition to assessing changes, the partners also identified climate-related vulnerabilities and identified actions that could be taken to create more climate resilient systems.To download the PDF of the plan, click here.

Categories: climate change adaptation plan

Midwest Link
Lummi Nation Climate Change Mitigation and Adaptation Plan: 2016-2026 2016

"The purpose of the Lummi Nation Climate Change Mitigation and Adaptation Plan: 2016-2026 (CCMAP) is to evaluate the potential impacts of anthropogenic climate change on the Lummi Indian Reservation (Reservation), Lummi Usual and Accustomed Grounds and Stations (U&A), and Lummi Traditional Territories and to present both mitigation strategies that may reduce the causes of climate change and adaptation strategies that may minimize climate change impacts that cannot be avoided." To download a PDF of the plan, click here.

Categories: climate change, adaptation, mitigation

Northwest Link
Michigan Tribal Climate Change Vulnerability Assessment and Adaptation Planning: Project Report 2016

Michigan Tribes are currently experiencing the impacts of climate change: warmer average annual air and surface water temperatures, more volatile weather characterized by extreme precipiation events, decreases in duration and extremity of winter temperatures, and increases in duration of summer temperatures. These changes impact Michigan Tribes in numerous ways both directly and indirectly. Tribes are concerned with climate change and how to plan for potential and undefined impacts on natural features, traditional ways, public health, and infrastructure. This planning document is the result of a cooperative effort among the Inter-Tribal Council of Michigan, Inc., and nine federally recognized Tribes in Michigan (participating Tribes): Bay Mills Indian Community, Lac Vieux Desert Band of Ottawa Indians, Little Traverse Bay Bands of Odawa Indians, Match-E-Be-Nash-She-Wish Band of Potawatomi (Gun Lake Tribe), Pokagon Band of Potawatomi, Saginaw Chippewa Indian Tribe, and Sault Ste. Marie Tribe of Chippewa Indians.To download a PDF of the plan, click here.

Categories: Public health, climate adaptation planning, traditional knowledge, tribal resources

Upper midwest and Great Lakes, Michigan Link
Bad River Reservation Seventh Generation Climate Change Monitoring Plan 2016

This Seventh Generation Climate Monitoring Plan (the Plan) was developed by the Bad River Band of Lake Superior Tribe of Chippewa Indians (the Tribe) to detect potential climate change impacts to the ecosystems and natural resources found on the Bad River Indian Reservation (the Reservation). The purpose of the Plan is to monitor for what can sometimes be subtle changes associated with climate change that can occur over many years. To download the Project Summary, click here. To download a copy of the Climate Moderating Plan, click here.

Categories: adaptation, development, climate change impacts, natural resources, cultural resources

Upper midwest and Great Lakes, Wisconsin Link
Climate Change Vulnerability Assessment for the Treaty of Olympia Tribe 2016

This assessment was completed by The Oregon Climate Change Research Institute for the Treaty of Olympia Tribes, which consists of the Quinault Indian Nation, Hoh Tribe, and Quileute Tribe. It focuses on the terrestrial environment, freshwater aquatic environment, coastal hazards, and marine environment. This assessment will also serve as the basis for creating climate adaptation plans for the ecosystem and communities in the Olympic Peninsula.To download a PDF of the plan, click here.

Categories: climate change, vulnerability assessment

Olympic Peninsula, Washington, Puget Sound Link
Karuk Tribe Climate Vulnerability Assessment Assessing Vulnerabilities From the Increased Frequency of High Severity Fire 2016

Ongoing and future ecological outcomes of climate change in the Mid Klamath region of California include changes in precipitation patterns, increasing droughts, increasing frequency and severity of wildfires, and more significant disease and pest outbreaks (Butz et al. 2015, Garfin et al. 2014, Mote et al. 2014). Among the most pressing of the local dimensions of climate change taking place within Karuk ancestral territory is the increased risk of high severity fire (Lenihan et al. 2008). For the last thousand years, forested areas have become adapted to frequent occurrence of relatively low intensity fire from human and natural ignitions (Perry et al. 2011). These fire adapted forests burned in smaller overall areas in mosaic patterns that contained patches of high intensity fire (Mohr et al. 2000, Skinner et al. 2006, Perry et al. 2011).To download a PDF of the plan, click here.

Categories: adaption plan, Klamath, droughts, wildfire

Northern California Link
Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes - Climate Change Strategic Plan 2016

In response to growing concerns about the impacts of climate change on tribal members and on their homelands, the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes have developed a Climate Change Strategic Plan. The Tribes worked with several partners, including Salish-Pend d’Oreille Culture Committee, Kootenai Culture Committee, Next Seven Group LLC, the Great Northern Landscape Conservation Cooperative (LCC), the Kresge Foundation, and the Roundtable of the Crown Continent Adaptive Management Initiative, to develop a plan to inform the tribal policy and actions moving forward. This plan brings together the knowledge of elders with scientific observations to document existing impacts and prepare for future changes. The original 2013 Strategic Plan was updated in 2016. To download a PDF of the most recent version, click here.

Categories: Tribal, Adaptation Plan

Northwest, Montana Link
Match-e-be-nash-she-wish Band of Pottawatomi Indians Climage Change Adaptation Plan 2015

The Gun Lake Tribe currently holds over 838 acres of agricultural, forested, commercial, and residential properties. Many valuable cultural and natural resources exist within these properties. The Gun Lake Tribe realizes that these impacts are not solely within Tribal properties, but that these impacts will affect the entire Great Lakes Region and Mother Earth. The Gun Lake Tribe acknowledges the importance of actions to mitigate the causes of climate change. With this understanding, the Gun Lake Tribe has assessed the vulnerability and effects climate change will have on the following culturally significant natural resources. To download a PDF of the plan, click here.

Categories: Great Lakes, fish, climate change, mitigation, natural resources

Great Lakes Region Link
Climate Change Preparedness Plan for the North Olympic Peninsula 2015

It is increasingly apparent that the global climate is rapidly changing and that these changes will affect the people, ecosystems, economy, and culture of the North Olympic Peninsula. The most noticeable impacts will likely include:
• A diminishing snowpack lowering the region’s summer river flow and extending the summer drought season;
• Shifts in the timing and type of precipitation, creating rain on snow events and unseasonably high stream flows that scour river bottoms and flood low-land areas;
• Ongoing sea level rise driving coastal flooding, saltwater inundation, and enhanced shoreline erosion;
• Extended warm temperatures which result in increased river water temperatures, enhanced wildfire risk, decreased soil moisture, and stressed forests through disease and insect outbreaks; and
• Increasingly corrosive ocean waters (i.e. ocean acidification) from the ongoing absorption of human emissions of CO2.
This project synthesized the best available climate change projections with local stakeholder expertise of vulnerable sectors to ultimately develop climate change preparation strategies for the North Olympic Peninsula. The outputs of this effort are compiled in this Preparedness Plan and include a regional Vulnerability Assessment (Section I & II) and Adaptation Plan (Section II). With this project and other similar efforts, the region has a unique opportunity to promote collaboration on climate change adaptation between federal, state, local, and tribal governments, non-profit organizations, academic institutions, and private businesses. To download a PDF of the plan, click here.

Categories: climate change, adaptation strategies, infrastructure, ecosystems, water supplies

North Olympic Peninsula, Washington, Puget Sound Link
Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation Climate Change Vulnerability Assessment 2015

The people of the Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation (CTUIR) have a long history of living in the southern portion of the Columbia Plateau. The area has a diverse array of natural resources and the Tribes’ connection with those resources can be seen through their on‐going connection with their First Foods. Water, salmon, game (deer and elk), roots (cous), and berries (huckleberry) are not just food sources, but are integral to the cultural, spiritual, and community identity of the Tribes. These foods depend on healthy and vibrant landscapes to thrive and those landscapes are changing as the climate of the region shifts. CTUIR is already experiencing some of those changes. In order to respond to and better plan for the future, the CTUIR took action to assess the climate related vulnerability of key resources and assets that are important to tribal life. The results of this work are summarized in this report. To download a PDF of the plan, click here.

Categories: climate change adaptation, strategies, assessment, first foods, agriculture, forest health

Columbia plateau, Columbia River Basin, Oregon Link
Susanville Indian Rancheria: Integrated Resource Management Plan 2014

This IRMP is a strategic, vision-based, long-range management plan based on Tribal member’s interests, needs, and concerns for their lands and natural resources. It provides guidelines for strategic resource management in order to restore, preserve, and manage these resources for future generations. To download a PDF of the plan, click here.

Categories: resources, management, climate change, adaptation

California Link
Clearwater River Subbasin Climate Change Adaptation Plan 2014

In an effort to prepare for changes to their homelands’ ecology, the Nez Perce Tribe’s Water Resources Division created a climate change adaptation plan for the Clearwater River Subbasin in 2011. The plan focuses on climate impacts to water and forestry resources, two areas of natural resource management that are both culturally and economically important to the Nez Perce Tribe. The adaptation plan includes an assessment of existing conditions in the subbasin, and data on how changes in climate may impact forests, waters, and the local economy. This profile highlights the efforts of the Nez Perce Tribe to increase awareness of climate change issues in their region through this plan, as well as their strategies for integrating adaptation into existing and future management plans. To download a PDF of the plan, click here.

Categories: Tribal, Adaptation Plan, Water Resources

Northwest Link
Mitigi idash Nibi: A Climate Adaptation Plan for the Red Lake Band of Chippewa Indians 2014

In 2014, the Model Forest Policy Program (MFPP), Climate Solutions University (CSU), and the Red Lake Department of Natural Resources (RLDNR) came together to create a climate adaptation plan for the forest and water systems of the Red Lake Indian Reservation in Minnesota. Development of the plan came about because all parties, led by MFPP, recognized the critical need for local community resilience against the impacts of climate change by protecting forest and water resources. This climate adaptation plan for the Red Lake Reservation presents the results of a team effort, deep and broad information gathering, critical analysis and thoughtful planning. To download a PDF of the plan, click here.

Categories: Tribal Adaptation Plan, forests, water, development, resilience, climate change, adaptation

Minnesota Link
Climate Change in Atqasuk, Alaska: Strategies for Community Health 2014

Assessment of climate change related health effects in Atqasuk, Alaska, a traditional Inupiat community located on the west bank of the Meade River, 60 miles south of Barrow. Alaska Native Tribal Health Consortium, 2014. Downlaod a PDF of the plan by clicking here.

Categories: Tribal, Adaptation Plan

Alaska Link
Climate Change in Nuiqsut, Alaska: Strategies for Community Health 2014

Assessment of climate change related health effects in Nuiqsut, Alaska a traditional Inupiat community located on the West bank of the Colville River, 18 miles south from the inlet to the Beaufort Sea. Alaska Native Tribal Health Consortium, 2014. 

Categories: Tribal, Adaptation Plan, Tribal Health, Community Health, climate change

Alaska Link
Climate Change in Wainwright, Alaska: Strategies for Community Health 2014

Assessment of climate change related health effects in Wainwright a traditional Inupiat community located on the Chukchi Sea coast. Alaska Native Tribal Health Consortium, June 2014. To download a PDF of the plan, click here.

Categories: Tribal, Adaptation Plan

Alaska, Northwest Link
Shaktoolik, Alaska: Climate Change Adaptation for an At-Risk Community 2014

Adaptation plan outlines next steps for the community of Shaktoolik, AK, as it responds to threats, primarily erosion and flooding. 2014. To download a PDF of the plan, click here.

Categories: Tribal, Adaptation Plan

Alaska Link
Climate Change Adaptation Plan for Akwesasne 2013

Adaptation plan for the Saint Regis Mohawk Tribe in New York. Structured around the Haudenosaunee Thanksgiving Address. 2013. Download a PDF of the Adaptation Plan by clicking here.

Categories: Tribal, Adaptation Plan

Northeast Link
Climate Change in Nondalton, Alaska; Strategies for Community Health 2013

Climate change refers to change over time due to natural variability or as a result of human activity (IPCC, 2008). Alaska is experiencing a wide range of impacts from climate change and communities seek adaptive strategies that encourage wellness and sustainability. This report documents climate change impacts as described by local people and climate change effects or potential effects as interpreted through the lens of public health. It is the seventh report in a series describing climate change across Alaska, and the second report to focus on the Bristol Bay region, the first being in the community of Pilot Point. To download a copy of the plan, click here.

Categories: Tribal Health, community, climate change, sustainability

Alaska Link
Climate Change in Pilot Point, Alaska: Strategies for Community Health 2013

Aassessment of climate change related health effects in Pilot Point, Alaska. Pilot Point is mostly Alaska Native People of Alutiiq and Yup'ik Eskimo decent, averaging about 64 to 100 residents. Pilot Point is located on the Northern coast of the Alaska Peninsula, on the east shore of Ugashik Bay. 2013.

Categories: Tribal, Adaptation Plan, Tribal Health, Community Health

Alaska, Coastal Link
Navajo Nation Climate-Change Vulnerability Assessment for Priority Wildlife Species 2013

Vulnerability assessment for priority wildlife and plant species and habitats on the Navajo landscape. Golden Eagle, Mule Deer, Desert Bighorn Sheep, Mountain Lion, and American Black Bear. Pinyon Pine, Yucca spp., Mesa Verde Cactus, Navajo Sage, and Salt Cedar (Tamarisk). Navajo Nation Dept. of Fish and Wildlife and H. John Heinz III Center for Science, Economics and the Environment, 2013To download a PDF of the plan, click here.

Categories: Tribal, Adaptation Plan

Southwest, Arizona, United States Link
Jamestown S'Klallam Tribe-Climate Vulnerability Assessment and Adaptation Plan 2013

In order to promote climate resilience in their community, the Jamestown S’Klallam Tribe has developed a Climate Vulnerability Assessment and Adaptation Plan. Drawing on an Environmental Protection Agency Indian General Assistance Program (IGAP) grant, and in collaboration with Adaptation International and Washington Sea Grant, the Tribe developed a plan that addresses sea level rise, ocean acidification, salmon health, natural disasters and shifts in species ranges. The plan drew on input from tribal leaders, elders and technical staff to ensure that tribal concerns were considered. The Jamestown S’Klallam Tribe sees climate adaptation as a process, not an outcome; this plan is part of an ongoing effort by the Tribe to prepare for climate impacts on their community. Additional plan resources are available as listed below.To download a PDF of the 2013 Jamestown S'Klallam Tribe Climate Vulnerability Assessment and Adaptation Plan, click here.To download a PDF of the 2013 Climate Action Plan Key Area of Concern, click here.To download a PDF of the 2013 Adaptation Plan Addendum: Two Additional Key Areas of Concern, click here.To download a PDF of the 2013 Climate Vulnerability Assessment and Adaptation Plan Appendices, click here.

Categories: Tribal, Adaptation Plan, Climate Change, Vulnerability Assessment

Northwest Link
Climate Change in Selawik, Alaska: Strategies for Community Health 2012

Assessment of climate change related health effects in Selawik, Alaska. Selawik is an Inupiat community of approximately 829 residents, located on the Selawik River, about four miles north of the Arctic Circle and 70 miles east of Kotzebue. Alaska Native Tribal Health Consortium, 2012. To download a PDF of the plan, click here.

Categories: Tribal, Adaptation Plan, Community Health, Tribal Health

Alaska Link
Oyate Omniciye’ Oglala Lakota Plan - The Official Regional Sustainable Development Plan of the Oglala Sioux Tribe 2011

The path towards creating a Regional Plan for Sustainable Development began with leaders of the Oglala Sioux Tribe in March 2011 passing Resolution 11-26XB, to promote and protect the health, welfare and culture of the Tribe. They affirmed all participants in the Oyate Omniciyé | Oglala Lakota planning process will be working toward cultural preservation, sustainable development, enhancement of environmental programs, etc., including climate change adaptation to maintain Tribal lifeways. This journey continues as the planning team hosts community meetings and interviews with program directors and other stakeholders. To download a PDF of the plan, click here.

Categories: climate change, adaptation, traditional knowledges, cultural preservation, sustainable development

Plains, Midwest Link
The Confederated Tribes of Coos, Lower Umpqua and Siuslaw Indians Environmental Assessment of Tribal Lands 2011

"Today, the Confederated Tribes of the Coos, Lower Umpqua, and Siuslaw Indians possess a small reservation of 6.12 acres near Empire. We currently hold approximately 547 acres of land, 153 acres of which are held in trust and 388 acres of which are in the process of being transferred into trust status.... Our Tribes continually strive to increase our land base in hopes of acquiring a significant amount of our ancestral lands to establish a Tribal forest, where we can invoke our ancestor’s traditions of sustainable harvest. In doing so, we hope to preserve, protect, and enhance our environment, community, and culture." This Environmental Assessment was developed by the Environmental Protection Division within the tribe's Natural Resources department. The Assessment outlines the structure and priorities of the Tribe concerning their environmental, traditional, and cultural resources. To download a PDF of the assessment, click here.

Categories: environmental assessment,

Northwest, Oregon Coast Link
Climate Change in Kiana, Alaska Strategies for Community Health 2011

Assessment of climate change related health effects in Kiana, Alaska. Kiana is an Inupiat community of approximately 361 residents, located on the Kobuk River, about 60 miles east of Kotzebue. Alaska Native Tribal Health Consortium, 2011. To download a PDF of the plan, click here.

Categories: Tribal, Adaptation Plan

Alaska Link
Climate Change in Noatak, Alaska; Strategies for Community Health 2011

This report documents climate change impacts as described by the local people and interpreted through the lens of public health. It is the third report in a series describing climate change in Northwestern Alaska. The first two reports focused on the coastal whaling communities of Point Hope and Kivalina. This is the first to look at an upriver community characterized by a different climate, environment, and cultural practices. It was prepared by the Alaska Native Tribal Health Consortium, Center for Climate and Health in partnership with the Maniilaq Association, the Northwest Arctic Borough and the Noatak Traditional Council. Funding was provided by the United States Indian Health Service. To download a PDF of the plan, click here.

Categories: Tribal Health, community health, climate change, disease, food security

Alaska Link
Relocation Report: Newtok to Mertarvik 2011

Strategic Management Planfor the relocation of the village of Newtok to a new site at Mertarvik. Newtok is a growing 350-person coastal village fronting on the Ninglick River in western Alaska. The Ninglick River is rapidly eroding and consuming community land and facilities as it advances. 2011. To download a PDF of the report, click here.

Categories: Tribal, Adaptation Plan

Alaska, Coastal Link
Swinomish Climate Change Initiative: Climate Adaptation Action Plan 2010

Adaptation plan for the Swinomish Indian Tribal Community in northwest Washington. To download a PDF of the plan, click here.

Categories: Tribal, Adaptation Plan

Northwest, Washington Link