Final Workshop Report for Climate Change and Moose Management in NY State
Dates
Publication Date
2018-05-30
Summary
In recent years the New York Department of Environmental Conservation (NY-DEC) has engaged in various scenario planning workshops with researchers and conservation planners from the United States Geological Survey (USGS) and the Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS). This effort has been motivated by an interest in developing a moose management plan and considering the uncertainties around population dynamics in the context of future land use and impacts from climate change. The primary goals of the workshop held in May of 2018 included: developing an understanding of potential impacts of climate change on moose populations; identifying needs for research to support development of a moose management plan; and articulating a process and [...]
Summary
In recent years the New York Department of Environmental Conservation (NY-DEC) has engaged in various scenario planning workshops with researchers and conservation planners from the United States Geological Survey (USGS) and the Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS). This effort has been motivated by an interest in developing a moose management plan and considering the uncertainties around population dynamics in the context of future land use and impacts from climate change. The primary goals of the workshop held in May of 2018 included: developing an understanding of potential impacts of climate change on moose populations; identifying needs for research to support development of a moose management plan; and articulating a process and timeline for a public survey of residents on management options. Participants identified three potential stressors of most concern for moose populations related to climate change: changes in forage quantity, quality and distribution; increased disease transmission; and heat stress. Possible goals for a future management plan included maintaining healthy individuals, minimizing conflicts with people, and maximizing positive values people derive from moose populations (e.g., recreation and tourism benefits). In light of these possible goals and top concerns, participants brainstormed monitoring efforts that could help inform changes in management practices. In addition, participants identified research needs, such as mapping the current and future risk of winter tick, liver fluke, and brainworm that could help inform a future management plan. Next steps could include implementing new monitoring practices and conducting a public survey in order to gauge perceptions regarding moose populations and feasibility of specific management practices under a moose management plan.
