Global warming and climate change were at or near the top of the list of national discussions in 2007. That will be no different in 2008 and, in fact, the debate and discussions on global warming are certain to be front and center with the conservation community for years to come. It has become pretty clear to resource management professionals, media, the public in general and Congress that top threats to fish, wildlife and other renewable natural resources in the near and long-term future will be impacts of climate change, including drought, general warming, receding coastline, reduced snow pack and seasonal runoff, and the diminished capacity of ecosystems to support historic and prevailing habitat types.

Feel like you aren't truly prepared for the tough questions, decisions and management changes that climate change will bring? Feel like you need to be more informed on what management agencies and conservation organizations are doing about climate change impacts? Need more specific information on how climate change will impact fisheries, wildlife, outdoor recreation and future management challenges and opportunities that climate change will bring in 2008 and beyond? Do you have questions about what Congress is doing and about some of the bills currently being sponsored to address climate change?

There is a place for answers and dialogue.

On Monday, March 24, a full-day (9:00 a.m. to 4:50 p.m.) workshop on climate change will be held in conjunction with the 73rd North American Wildlife and Natural Resources Conference, in Phoenix, Arizona. Cosponsored by the Bipartisan Policy Center and the Wildlife Management Institute, the workshop ? Climate Change Impacts on Wildlife, Fisheries and Outdoor Recreation in North America ? is aimed at fisheries and wildlife professionals, other natural resource managers, researchers and administrators, sportsmen and sportswomen, other conservationists, and media representatives who wish to know the issues and examine answers and opportunities ahead regarding climate change.

The workshop will feature a panel of speakers representing the U.S. Department of the Interior, U.S. Geological Survey, Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies, National Wildlife Federation, Ducks Unlimited, Inc., Pheasants Forever, Trout Unlimited, Responsive Management, and others. Besides presentations from experts, the format will be interactive. Audience members will have opportunities to ask questions and engage in discussion about the issues after each section of presentations and during an open forum at the workshop's conclusion. Copies of the speaker's PowerPoint presentations will be made available for additional reference and educational use. The agenda will be as follows:

9:00 -9:10 a.m.
Welcome, Steve Williams, Wildlife Management Institute

9:10 -9:40 a.m.
Climate Change Overview, Susan Haseltine, U.S. Geological Survey

9:45-10:45 a.m.
Section 1: Climate Change and Fisheries
Speakers: Jack Williams, Trout Unlimited
Galen Kaufman, University of Florida

10:45 a.m.
Break

11:00 a.m.?12:00 p.m.
Section 2: Climate Change and Wildlife
Speakers: Scott Yaich, Ducks Unlimited, Inc.
Dave Nomsen, Pheasants Forever

12:00 p.m.
Lunch

1:15-2:15 p.m.
Section 3: Climate Change and Outdoor Recreation
Speakers: Doug Inkley, National Wildlife Federation
Mark Duda, Responsive Management

2:15 p.m.
Break

2:25-3:25 p.m.
Section 4: Adaptive Management: Future Challenges and Opportunities
Speakers: Ken Williams, U.S. Geological Survey
Lynn Scarlet, Department of the Interior

3:25 p.m.
Break
3:40-4:40 p.m.

Open Forum (Audience and Speakers)
Facilitator: Dave Schad, Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies
4:40 -4:50 p.m.

Wrap Up, Dave Schad

All persons registered for the 73rd North American Wildlife and Natural Resources Conference are welcome to attend this workshop. For additional information about the workshop agenda, contact workshop chair John Cooper at john.cooper@state.sd.us.