Nature-based Solutions in the Climate Change Tool Kit: an Example from Rangelands

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1 Nature-based Solutions in the Climate Change Tool Kit: an Example from Rangelands Libby Porzig PhD, Nat Seavy PhD, Tom Gardali, Ellie Cohen CCAPC August 14, 2015

2 Point Blue Conservation Science Advancing conservation of birds, other wildlife and ecosystems through science, partnerships, outreach Founded in 1965 as Point Reyes Bird Observatory 140 staff and seasonal scientists From Sierra to the sea

3 Climate-smart solutions for wildlife and people are those that: sustain vibrant, diverse ecosystems reduce climate risks to human and natural communities increase ability to respond and adapt (adaptation) reduce GHG emissions when possible (mitigation) possible (mitigation).

4 Climate-Smart Conservation Key Principles 1. Focus on future conditions, not past 2. Design actions in watershed/ecosystem context 3. Employ flexible, adaptive approaches 4. Prioritize actions for multiple benefits to nature and people nature-based 5. Collaborate & communicate across sectors for timely, long term solutions Adapted from: NWF Climate Smart Conservation Adaptation Principles 2011; Draft Principles for CA Resources Agency Adaptation Update 2012; CSIRO s Climate change impacts on Australia's biodiversity conservation & protected areas, Sept 2012 Update

5 Climate-smart Restoration Using plant species that are suited for greater environmental variability (temperature, precipitation, changes in phenology). Students and Teachers Restoring a Watershed- STRAW

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7 Rangeland Ecosystem Services Carbon capture and storage Water capture and storage Biodiversity

8 Management can enhance rangeland ecosystems Examples: Planned grazing Riparian restoration Compost Silvopastoral establishment

9 Soil carbon is central to ecological function Birds Insects Abundance and Richness Soil Microbes Plants Water Holding Capacity Forage production - Soil Organic Carbon - - Grazing Management - Soil Compaction Water Infiltration

10 Rangeland Monitoring Network We measure ecological function on rangelands across California to: Establish baselines for monitoring change Evaluate the ecological effects of grazing and other management practices Provide information to landowners to help guide decision-making

11 Metrics Grazing Management Stocking rate Frequency and Duration Timing Ecological function Birds Vegetation Soil Dynamic Properties Abundance Diversity Species composition Cover Organic Soil Carbon Bulk Density Water Infiltration

12 Handbook of Methods and Online Data Entry Tools

13 Biologists on the Ground Partnership Implementation Science Pescadero

14 An Example From TomKat Ranch Increase in perennial grass cover following changes in grazing management Henneman et al Restoring Native Perennial Grasses by Changing Grazing Practices in Central Coastal California. Ecological Restoration 32(4):

15 Our vision for the future California s open spaces are preserved Rangelands are contributing to climate stabilization Rangelands are economically sustainable and managed for multiple benefits An engaged network of landowners sharing data and making data-informed management decisions

16 Thank you And many... ranchers, land trusts, RCDs, agencies, NGOs, and private donors

17 Climate-smart Conservation Future SF Bay Tidal Marshes Facilitates informed decisions about adaptation planning, restoration potential, and land acquisition given various sealevel rise and sedimentation scenarios Green:; low adaptation needs Red: high adaptation management needs Veloz et al