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 Sort ascending Year Description Geography Website
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
Karuk Eco-Cultural Resources Management Plan 2010

The Department of Natural Resources Eco-Cultural Resources Management Plan (ECRMP) is intended to guide future management of natural resources within the Karuk Aboriginal Territory and beyond. The ECRMP is an integrated resource management plan (IRMP) developed under the authority of the National Indian Forest Resources Management Act. Though this Act limits the implementation of IRMP’s to Tribal Trust lands, the authority provided in 43 USC Chapter 35 Federal Land Policy and Management provides for the “Coordination of plans for National Forest System lands with Indian land use planning and management programs for the purposes of development and revision”.This should allow for coordination of the ECRMP with the Klamath and Six Rivers National Forests Land and Resource Management Plan revisions that will be occurring soon. With this coordination we should be able to once again manage the Aboriginal Territory in a manner consistent with our cultural and natural heritage. The Department of Natural Resources welcomes comments from the Tribal Membership and Descendants to help ensure that the final plan will provide lasting benefits for generations to come. We will be developing the draft provided below in consideration of the comments received to provide a final draft for council review, NEPA compliance, and approvals.To download a PDF of the plan, click here.

Categories: cultural resource management, natural resources

Northwest Link
Karuk Climate Adaptation Plan 2019

"Within Karuk Aboriginal Territory on the mid Klamath, the effects of climate change including changes in precipitation patterns, decreased snowpack increasing droughts, increasing frequency and severity of wildfires, and disease and pest outbreaks are immediate and occuring now." To download a PDF of the plan, click here.

Categories: tribal adaptation plan, climate change, management, restoration, traditional knowledges

Northern California 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
Fort Belknap Indian Community Climate Change Adaptation Plan

Fort Belknap Indian Community is home to the Gros Ventre and Assiniboine Tribes (the Aaniiih and Nakoda Nations). The Gros Ventre call themselves “AH-AH-NE-NIN” meaning the White Clay People, and
the Assiniboine refer to themselves as “Nakoda” meaning the generous ones. For the purpose of this plan, we will be referring to the community as Fort Belknap Indian Community, or FBIC for short. The
Gros Ventre and Assiniboine peoples were nomadic hunters and warriors who followed the buffalo which provided them all the necessities of life.2 The reservation is located 43 miles south of the
Canadian Border and 20 miles north of the Missouri River, which is on the route of the Lewis and Clark Expedition.

Categories: tribal adaptation plan, climate change

Montana Link
Forest and Water Climate Adaptation: A Plan for the Nisqually Watershed 2020, 2014

The Nisqually River Basin is a vital part of the Washington landscape. Nestled between Tacoma and Olympia, it is the traditional home of the Nisqually Indian Tribe, and contains the small towns of Ashford, Elbe, Mineral, Eatonville, Yelm, Roy and McKenna. Despite close proximity to urban centers, the watershed remains in good environmental condition. Nearly 80% of the Nisqually River’s riparian areas are under permanent protection. It is also the only river in the United States to have its headwaters protected by a national park (Mount Rainier National Park) and its estuary protected by a national wildlife refuge (Nisqually National Wildlife Refuge). Community members place a strong priority on protecting valuable natural resources as shown by continued native salmon runs, 300,000 acres of forestland and high quality water. To dowload a PDF of the plan, click here.To read about and download a PDF of the 2020 third update of The Nisqually Watershed Stewardship Plan, click here.

Categories: adaption, watershed, mitigation, river, basin, wildlife, stewardship

Washington, Nisqually Watershed Link
Fond Du Lac Integrated Resource Management Plan 2018

The purpose of the Fond Du Lac Band's Integrated Resource Management Plan is to manage the Band's resources effectively for future generations. The Integrated Resource Management Plan will be used to address current and future management options of the Band. The Integrated Resource Management Plan has been developed by a group of people dedicated to the protection, enhancement, and management of Fond Du Lac's resources. To download a PDF of the most recent Intigrated Resource Management Plan, click here.

Categories: climate change impacts, natural resources, adaptation, management

Lake Superior, Upper midwest and Great Lakes, Minnesota Link
Dibaginjigaadeg Anishinaabe Ezhitwaad: A Tribal Climate Adaptation Menu

Tribal Adaptation Menu Team. 2019. Dibaginjigaadeg Anishinaabe Ezhitwaad: A Tribal Climate Adaptation Menu. Great Lakes Indian Fish and Wildlife Commission, Odanah, Wisconsin. 54 p

Climate change has impacted and will continue to impact indigenous peoples, their lifeways and culture, and the natural world upon which they rely, in unpredictable and potentially devastating ways. Many climate adaptation planning tools fail to address the unique needs, values and cultures of indigenous communities. This Tribal Climate Adaptation Menu, which was developed by a diverse group of collaborators representing tribal, academic, intertribal and government entities in Minnesota, Wisconsin and Michigan, provides a framework to integrate indigenous and traditional knowledge, culture, language and history into
the climate adaptation planning process. Developed as part of the Climate Change Response Framework, the Tribal Climate Adaptation Menu is designed to work with the Northern Institute of Applied Climate
Science (NIACS) Adaptation Workbook, and as a stand-alone resource. The Menu is an extensive collection of climate change adaptation actions for natural resource management, organized into tiers of general and
more specific ideas. It also includes a companion Guiding Principles document, which describes detailed considerations for working with tribal communities. While this first version of the Menu was created based
on Ojibwe and Menominee perspectives, languages, concepts and values, it was intentionally designed to be adaptable to other indigenous communities, allowing for the incorporation of their language, knowledge
and culture. Primarily developed for the use of indigenous communities, tribal natural resource agencies and their non-indigenous partners, this Tribal Climate Adaptation Menu may be useful in bridging
communication barriers for non-tribal persons or organizations interested in indigenous approaches to climate adaptation and the needs and values of tribal communities.

Categories: climate change, adaptation, planning

Great Lakes Region Link
Confederated Tribes of Umatilla Indian Reservation (CTUIR) Climate Adaptation Plan

The Climate Adaptation Plan (CAP) was reviewed by the CTUIR Board of Trustees (BOT) and a vote to formally adopted this document into CTUIR department and program work plans with Resolution 22-103, passed on December 19th, 2022. Links and resources related to the CAP include:Confederated Tribes of Umatilla Indian Reservation Climate Adaptation Plan: https://ctuir.org/departments/natural-resources/climate-adaptation/ctui… Climate Adaptation - YouTube CTUIR Webinar series archive: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCjN61eROflvHaI9dSVl4VEA CTUIR - Climate Adaptation Plan Webinar Archive: https://ctuir.org/departments/natural-resources/climate-adaptation/clim…

Categories: Climate Adaptation Plan, Umatilla, Oregon

Northwest 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
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
Coeur d'Alene Tribe Climate Impact Assessment 2023

The purpose of this assessment is to provide a broad overview of the most current science on climate change and its anticipated impacts on the resources of the Coeur d’Alene Tribe, with a primary focus on the Coeur d’Alene Reservation. In addition to overall projected changes to temperature and precipitation patterns, the assessment also looks at specific sectors, including economy and workforce, food and agriculture, housing, environment, health and public safety, and facilities and infrastructure. The compiled information is intended to provide a foundation for community-level planning for climate planning and adaptation.

Categories: impact assessment, climate change, economy, housing, natural resources, community health, land, water, infrastructure, fisheries

Idaho, Northwest US Link
Climate Change Vulnerability Assessment: Integrating Scientific and Traditional Ecological Knowledge 2018

Recently the Great Lakes Indian Fish and Wildlife Commission (GLIFWC) Climate Change Program published Version 1 of our Climate Change Vulnerability Assessment for the Ceded Territories in Minnesota, Wisconsin, and Michigan. This assessment integrates scientific knowledge from climate models and species vulnerability data with traditional ecological knowledge in an attempt to make climate change information more accessible and culturally relevant for our member tribes and partner agencies. Version 1 contains detailed pages for eleven different beings (species) identified as culturally important by tribal knowledge holders. To download a PDF of the plan, click here.

Categories: climate change, vulnerability, assessment, species, traditional knowledge, tribal

Minnesota, Wisconsin, Michigan 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
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
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
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
Climate Change in Point Hope, Alaska: Strategies for Community Health 2010

Today with the added pressure of climate change, Point Hope continues its struggle with increased urgency; against erosion and against other new emerging challenges to the community, the culture, and to public health. Assessment of climate change related health effects in Point Hope, Alaska. Point Hope is an Inupiat community of approximately 700 residents, located in Northwestern Alaska on the Chukchi Sea. Alaska Native Tribal Health Consortium, 2010. 

Categories: Tribal Health, climate change, strategies, adaptation

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
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 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 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
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 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 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 Adaptation Plan, Climate Action Plan for the Territories of the Yakama Nation 2019, 2016

The Yakama Nation Tribal Council directs all of our community and natural resource programs to carefully assess the vulnerabilities and risks identified in this Climate Adaptation Plan over the next year. In many cases, these considerations will go beyond our reservation lands and necessitate an evaluation of resources throughout the territories of the Yakama Nation. We also direct our programs to prepare and present recommendations for addressing the vulnerabilities and risks—actions that will rebuild resilience and durability within these resources for generations to come. These assessments and recommendations are not intended to be comprehensive, but they represent a substantial beginning on a long path forward. Download a link to the PDF by clicking here.Additionally, the Climate Action Plan for the Territories of the Yakama Nation of 2019 is available to download as a PDF here.

Categories: climate change, adaptation, planning, action

Northwest Link
Climate Adaptation Plan for the Navajo Nation 2018

The Navajo Nation Department of Fish and Wildlife created the Climate Change Program to spread awareness to the Navajo people including the impacts and adaptive solutions for climate change. After a series of workshops, the Climate Adaptation Plan was drafted to summarize the most pressing natural resources concerns and vulnerabilities. More information on specific natural resource adaptation plans, reports, and strategies can be found here.To download a PDF of the plan, click here.

Categories: climate change, adaptation plan, natural resources

Southwest, Arizona, United States Link
Climate Adaptation and Action Plan, Ocean and Coastal Management Plan for the Norton Bay Watershed, Alaska 2021, 2013

Adaption plan for the Norton Bay Watershed is the result of a year of community team effort, bringing in an array of stakeholders and expertise, building partnerships, extensive information gathering, critical thinking, and engaged planning. Norton Bay Inter-Tribal Watershed Council, 2013. Download a PDF of the plan by clicking here.More recently in 2021, Norton Bay Watershed came out with the Ocean and Coastal Management Plan (NBWOCMP): Protecting the Watershed's Subsistence Culture & Resources. Download a PDF of the plan by clicking here.

Categories: Tribal, Adaptation Plan, Ocean and Coastal Management Plan

Alaska 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
City of Kwethluk, Alaska: Local Multi-Hazard Mitigation Plan 2009

Plan for these natural hazards : flooding, erosion, severe weather, and earthquake. Includes information to assist the city government and residents with planning to avoid potential future disaster losses. To download the City of Kwethluk, Alaska Local Multi-Hazard Mitigation Plan, click here.

Categories: Tribal, Adaptation Plan, Hazard Mitigation Plan

Alaska Link