Lake Superior Climate Change
Impacts and Adaptation
Version II: Update of Section 3 – Existing Efforts on
Adaptation of the Lake Superior Ecosystem to Climate Change

August 2017

 Cover photo credits, clockwise from top left:
• Sea lamprey on lake trout. U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.
• Common loon. U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.
• Moose. U.S. Forest Service, Superior National Forest.
• Ice breaking up over Lake Superior. U.S. EPA Great Lakes National Program Office
image collection.
• Wetland pasture, Canada. U.S. Department of Agriculture Natural Resource
Conservation Service.
• Red clay erosion sediment plume. South Shore Lake Superior, Wisconsin. Albert Dickas,
University of Wisconsin-Superior.
• Forestry at Pictured Rocks. Environment Canada.
• Lake Superior storm front. U.S. EPA Great Lakes National Program Office image
collection.
• Sturgeon, Lake Superior. U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.
• Yellowish Gentian flower, native plant to Great Lakes Region. U.S. EPA Great Lakes
National Program Office image collection.
• Center photo credit: Satellite image of Lake Superior. Environment Canada.

August 2017

Page ii

 Lake Superior Climate Change Impacts and Adaptation,
Version II: Update of Section 3 – Existing Efforts on Adaptation of the Lake
Superior Ecosystem to Climate Change

Prepared by
Battelle
505 King Avenue
Columbus, OH 43201
for
The Lake Superior Partnership

Suggested citation: Huff, A. and A. Thomas. 2017. Lake Superior Climate Change Impacts and
Adaptation, Version II: Update of Section 3 – Existing Efforts on Adaptation of the Lake
Superior Ecosystem to Climate Change. Prepared for the Lake Superior Partnership. Available at
http://www.epa.gov/glnpo/lakesuperior/index.html.
This report is an updated version of the original, dated January 2014. This revised version
updates existing efforts described in Section 3. Both versions of the report were developed by
Battelle Memorial Institute under USEPA contract EP-R5-11-07, Contracting Officer’s
Representative E. LaPlante, Chicago, IL. This report is submitted to the Lake Superior
Partnership, a multi-agency, multi-jurisdictional collaboration within the watershed of Lake
Superior. This is not produced for the US Environmental Protection Agency.
Disclaimer: This report reflects the best efforts of the authors to accurately represent and
interpret the available literature, expertise, and information on Lake Superior climate change
impacts and adaptation. Every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information
contained in this report. Suggestions for improvements are welcome.
Acknowledgements: Funding for the original and revised report was provided by the U.S.
Environmental Protection Agency. This report was prepared with guidance from the
Sustainability Committee of the Lake Superior Partnership. The Ontario Centre for Climate
Impacts and Adaptation Resources provided assistance in ensuring that a Canadian perspective
was reflected in the original report. Many additional experts volunteered advice or input to the
original and revised report, including staff from:
City of Thunder Bay, Environment Canada, Great Lakes Commission, Habitat Solutions,
Lakehead Region Conservation Authority, Laurentian University, Michigan Department of
Environmental Quality, Michigan Technological University, Minnesota Department of Natural
Resources, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, National Park Service, Ontario
Ministry of the Environment, Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources, The Nature Conservancy,
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, University of Minnesota,
University of Wisconsin, and Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources.
August 2017

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 Table of Contents
Executive Summary ..................................................................................................................... viii
List of Abbreviations and Acronyms ........................................................................................... xiii
1
Introduction ............................................................................................................................ 1
1.1
Lake Superior ................................................................................................................... 1
1.2
Climate Change and Climate Change Adaptation ........................................................... 4
1.3
Purpose of the Report....................................................................................................... 6
1.4
The Lake Superior LAMP ............................................................................................... 6
1.5
Methodology .................................................................................................................... 7
2
Expected Impacts of Climate Change on Lake Superior Ecosystems ................................... 8
2.1
Regional Climate Change Projections for Lake Superior ................................................ 8
2.1.1
Historical Climate of the Lake Superior Basin ....................................................... 8
2.1.2
Summary of Expected Climate Change Impacts .................................................. 12
2.1.3
Air Temperature .................................................................................................... 13
2.1.4
Precipitation .......................................................................................................... 22
2.1.5
Migrating Climate Analyses ................................................................................. 31
2.1.6
Water Temperature ............................................................................................... 33
2.1.7
Ice Cover ............................................................................................................... 36
2.1.8
Wind Speeds ......................................................................................................... 40
2.1.9
Water Levels ......................................................................................................... 41
2.1.10
Onset of Seasons ................................................................................................... 46
2.2
Effects of Climate Change on Lake Superior Ecosystems ............................................ 47
2.2.1
Summary of Expected Effects on Lake Superior Ecosystems .............................. 47
2.2.2
Physical Aspects of Vulnerable Ecosystems ........................................................ 49
2.2.3
Chemical Aspects of Vulnerable Ecosystems....................................................... 53
2.2.4
Biological Aspects of Vulnerable Ecosystems ..................................................... 56
2.2.5
Expanding Habitats in Lake Superior Ecosystems ............................................... 68
2.2.6
Invasive Species .................................................................................................... 69
2.3
Gaps and Uncertainties in Available Science and Monitoring ...................................... 73
3
Existing Efforts on Adaptation of Lake Superior Ecosystems to Climate Change ............. 75
3.1
Regulations .................................................................................................................... 75
3.2
Policies and Adaptation Strategies................................................................................. 76
3.3
Science and Monitoring ................................................................................................. 85
3.4
Programs ........................................................................................................................ 90
3.5
Climate Change Workshops, Meetings, and Conferences ............................................. 94
4
Adaptation Actions .............................................................................................................. 95
5
References .......................................................................................................................... 102
Appendix A. Additional Tools and Resources ......................................................................... 120
Appendix B. Climate Strategies and Action Plans Relevant to the Lake Superior Basin ........ 126
Appendix C. Climate Change Adaptation Programs in the Lake Superior Basin .................... 131
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 Appendix D. Workshops, Meetings, and Conferences Relevant to Climate Change Adaptation
in the Lake Superior Basin .................................................................................. 135

List of Figures
Figure 1.
Figure 2.
Figure 3.
Figure 4.
Figure 5.
Figure 6.
Figure 7.
Figure 8.
Figure 9.
Figure 10.

Figure 11.

Figure 12.

Figure 13.

Figure 14.
Figure 15.
Figure 16.

Lake Superior bathymetry (depth) ................................................................................ 1
Lake Superior drainage basin........................................................................................ 2
National parks and conservation areas in the Lake Superior basin .............................. 3
Observed historical monthly average daily low and high temperatures (°C) for
Duluth, Minnesota, for the period 1961-1990 .............................................................. 8
Observed historical monthly average total precipitation (mm) for
Duluth, Minnesota, for the period 1961-1990 .............................................................. 9
Observed historical January average air temperatures (ºC) for the portion of
Ontario that borders Lake Superior, for the period 1971-2000 .................................. 10
Observed historical annual average precipitation (mm) for the portion of
Ontario that borders Lake Superior, for the period 1971-2000 .................................. 11
MODIS true color satellite image showing the distinctive cloud line around the
periphery of Lake Superior associated with a lake breeze on May 20, 2010 ............. 11
Overview of expected changes in climate for the Great Lakes basin ......................... 12
The difference between global decadal average air temperatures (ºF) for
1900-2010 and corresponding average air temperatures measured by the U.S.
Historical Climatology Network weather station at Munising, Michigan (near
Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore) .......................................................................... 15
Projected changes in annual average air temperatures (ºC) by 2070–2099,
relative to 1961-1990 average values, from statistically downscaled projections
of an average of three GCMs under a medium-high (A2) emissions scenario ........... 16
Projected changes in annual average air temperatures (°F) for the U.S. portion
of the Great Lakes region by the 2080s, relative to 1961-1990 averages, under
moderate GHG emissions (A1B scenario) .................................................................. 21
Projected changes in annual average air temperatures (°C) for the Great Lakes region
by the 2050s, relative to 1961-1990 averages, under moderate GHG emissions
(average of A1B and B2 emission scenarios) ............................................................. 21
Observed historical precipitation trends for five cities in Ontario on Lake Superior 24
Observed historical annual total precipitation (mm) for Thunder Bay, Ontario,
1941-2010 ................................................................................................................... 25
Projected changes in annual average precipitation (%) by 2070–2099, relative to
1961-1990 average values, from statistically downscaled projections of an
average of three GCMs under a medium-high (A2) emissions scenario .................... 27

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 Figure 17. Projected changes in annual average precipitation (%) for the Great Lakes
region by the 2050s, relative to 1961-1990 average values, under moderate GHG
emissions (average of A1B and B2 scenarios) ........................................................... 29
Figure 18. Projected changes in annual average winter precipitation (%) for the Great Lakes
region by the 2050s, relative to 1961-1990 average values, under moderate GHG
emissions (average of A1B and B2 scenarios) ........................................................... 30
Figure 19. Projected changes in annual average summer precipitation (%) for the
Great Lakes region by the 2050s, relative to 1961-1990 average values, under
moderate GHG emissions (average of A1B and B2 scenarios) .................................. 30
Figure 20. Historical observed occurrences of heavy rainfall in Ontario for the period
1979-2004 ................................................................................................................... 31
Figure 21. Migration of Michigan’s summer climate throughout the 21st century based on
average summer temperature and precipitation GCM projections under the A1F1
(higher) and B1 (lower) future emissions scenarios, relative to 1961-1990 average
values .......................................................................................................................... 32
Figure 22. Migration of climate for the Northern Superior Uplands region of Minnesota, based
on annual average temperature and precipitation GCM projections under a
medium-high (A2) emissions scenario for 2060–2069, relative to 1961-1990
average values ............................................................................................................. 33
Figure 23. Observed historical changes in summer (July-September) average surface water
temperature and start of stratified season for 1979-2006 from measurements of
three NOAA buoys in Lake Superior.......................................................................... 35
Figure 24. Variation of weekly ice extent for Lake Superior for the period 1973-2010 ............. 37
Figure 25. Observed historical annual mean lake ice area for Lake Superior during the
period 1973-2010 ........................................................................................................ 38
Figure 26. MODIS true color satellite image of Lake Superior showing minimal ice cover on
March 5, 2010 ............................................................................................................. 39
Figure 27. Great Lakes Ice Atlas for winters 1973-2002, 25% quartile frequency distribution
of ice cover for March 1 to 7 ...................................................................................... 39
Figure 28. Observed historical annual average Lake Superior water levels (m, ft) for
1860-2010 ................................................................................................................... 42
Figure 29. Projected changes in annual average water levels (m) for the Great Lakes,
relative to 1961-1990 average values, under the A1B (moderate) emissions
scenario ....................................................................................................................... 44
Figure 30. Coastal areas of Lake Superior most likely to be affected by a 1 m decrease in
water levels ................................................................................................................. 50
Figure 31. Potential future changes in suitable forest type habitat by 2099 ................................ 53
Figure 32. Illustration of lake stratification and “turnover” to distribute oxygen-rich waters
throughout the vertical lake water column.................................................................. 56
Figure 33a. The Lake Superior food web .................................................................................... 57
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 Figure 33b. The Lake Superior food web .................................................................................... 58
Figure 34. Locations of fish spawning on Lake Superior ............................................................ 61
Figure 35. Wolf and moose fluctuations, Isle Royale National Park, 1959-2012 ....................... 63
Figure 36. Potential future changes in incidence of the common loon (Gavia immer) by
2099............................................................................................................................. 65
Figure 37. Abundance of spawning-phase Sea Lampreys in Lake Superior, 1980-2007 ............ 72
Figure 38. The number of days when Lake Superior water temperatures were >10ºC (50ºF)
in 2009 by U.S. EPA Eco-region (ER) ....................................................................... 72

List of Tables
Table 1.
Table 2.
Table 3.
Table 4.

Summary of IPCC emissions scenarios for GCMs ....................................................... 5
Observed historical trends in air temperature for the Lake Superior region ............... 13
GCM projections of air temperature for the Lake Superior region ............................ 18
Observed historical trends of precipitation and snowfall in the Lake Superior
region .......................................................................................................................... 23
Table 5. GCM projections of precipitation for the Lake Superior region................................. 28
Table 6. Observed historical trends in surface water temperature for Lake Superior. ............. 34
Table 7. GCM projections of surface water temperature for Lake Superior ............................ 36
Table 8. Observed historical trends in ice cover for Lake Superior. ........................................ 38
Table 9. Observed historical trends in wind speed for Lake Superior ...................................... 41
Table 10. GCM projections of Lake Superior water levels ........................................................ 45
Table 11. Observed historical trends in onset of seasons for the Lake Superior region ............. 46
Table 12. GCM projections of onset of seasons for the Lake Superior region ........................... 47

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 Executive Summary
Changing climate conditions will impact
efforts to protect and restore Lake Superior.
Current observations in the Lake Superior
basin demonstrate that some changes in
climate are already occurring, including
increases in surface water and air temperatures
and a decrease in the extent and duration of
ice cover. Projected climate changes could
have a range of future potential effects on
Lake Superior ecosystems, including a
decrease in the abundance of cold water fish
and changes to coastal wetlands.
This report synthesizes available science and
identifies adaptation strategies and actions for
What is the Lake Superior Lakewide
Lake Superior ecosystems. The report
Action and Management Plan
provides a structure to track and share climate
(LAMP)?
science related to Lake Superior and outlines
In 2012, a protocol amended the Great
potential climate change adaptation strategies
Lakes Water Quality Agreement (GLWQA)
and actions that can be implemented in the
between Canada and the United States.
future. The report focuses specifically on
The purpose of the GLWQA is to “restore
adaptation of Lake Superior ecosystems and
and maintain the chemical, physical and
does not discuss impacts related to human
biological integrity of the waters of the
infrastructure. Similarly, the report does not
Great Lakes.” The GLWQA calls for
identify climate change mitigation actions
documentation and coordination of
(i.e., greenhouse gas [GHG] emission
management actions through the
reductions), but rather serves as a regional
development of LAMPs. The Lake
Superior LAMP is co-led by the U.S.
resource for complementary initiatives that are
Environmental Protection Agency and
promoting the importance of reducing GHG
Environment Canada in cooperation with
emissions. Projected climate changes are
dozens of federal, provincial, state and
determined from the output of general
tribal organizations. For more information,
circulation models (GCMs), which simulate
please visit www.binational.net.
changes in climate under scenarios of future
GHG emissions. While specific changes may
vary by location, a range of plausible future climate conditions is projected for the Lake Superior
region during the 21st century.

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 Summary of Projected Changes to the Lake Superior Climate
Air Temperature
➢ Annual average air temperatures are expected to increase in the range of 3 to 4.5 ºC (5 to 8 ºF)
by the end of the 21st century, depending on the particular GCM and emissions scenario utilized.
Precipitation
➢ Annual precipitation is expected to increase in the Lake Superior basin by the end of the 21 st
century, but only slightly (5 to15%).
➢ Seasonal shifts are expected, with decreases in summer precipitation and increases in winter
precipitation.
➢ More winter precipitation may fall as rain and less as snow.
➢ Little or no change is expected in the frequency of lake effect snowfall.
➢ Increased frequency and intensity of storms are projected for the Great Lakes region, but specific
changes for the Lake Superior basin have not been reported.
Water Temperature
➢ An increase in annual average water temperatures is projected throughout the 21 st century, with
magnitudes of approximately 5 to 7 ºC (8 to 12 °F), depending on the particular GCM and
emissions scenario utilized.
Ice Cover
➢ The extent of ice cover on Lake Superior is expected to continue to decrease through the 21 st
century, assuming air temperatures continue to increase. Average February ice cover is
projected to be only 2 to 11% for the eastern and western Lake Superior basins by 2090.
➢ The duration of ice cover is also expected to continue to decrease in the 21 st century, perhaps by
as much as 1 to 2 months by 2100.
Wind Speeds
➢ No GCM projections of wind speeds over Lake Superior for the 21st century are available.
➢ Wind speeds over the lake are likely to increase as the atmospheric surface layer above the lake
becomes increasingly destabilized due to increasing air temperatures and lake water
temperatures and a reduction in the temperature gradient between air and water.
Lake Water Levels
➢ Variations in model simulations indicate a high degree of uncertainty in projected future lake
levels.
➢ Lake Superior water levels may decrease slightly, beginning mid-century, on the order of 0.1 to
0.2 m (0.3 to 0.7 ft).
➢ Periodic increases in lake water levels are also possible.
➢ The magnitude of any changes in Lake Superior water levels are expected to be less than for the
other Great Lakes.
➢ Overall, decreases in Lake Superior water levels similar to those observed over the past 20 years
are likely, although they will probably not be as large as previous studies have predicted, and
periodic higher-than-average levels are possible.
Onset of Seasons
➢ Spring and summer are expected to begin earlier and the growing season to last longer in the
Lake Superior basin through the 21st century.
➢ The length of the frost-free season in the Midwestern U.S., including the southern Lake Superior
basin, may increase by an additional 4 to 8 weeks through the end of the 21st century. In addition,
the date of the last spring frost is expected to become earlier by as much as 15 to 35 days, and
the date of first autumn frost will be delayed by up to 35 days.
➢ The length of the growing season at Pukaskwa National Park in Ontario, on the northern shore of
Lake Superior, may increase by 22.6 days by the end of the 21st century.

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 Projected changes in climate are expected to have a variety of effects on the physical, chemical,
and biological aspects of Lake Superior ecosystems in the 21st century. Some of the most
significant potential effects are described in the table below.
Summary of Expected Effects on Lake Superior Ecosystems
Coastal Wetlands
➢ Coastal wetlands could progress toward terrestrial ecosystems.
➢ If Lake Superior water levels decline below historical annual averages, possible results
include:
o Limited extent of marshes that serve as breeding and nursery areas for fish and
wildlife,
o Inability of fish to reach spawning areas,
o Reduced fisheries production,
o Decline in habitat for waterfowl migration,
o Decline in wildlife populations (e.g., muskrat) due to starvation, disease, and
increased attacks from predators.
Forest Habitat
➢ Higher air temperatures and changes in precipitation patterns may result in a northward shift
in forest habitat. Forest species throughout the Lake Superior region are expected to
experience increased mortality and eventually be replaced by species from forests further
south.
➢ Increased mortality of forested regions may compromise their value as carbon sinks.
Shoreline Effects
➢ Stronger wave action and lower water lake levels may leave shoreline regions more
vulnerable to erosion and damage.
➢ Over half of Apostle Islands National Lakeshore shoreline has a high to very high potential for
shoreline change, particularly gravel and sand beaches not immediately backed by bluffs.
Toxic Chemicals and Pollutants
➢ Variations in the frequency and intensity of precipitation may increase concentrations of toxic
pollutants in Lake Superior, with adverse effects on wildlife.
➢ Potentially lower lake water levels may expose formerly submerged toxic sediments and
cause existing levels of nutrients, contaminants, and sediments to become more
concentrated.
Lake Superior Water Quality
➢ The dissolved oxygen content in Lake Superior may decrease due to higher water
temperatures and an increase in the length of the summer stratification season, potentially
causing the overall productivity of the lake to decrease.
➢ A potential increase in the frequency and extent of algal blooms caused in part by warmer
waters could degrade water quality.
Phytoplankton/Zooplankton
➢ Warmer Lake Superior surface water may impact the life cycle of phytoplankton, decreasing
primary productivity and reducing food available for zooplankton and the prey of predator fish.
➢ Warmer Lake Superior surface water may also cause copepods (the largest component of
zooplankton in Lake Superior) to become smaller and more abundant, which may result in an
unknown impact on the lake’s aquatic ecosystem and food web.
Fish
➢ Warmer Lake Superior waters may cause a decrease in the abundance of cold water fish
species (e.g., trout and salmon) and an increase in the abundance of warm water fish species
(e.g., bass and carp).
➢ Overall fish productivity may be lowered as a result of changes in the extent and duration of
thermal stratification, timing of vertical turnover, and wind-driven currents, which may impact
the entire food chain and lead to declines in the population and health of fish and other
species dependent upon cold, well-oxygenated water.
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 Mammals
➢ Increasing air temperatures and changes in snow depth are causing declines in populations
of small northern mammal species (e.g., woodland deer mice, southern red-backed voles,
woodland jumping mice, northern flying squirrels, least chipmunks) and foraging animals
(e.g., deer), which are expected to continue.
➢ Increasing air temperatures may decrease the abundance of mammals in predator/prey
relationships, such as lynx/hare in Minnesota and wolf/moose in Isle Royale National Park.
Birds
➢ Climate change may cause shifts or losses of suitable habitats for many bird species in the
Lake Superior region, such as loons and ruffed grouse, as well as several general categories
of birds, including warblers, shorebirds, and wintering birds.
➢ A warmer climate may benefit several year-round resident bird species (e.g., chickadees,
woodpeckers, northern cardinals) and allow southern bird species to move into the Lake
Superior region.
Trees and Plants
➢ Climate change will likely exacerbate existing stresses on trees, including drought, wind, fires,
and insects.
➢ Climate change may cause shifts or losses of suitable habitats for many tree species in the
Lake Superior basin, such as pine, spruce, maple, and birch species.
➢ A warmer climate may allow the suitable habitat for many tree species to increase, such as
oak and hickory species.
➢ Warmer air temperatures and lower lake water levels associated with climate change may
reduce the habitat for northern boreal plant species and disjunct arctic and sub-alpine plant
species that live along the coast of Lake Superior.
Invasive Species
➢ Higher lake water temperatures may permit increases in the populations of aquatic invasive
species in Lake Superior, such as Sea Lampreys 1 and zebra and quagga mussels.
➢ Increasing air temperatures may enhance the spread of invasive pests in the Lake Superior
region, such as the gypsy moth, emerald ash borer, forest tent caterpillar, and spruce
budworm.
➢ The proliferation of Phragmites australis (common reed) will be favored by lower Lake
Superior water levels and higher water temperatures that may result from climate change.
➢ It is not clear how warmer lake water associated with climate change will affect the spread of
viral hemorrhagic septicemia (VHS) in Lake Superior.

Adapting to climate change is critical for management agencies to maintain diverse, abundant
populations of native species. Future ecosystem restoration and protection of investments must
respond to the inevitable changes in climate that have begun to occur. This report outlines both
the current knowledge of climate change and its impacts in the basin, as well as adaptation
opportunities that may help Lake Superior ecosystems adapt to changing climate conditions. The
report was developed with input from academia, state/provincial agencies, federal agencies,
tribes/First Nations, and environmental groups. The report complements climate plans that have
been developed at state, provincial, tribal, and federal levels. While reducing GHG emissions is
an important component of a climate response strategy, the report focuses on understanding and
managing, rather than mitigating, climate change.

1

Common names of fish are capitalized throughout this document per the April 21, 2009 decision by the
American Fisheries Society and the American Society of Ichthyologists and Herpetologists Joint Names
Committee.
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 To help Lake Superior’s ecosystems adapt to a changing climate, potential climate adaptation
actions are presented. These actions are organized around six broad adaptation categories:
1. Manage Non-Climate Stressors,
2. Manage Habitats, Species, and Ecosystem Functions,
3. Conserve and Connect Habitat,
4. Enhance Adaptive Management Capacity,
5. Increase Knowledge, and
6. Provide Public Outreach and Motivate Action to Adapt.
Section 4 presents the full list of potential adaptation strategies and actions for assisting Lake
Superior ecosystems in adapting to climate change.

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 List of Abbreviations and Acronyms
AIS
AMIC
ANSI
AOC
CAKE
CCCSN
CCSM
CCSP
CCTP
CPI
CSMI
ER
GCM
GHG
GLCCSESN
GLIFWC
GLISA
GLOS
GLRI
GLWQA
IJC
IPCC
IUGLS
KBIC
LAMP
MCAC
MCC
MCCAG
MCMP
MODIS
MOU
mph
NASA
NIACS
NMCA
NOAA
NWS
OCCIAR
PCB
TNC
U.S. EPA
USGCRP
VHS
WCA

Aquatic Invasive Species
Annual Maximum Ice Concentration
Area of Natural and Scientific Interest
Area of Concern
Climate Adaptation Knowledge Exchange
Canadian Climate Change Scenarios Network
Community Climate System Model
Climate Change Science Program
Climate Change Technology Program
Change-Potential Index
Cooperative Science and Monitoring Initiative
Eco-region
General Circulation Model
Greenhouse Gas
Great Lake Climate Change Science and Education Systemic Network
Great Lakes Indian Fish and Wildlife Commission
Great Lakes Integrated Sciences and Assessments
Great Lakes Observing System
Great Lakes Restoration Initiative
Great Lakes Water Quality Agreement
International Joint Commission
Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change
International Upper Great Lakes Study
Keweenaw Bay Indian Community
Lakewide Action and Management Plan
Michigan Climate Action Council
Michigan Climate Coalition
Minnesota Climate Change Advisory Group
Michigan Coastal Management Program
MODerate resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer
Memorandum of Understanding
Miles Per Hour
National Aeronautics and Space Administration
Northern Institute of Applied Climate Science
National Marine Conservation Area
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
National Weather Service
Ontario Centre for Climate Impacts and Adaptation Resources
Polychlorinated Biphenyl
The Nature Conservancy
United States Environmental Protection Agency
U.S. Global Change Research Program
Viral Hemorrhagic Septicemia
Wetland Conservation Act
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 WICCI
WMO
WRF

Wisconsin Initiative on Climate Change Impacts
World Meteorological Organization
Weather Research and Forecasting

August 2017

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 1

Introduction

1.1

Lake Superior

Lake Superior is the largest freshwater lake in the world, with a surface area of 82,100 km2
(31,700 mi2), and it holds approximately 10% of the world’s surface fresh water. Located
upstream (north and west) of the other Great Lakes, Lake Superior is also the coldest and deepest
of the Laurentian Great Lakes, with an average depth of 147 m (483 ft) and a maximum depth of
405 m (1,330 ft) (Figure 1). The drainage basin of Lake Superior, shown in Figure 2, is an
additional 127,686 km2 (49,300 mi2) in area; 85% of the drainage basin is forested, 10.4% is
water, 1.7% is agriculture, 1.5% is developed, and 1.0% is wetland (Beall, 2011).

Figure 1. Lake Superior bathymetry (depth). [Image courtesy of NOAA Great Lakes
Environmental Laboratory (http://www.glerl.noaa.gov/pr/ourlakes/lakes.html)]

Lake Superior is a unique natural resource that supports an abundance of aquatic communities
whose ecological health is vulnerable to changing climatic conditions. The Lake Superior basin
hosts a number of natural resources and protected areas that support native plant and animal
species and may be sensitive to changing climate conditions. A map highlighting many of the
identified important habitats in the Lake Superior basin is located at
www.nrri.umn.edu/lsgis2/data/importanthabitat.html. One Canadian and five U.S. national park
units are located on Lake Superior, shown in Figure 3: Pukaskwa National Park, Isle Royale
National Park, Grand Portage National Monument, Apostle Islands National Lakeshore,
Keweenaw National Historical Park, and Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore. The basin
encompasses portions of four U.S. national forests (Hiawatha, Ottawa, Chequamegon-Nicolet,
August 2017

Page 1

 and Superior, including a portion of the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness), two U.S.
National Wildlife Refuges (Huron and Whittlesey Creek), and one National Estuarine Research
Reserve, which is located in the St. Louis River. Located in the northern part of Lake Superior,
Parks Canada’s proposed Lake Superior National Marine Conservation Area (NMCA) would be
the largest freshwater marine conservation area in the world, encompassing over 10,000 km2
(3,861 mi2) of protected wildlife habitat (U.S. Environmental Protection Agency [U.S. EPA] and
Environment Canada, 2006). The basin includes many state and provincial parks, such as
Sleeping Giant and Lake Superior Provincial Parks (Ontario), Fort Wilkins State Park
(Michigan), Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park (Michigan), and Split Rock Lighthouse
State Park (Minnesota). Ontario has a total of 12 provincial parks in the basin. In addition, more
than a dozen Areas of Natural and Scientific Interest (ANSIs) in the Lake Superior basin
complement Ontario’s provincial parks and conservation reserves. Located on both public and
private lands, ANSIs are areas of land and water containing natural landscapes or features that
are not found in protected areas.

Figure 2. Lake Superior drainage basin. [Image courtesy of Environment Canada]

August 2017

Page 2

 Figure 3. National parks and conservation areas in the Lake Superior basin.

The Lake Superior ecosystem is in generally good condition. The fisheries are healthy, and the
lower food web is robust. Legacy contaminants are generally decreasing or remaining stable
across the Lake Superior basin, with a few exceptions. Forest cover has increased in the basin
since the 1980s, although the composition of the forests is changing in some locations.
Although Lake Superior is still considered the most pristine of the Great Lakes and has many
protected areas, it faces a variety of ongoing challenges, such as the spread of invasive species,
declines in the populations of some aquatic species, primarily as a result of habitat loss and
shoreline development, and land use changes. Hydropower dams are poised to increase in the
Lake Superior basin, which will impact fish habitat and also release pulses of mercury when
lands are flooded. Concentrations of legacy pollutants in Lake Superior are continuing to cause
fish advisories and exceedances of water quality standards. In addition, concentrations of some
substances of emerging concern, such as flame retardants, are increasing in the region. Mining
activities and explorations have also greatly increased in the Lake Superior basin in recent years,
with associated environmental impacts (Schuldt, 2011). The basin also includes seven Areas of
Concern (AOCs): four in Canada and three in the U.S. AOCs are locations that have
experienced environmental degradation and are in various stages of remediation
(www.epa.gov/glnpo/aoc/index.html). In addition to all of these stresses, climate change impacts
are being observed in the Lake Superior ecosystem.

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 Ecosystem Services
Lake Superior’s ecosystems provide a wide benefit to the people around it. Ecosystem
services are the benefits people obtain from ecosystems. Humans are fundamentally
dependent on the flow of ecosystem services, which can be organized into four general
categories (Millennium Ecosystem Assessment, 2005):
•
•
•
•

Provisioning Services are the products obtained from ecosystems (e.g., food,
fresh water, timber, fiber),
Regulating Services are the benefits obtained from the regulation of ecosystem
processes (e.g., stable water levels, disease prevention, water purification),
Cultural Services are the non-material benefits people obtain from ecosystems
(through spiritual enrichment, cognitive development, reflection, recreation,
aesthetic experiences, etc.), and
Supporting Services are the ecosystem services that are necessary for the
production of the other categories of ecosystem services (e.g., nutrient cycling, soil
formation, primary production, photosynthesis).

Although the value of Lake Superior’s ecosystem services has not been fully appraised,
Lake Superior is recognized as a unique natural resource that provides value to human
society in a number of ways. Lake Superior contains 10% of the world’s surface fresh
water. Lake Superior’s ecosystems provide economic value to society through tourism,
recreation, and renewable resources, such as fish and lumber. Lake Superior’s
ecosystems are of cultural value to tribes and First Nations who depend on coastal
resources to maintain their traditional ways of life. Furthermore, viewing one of the many
natural landscapes in the basin can be an inspirational experience.

1.2

Climate Change and Climate Change Adaptation

A growing body of evidence suggests that the Earth’s climate is changing in a significant way.
Scientists have documented changes at the local, regional and global scales in multiple variables,
including air temperature, water temperature, and precipitation. These changes are attributed to
observed increases in levels of greenhouse gases (GHGs), such as carbon dioxide, in the
atmosphere. Carbon dioxide and other GHGs are added and removed from the atmosphere
through various naturally occurring and human processes. For example, carbon dioxide can be
added by the human process of burning fossil fuels and removed by the natural process of plant
respiration. The result of all of these processes is a net gain of carbon dioxide that is being added
to the atmosphere faster than it is being removed, and is therefore accumulating over time. In the
atmosphere, carbon dioxide acts as an insulator to retain infrared radiation emitted by the Earth’s
surface. This process causes the earth’s air temperature to increase, which has a domino effect
on many other environmental variables and processes, such as water temperature, atmospheric
circulation, and precipitation patterns.
Projections of future climate change are derived from the output of general circulation models
(GCMs). GCMs are complex models that simulate atmosphere, ocean, and land processes. They
typically project changes in temperature and precipitation for a given region, from which
changes in related climate parameters (e.g., lake water temperature, ice cover, wind speed over
the lake, lake water levels) are derived. GCMs generally have relatively low spatial resolutions,
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Page 4

 on the order of 400 to 125 km (249 to 78 mi), and downscaling methods are typically used to
obtain projections on local and regional scales, such as for the Lake Superior region.
GCMs simulate changes in climate under scenarios of future GHG and aerosol emissions.
Scenarios are internally consistent narratives of plausible future states that may evolve from
present conditions, given various driving forces (Groves and Lempert, 2007). Scenarios are used
when reliable projections of future conditions are not available, as is the case for climate change.
They attempt to constrain the range of plausible future conditions, based on climate and socioeconomic variables. Methods for constructing climate change scenarios are described by the
Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) (2000). Characteristics of the four basic
scenarios used for current GCM projections are listed in Table 1. At present, it is not possible to
predict with certainty which scenario is most likely to occur. GCMs that utilize a range of
climate scenarios provide an indication of the most likely future climate conditions.
What is Climate Change Adaptation?
Some of the effects of climate change have
already been observed, and significant
Adaptation is “the adjustment in natural or
changes are expected to occur in the 21st
human systems in response to actual or
century. Adapting to climate change is
expected climatic stimuli or their effects,
critical for management agencies to maintain
which moderates harm or exploits
diverse, abundant, and healthy populations of
beneficial opportunities.”
native species. Adapting to climate change
– Intergovernmental Panel on Climate
involves the development of practical, costChange (IPCC, 2007a)
effective measures and technologies that
allow individuals, businesses, governments,
and others to reduce an ecosystem’s vulnerability to climate change impacts. Climate adaptation
also requires careful planning to manage changing resources and necessitates continued
investment in science and analytical tools to understand and predict future climate scenarios
(Interagency Climate Change Adaptation Task Force, 2010).

Table 1. Summary of IPCC emissions scenarios for GCMs. [Adapted from IPCC, 2000]
Scenario

Economic
Development

Global Population

A1

Very rapid

Peaks around mid21st century and
declines thereafter

A2

Regionally
oriented

Continuously
increasing

B1

Rapid change
toward service
and information
economy

B2

Intermediate levels
of economic
development

Same as A1

Continuously
increasing, but not
as fast as A2

Technology
Changes
Rapid introduction
of new and more
efficient
technologies
Slower and more
fragmented than
A1, B1, and B2
Introduction of
clean and
resource-efficient
technologies
Less rapid and
more diverse
changes than A1
and B1

August 2017

Theme
Convergence among
regions; increased
cultural and social
interactions
Self-reliance and
preservation of local
identities
Global solutions to
economic, social, and
environmental
sustainability
Local solutions to
economic, social, and
environmental
sustainability

Page 5

 1.3

Purpose of the Report

The chemical, physical, and biological aspects of Lake Superior’s ecosystems are susceptible to
changes in climate. Lake Superior’s fish, wildlife, and water quality are, to a great extent,
temperature dependent. Warmer conditions and other effects of climate change will increase the
susceptibility of Lake Superior ecosystems to invasive species, threaten the ability of native
habitat to survive, drive changes in species composition, and disrupt the water balance (Hall et
al., 2007; Chiotti and Lavender, 2008; Galatowitsch et al., 2009; Swanston et al., 2011). There is
evidence that some projected changes in climate are already occurring in the Lake Superior
basin, including increases in surface water and air temperature, and decreases in ice cover
(discussed in Section 2.1). These climate changes will have a myriad of impacts on ecosystems
in the Lake Superior region, and some effects are already being felt. For example, in Isle Royale
National Park, substantial declines in moose and wolf populations in recent years have been
linked to a warmer climate (Lenarz et al., 2009), and higher temperatures have enabled ticks
carrying Lyme disease to reach Isle Royale (Saunders et al., 2011). Wild rice, a culturally
significant plant to the Lake Superior Band of Chippewa, has experienced increased competition
from invasive species and is susceptible to potential fluctuations in water levels arising from
climate change (Hoene, 2010). Future ecosystem restoration and protection investments must
respond to the inevitable changes in climate that have begun to occur.
Recognizing the need to prepare for, manage, and adapt to the observed and projected changes in
climate, this report identifies actions that are necessary for Lake Superior’s habitats, species, and
water quality to best adapt to a changing climate. This report responds to the Great Lakes Water
Quality Agreement (GLWQA) obligation to consider climate change impacts in the
implementation of the Agreement. This report complements existing climate change plans that
have been developed by Michigan, Minnesota, Wisconsin, and Ontario, and it supports the
recommendations of the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative Action Plan (U.S. EPA Science
Advisory Board, 2012). While reducing GHG emissions is an important component of a climate
response strategy, this report focuses on climate change adaption actions, rather than identifying
actions to reduce GHG emissions (mitigation).
The adaptation actions outlined in Section 4 of this report seek to:
1. Maximize the ability of Lake Superior’s ecosystems to adapt to climate change risks.
2. Address changing resources and management needs arising from climate change.
3. Outline science and monitoring priorities that support the identified actions, address key
uncertainties and assumptions, and contribute to the future collection of information and
adjustment of actions, as necessary.
1.4

The Lake Superior LAMP

The GLWQA, as amended in 2012, represents a shared commitment by Canada and the U.S. to
restore and maintain the chemical, physical, and biological integrity of the waters of the Great
Lakes (U.S. EPA and Environment Canada, 2012). The GLWQA calls for the development and
implementation of Lakewide Action and Management Plans (LAMPs) that take an ecosystem

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 approach to addressing, on a lakewide scale, environmental stressors that adversely affect the
waters.
The Lake Superior LAMP builds from a 20-year history of successful coordination of Canadian
and U.S. federal, provincial, state, tribes/First Nations, and the public in restoring and protecting
the lake. The LAMP takes action to achieve shared Lake Superior ecosystem objectives and the
goals of the Zero Discharge Demonstration Program. LAMP initiatives, such as the Aquatic
Invasive Species Complete Prevention Plan, allow the LAMP to identify the most worthwhile
actions and track results.
In 2008, the Lake Superior LAMP formally adopted shared objectives to investigate the impacts
of climate change and to develop adaptation strategies. Many LAMP organizations are already
taking actions to adapt to climate change. This history and experience has positioned the Lake
Superior LAMP to facilitate and coordinate adaptation actions on a lakewide scale to address
climate change impacts.
1.5

Methodology

Several climate change vulnerability and adaptation assessments were used in the development
of this report (e.g., United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change, 2008; IPCC,
2001). This report compiles assessments of climate change vulnerabilities and published
adaptation actions for the Lake Superior region from the existing literature. It does not attempt
to specify the relative severity of anticipated changes in climate or impacts on ecosystems in the
Lake Superior basin. Throughout the report, terms such as “may,” “could,” “suggest,” and
“likely” are used in a general sense and do not convey any specific, defined levels of probability
of expected outcomes.
Expert judgment was utilized to evaluate the vulnerabilities and to select adaptation actions that
meet multiple criteria, namely the objectives outlined for this report and the LAMP’s ecosystem
goals for the Lake Superior basin. To solicit expert judgment, the Lake Superior LAMP
recruited an Expert Group of participants from academia, state/provincial agencies, federal
agencies, tribes/First Nations, and environmental groups with expertise in issues related to
changing climate conditions in the Lake Superior region.
During various stages of report development, members of the Lake Superior LAMP and Expert
Group provided comment on a) the compilation of climate science and vulnerabilities presented
in Section 2, b) the discussion of existing climate programs and policies in Section 3, and c) the
synthesis of proposed adaptation options in Section 4. The Expert Group also provided insight
into gaps and uncertainties related to anticipated impacts on the Lake Superior ecosystem.
Pooled judgments of Expert Group members were combined to select adaptation actions for
Lake Superior ecosystems from the range of adaptation measures identified from the literature.

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 2

Expected Impacts of Climate Change on Lake Superior Ecosystems

2.1

Regional Climate Change Projections for Lake Superior

2.1.1 Historical Climate of the Lake Superior Basin
Before addressing expected impacts to the Lake Superior region associated with climate change,
it is necessary to understand the historical climate as a baseline for future changes. The Lake
Superior basin currently has a mid-latitude continental climate, with warm summers and cold
winters. Figure 4 illustrates the annual range of average monthly high and low temperatures, for
the period 1961-1990, for Duluth, MN, as a representative location in the Lake Superior basin.
Winter low temperatures average approximately -15 to -20 °C (5 to -4 ºF), while summer high
temperatures average around 20 to 25 °C (68 to 77 ºF). Some areas experience colder or warmer
conditions, depending on their exact location. Figure 5 shows the corresponding annual monthly
average total precipitation for Duluth for the period 1961-1990. Although local amounts of
precipitation vary, precipitation falls year round in the Lake Superior region, and the largest
amounts of precipitation (measured as liquid equivalent) generally fall during the summer due to
contributions from thunderstorms and other convective systems (World Meteorological
Organization [WMO], 2011; Hayhoe et al., 2010). However, the eastern portion of the basin
tends to receive higher amounts of precipitation in the fall and winter due to the effect of the
lake.

Figure 4. Observed historical monthly average daily low (blue line) and high (red line)
temperatures (°C) for Duluth, Minnesota, for the period 1961-1990. [Data from WMO, 2011]

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Page 8

 Figure 5. Observed historical monthly average total precipitation (mm) for Duluth, Minnesota, for
the period 1961-1990. [Data from WMO, 2011]

Lake Superior itself has a strong influence on the climate of the surrounding region, creating
localized microclimates that feature moderated temperatures, lake effect snowfall, and the lake
breeze. The moderating effect of the lake results in cooler temperatures during the summer and
warmer temperatures in the winter for areas located along the shore of Lake Superior compared
to inland locations (Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, 1999; Wisconsin Initiative on
Climate Change Impacts [WICCI], 2011; Environment Canada, 2005). Figure 6 demonstrates
the effect of Lake Superior on coastal areas of Ontario during the winter, causing January
average temperatures in coastal communities to be warmer on average than inland areas at the
same latitude (Environment Canada, 2005).
Lake effect snowfall occurs during the fall and winter when cold, dry air passes over the
relatively warmer Lake Superior and absorbs heat and moisture from the open water. The
enhanced moisture is deposited as snow on the downwind side of the lake, typically the southern
and eastern shores of Lake Superior. In these locations, contributions from lake effect snow can
result in significantly higher annual snowfall amounts compared to inland areas. For example,
northern Iron County in Wisconsin typically receives 2,540 mm (100 in.) of snow per year, more
than any other area in Wisconsin (Swanston et al., 2011). Figure 7 illustrates the variation in
annual average precipitation along the Canadian coast of Lake Superior due to lake effect snow.
The coastal region between Wawa and Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario, on the eastern shore of Lake
Superior, receives over 1,250 mm (49.2 in.) of snow per year, making it the snowiest region in
Ontario due to lake effect enhancement (Environment Canada, 2005).
The lake breeze is a thermally produced wind that blows during the day from the surface of Lake
Superior inland toward the shore. It is caused by the difference in daytime heating rates between
the surface of the land, which heats up faster, and the surface of the lake, which heats up more
August 2017

Page 9

 slowly. Lake breezes typically occur in the spring and early summer, when the surface of Lake
Superior is still relatively cold. Figure 8 is an image of the western portion of the Lake Superior
basin on May 20, 2010 from the MODerate resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) on
the National Aeronautics and Space Administration’s (NASA’s) Terra satellite. The distinctive
inland cloud line associated with the lake breeze is evident in the satellite image. Cooler air from
the lake blows inland, warms, and rises, forming cumulus clouds. The strip of land around the
lake that is under the influence of the lake breeze has clear, cloud-free skies. In some cases,
cumulus clouds along the lake breeze front can build during the morning and develop into rain
showers and even thunderstorms during the afternoon.

Figure 6. Observed historical January average air temperatures (ºC) for the portion of Ontario that
borders Lake Superior, for the period 1971-2000. [Image courtesy of Environment Canada, 2005]

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Page 10

 Figure 7. Observed historical annual average precipitation (mm) for the portion of Ontario that
borders Lake Superior, for the period 1971-2000. [Image courtesy of Environment Canada, 2005]

Figure 8. MODIS true color satellite image showing the distinctive cloud line around the periphery
of Lake Superior associated with a lake breeze on May 20, 2010. [Image courtesy of the MODIS
Today: USA Composite website, http://ge.ssec.wisc.edu/modis-today/]

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 2.1.2 Summary of Expected Climate Change Impacts
It is now generally accepted in the scientific community that anthropogenic climate change is
occurring and is impacting global ecosystems (IPCC, 2007b). A variety of changes to the
climate in the Lake Superior region are anticipated during the course of the 21st century, with
specific changes varying by site. These changes are described in detail in Sections 2.1.3-10.
Key expected changes include:
• Increase in annual average air temperatures,
• Slight increase in annual average precipitation,
• Change in seasonal precipitation patterns – less precipitation in summer and more
precipitation in winter,
• Change in precipitation type – more precipitation falling as rain and less as snow, but
little or no change in the frequency of lake effect snow events,
• Increase in annual average lake water temperatures,
• Increase in the length of the summer temperature stratification season,
• Reduction in the extent and duration of ice cover on Lake Superior,
• Increase in wind speeds over Lake Superior,
• Increase in the rate of evaporation from Lake Superior, resulting in slightly lower water
levels, and
• Increase in the length of the growing season.
Historical observations suggest that many of these changes are already occurring in the Lake
Superior region. The expected changes in the climate of the Lake Superior basin are similar to
those anticipated for the entire Great Lakes basin and are summarized in Figure 9.

Figure 9. Overview of expected changes in climate for the Great Lakes basin. [Image courtesy of
U.S. EPA and Environment Canada, 2009]

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 2.1.3 Air Temperature
Rising concentrations of GHGs in the global atmosphere during the 21st century are expected to
cause a net warming of the Earth’s surface. In the Lake Superior region, air temperatures affect
a variety of key processes, including the length of the growing season, the extent of the frost-free
season, freeze/thaw cycles of water and soil, lake surface temperatures, rates of chemical
reactions, biological activity, and the prevalence of pests and diseases (International Joint
Commission [IJC], 2003).
Historical Observations of Air Temperature
There is evidence that air temperatures in the Lake Superior basin are already increasing, as
summarized in Table 2. Historical climate data from Environment Canada for four stations in
Ontario along the coast of Lake Superior – Thunder Bay, Cameron Falls, Wawa, and Sault Ste.
Marie – show a significant increase of approximately 1.0 °C (1.8 ºF) in annual average air
temperatures and a larger increase of 1.6 °C (2.9 ºF) in minimum average air temperatures over
approximately 1895-2005 (Environment Canada, 2005). At Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario, historical
climate trends data compiled by the Ontario Centre for Climate Impacts and Adaptation
Resources (OCCIAR) indicate that annual average air temperatures have increased 1.2 °C (2.2
ºF), winter average air temperatures have increased 2.7 °C (4.9 ºF), and summer average air
temperatures have increased 1.2 °C (2.2 ºF) during the period 1962-2008 (OCCIAR, 2010).
Table 2. Observed historical trends in air temperature for the Lake Superior region.
Source

Location

Time
Period

Measurement

Trend

Magnitude of
Change

Environment
Canada,
2005

Ontario coast of
Lake Superior

1895-2005

Annual average
temperature

Increasing

1.6 °C (2.9 ºF)

Increasing

1.2 °C (2.2 ºF)

1962-2008

Annual average
temperature
Winter average
temperature
Summer average
temperature

Increasing

2.7 °C (4.9 ºF)

Increasing

1.2 °C (2.2 ºF)

Increasing

1.5 °C (2.7 ºF) >
global average

Increasing

1.4 °C (2.5 ºF)

Increasing

2.5 °C (4.5 ºF)

Increasing

1.9 °C (3.5 ºF)

Increasing

0.8 to 1.1 °C
(1.5 to 2.0 ºF)

OCCIAR,
2010

Saunders et
al., 2011

Kucharik et
al., 2010a

Sault Ste.
Marie, Ontario

Munising,
Michigan

Northwestern
Wisconsin

2000-2010

Decadal average
temperature

1950-2006

Annual average
temperature
Winter average
temperature
Spring average
temperature
Summer average
temperature

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Page 13

 Increasing air temperature trends are not confined to the Canadian side of the Lake Superior
basin. Analysis of air temperature data from the U.S. Historical Climatology Network weather
station at Munising, Michigan, presented in Figure 10, indicates an increasing trend in air
temperatures near Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore. These results show that average air
temperatures at Munising for 2000-2010 were 1.5 ºC (2.7 ºF) higher than corresponding global
average air temperatures (Saunders et al., 2011). Data from 1950-2006 collected by the National
Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) National Weather Service Cooperative
Observer Program indicate that annual average air temperatures over northwestern Wisconsin
increased 1.4 °C (2.5 ºF), with the greatest increase observed in winter, followed by spring and
summer (Kucharik et al., 2010a). In addition, a recent study of decreases in near-surface soil
temperatures at 194 U.S. National Weather Service (NWS) stations in Wisconsin and Michigan
suggests that air temperatures have increased in the vicinity of Lake Superior in the last 50 years
(Isard et al., 2007). Soil is a buffered system that responds slowly to changes in atmospheric
temperature, so it is a good proxy indicator of climate change. The observed cooling trends in
soil were attributed to decreases in snowfall due to warmer air temperatures (Isard et al., 2007).
Future Projections of Air Temperature
As described in Section 1.2, climate model projections are a function of the particular climate
scenario utilized. In general, scenarios with higher GHG emissions project higher air
temperature increases than scenarios with lower emissions. As a result, the range of available
absolute temperature projections for the Lake Superior basin over the 21st century varies. The
models are consistent in projecting higher annual average temperatures for the Lake Superior
region, however. In addition, increases in temperature are projected to be greater later in the 21st
century. This acceleration in warming is a result of the cumulative effect of increasing levels of
long-lived GHGs in the atmosphere.
A number of researchers have conducted individual analyses of GCM projections of air
temperature changes for the Lake Superior region under different scenarios for a range of time
periods in the 21st century; recent results are summarized in Table 3. Lofgren et al. (2002)
analyzed the output from two GCMs using a transient model methodology to derive potential
impacts on the water resources of the Great Lakes basin. The GCMs projected increases in
average annual air temperature for the Lake Superior basin of 1.2 to 1.9 ºC (2.2 to 3.4 ºF) by
2030, 1.6 to 2.9 ºC (2.9 to 5.2 ºF) by 2050, and 2.9 to 5.4 ºC (5.2 to 9.7 ºF) by 2090, relative to
1961-1990 average values.
Wuebbles and Hayhoe (2004) analyzed GCM projections for the Midwestern U.S., including the
Great Lakes region. Results for GCMs run under a medium-high (A2) emissions scenario
suggest that temperatures in the Lake Superior basin will increase approximately 2 to 4 ºC (3.6 to
7.2 ºF) in winter and 4 to 6 ºC (7.2 to 10.8 ºF) in summer by 2070-2099, relative to 1961-1990
average values. In a follow-up to the 2004 study, Hayhoe et al. (2010) investigated changes in
temperature for the Great Lakes region using statistically downscaled projections from an
average of three GCMs under a medium-high (A2) emissions scenario, as shown in Figure 11.
Results suggest that by 2070-2099, average annual air temperatures in the Lake Superior region
will increase 4 to 4.5 ºC (7.2 to 8.1 ºF), relative to 1961-1990 average values.

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 Figure 10. The difference between global decadal average air temperatures (ºF) for 1900-2010 and
corresponding average air temperatures measured by the U.S. Historical Climatology Network
weather station at Munising, Michigan (near Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore). [Image modified
from Saunders et al., 2011]

Saunders et al. (2011) recently analyzed GCM projections of average annual air temperatures for
three U.S. National Parks within the Lake Superior basin: Apostle Islands National Lakeshore,
Isle Royale National Park, and Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore. Results for a lower (B2)
emissions scenario suggest that on average, annual average temperatures at the three parks will
increase approximately 2.0 ºC (3.6 ºF) for the period 2040-2069 and 2.7 ºC (4.8 ºF) for the period
2070-2099, relative to 1971-2000 average values. Under a medium-high (A2) emissions
scenario, annual average temperatures are projected to increase 2.6 ºC (4.6 ºF) on average at the
parks for the period 2040-2069 and 4.4 ºC (8.0 ºF) for the period 2070-2099, relative to 19712000 average values. GCM projections also indicate a consistent increase in summertime
temperatures at the three national parks that signals a significant shift in climate. For example,
by the end of the 21st century, summers in Isle Royale National Park in Michigan could be as hot
as recent summers in Kenosha, Wisconsin, a city on the Lake Michigan coast just north of the
Illinois-Wisconsin border.
As part of the WICCI, researchers at the University of Wisconsin-Madison developed climate
projections for Wisconsin using 14 different climate models downscaled to a localized grid.
Under a moderate (A1B) emission scenario, WICCI projected Wisconsin’s annual average
temperature to increase by 2 to 5 ºC (4 to 9 ºF) from 1980 to 2055 relative to 1950-2006 average
values, with annual average temperatures increasing 3 ºC (6 ºF) along the coast of Lake Superior
in Wisconsin; increased temperatures of 3 to 6 ºC (5 to 11 ºF) were projected during winter, with
the largest increases expected in northwestern Wisconsin (WICCI, 2011).

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 Figure 11. Projected changes in annual average air temperatures (ºC) by 2070–2099, relative to
1961-1990 average values, from statistically downscaled projections of an average of three GCMs
under a medium-high (A2) emissions scenario. [Image courtesy of Hayhoe et al., 2010]

Investigating regional climate changes over the Great Lakes Basin into the next century, Gula
and Peltier (2012) used the Weather Research and Forecasting (WRF) model to dynamically
downscale global warming projections from the Community Climate System Model (CCSM) for
the Lake Superior region. The study produced climate projections at a spatial resolution of 10
km (6 mi) under a medium-high (A2) emissions scenario. Annual average temperatures are
projected to increase 3 to 4 °C (5 to 7 °F) and winter average temperatures are projected to
increase 5 °C (9 °F) by 2050-2060, relative to 1979-2001.
Huang et al. (2012) of the University of Regina produced probabilistic climate change
projections for Ontario at 25 km (15 mi) resolution using the UK PRECIS model under a
moderate (A1B) emissions scenario, based on historical temperature data from the Sault Ste.
Marie, Ontario, weather station. Results indicate that there is a 90% probability that mean daily
air temperatures in Ontario north of Lake Superior will increase 2.8 to 3.2 °C (5.0 to 5.8 °F) by
2020-2049, 4.5 to 5.0 °C (8.1 to 9 °F) by 2040-2069, and 6.0 to 7.0 °C (10.8 to 12.6 °F) by 20702099, relative to 1968-1998.
In addition to the results from these in-depth academic investigations, projections of future air
temperature and precipitation from a variety of current GCMs are available from interactive
websites, including the Canadian Climate Change Scenarios Network (CCCSN, 2011) and the
The Nature Conservancy’s (TNC’s) Climate Wizard (http://www.climatewizard.org/). Users can
select the region, model, scenario, climate parameter (e.g., air temperature, precipitation), and
future time period of interest and then generate a map of projected values. Figure 12 is an
example of air temperature projections from the Climate Wizard for the U.S. portion of the Lake
Superior basin for the end of the 21st century using an average of several GCMs under a
moderate (A1B) scenario (Maurer et al., 2007). This projection indicates that average annual air
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 temperatures in the areas of Michigan, Minnesota, and Wisconsin that border Lake Superior will
increase by approximately 3.6 to 4.2 ºC (6.5 to 7.5 ºF) by the 2080s, relative to 1961-1990
average values. Figure 13 is an example of air temperature projections from the CCCSN
interactive tool for the Great Lakes region for the middle of the 21st century under an average of
the A1B and B2 scenarios (moderate emissions) (CCCSN, 2011). This model output suggests
that average annual air temperatures in the vicinity of Lake Superior will increase by 2.7 to 2.9
ºC (4.9 to 5.2 ºF) by the 2050s, relative to 1961-1990 average values (Expert Panel on Climate
Change Adaptation, 2009).

Summary of Projected Changes in Air Temperature
Results of various GCM analyses consistently suggest that air temperatures will increase in the
Lake Superior basin. Projected changes in annual average air temperatures will be on the order
of 3 to 4.5 ºC (5.4 to 8.1 ºF) by the end of the 21st century, depending on the particular model and
scenario utilized.

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 Table 3. Future projections of air temperature for the Lake Superior region. Magnitudes of change are annual averages unless
otherwise specified.
Source

Lofgren et al., 2002

Location

Lake Superior

Emissions/
Concentration
Scenario

Benchmark

Time Period

Trend

1961-1990

2030

Increasing

1961-1990

2050

Increasing

1961-1990

2090

Increasing

A2
(medium-high)

1961-1990

2070-2099

IS92a

Increasing

Magnitude of Change
1.2 to 1.9 ºC
(2.2 to 3.4 ºF)
1.6 to 2.9 ºC
(2.9 to 5.2 ºF)
2.9 to 5.4 ºC
(5.2 to 9.7 ºF)
2 to 4 ºC (3.6 to 7.2 ºF)
(winter average)
4 to 6 ºC (7.2 to 10.8 ºF)
(summer average)

Wuebbles and Hayhoe,
2004

Lake Superior

Hayhoe et al., 2010

Lake Superior

A2
(medium-high)

1961-1990

2070-2099

Increasing

4 to 4.5 ºC
(7.2 to 8.1 ºF)

CCCSN, 2011

Lake Superior

A1B and B2 average
(moderate)

1961-1990

2050s

Increasing

2.7 to 2.9 ºC
(4.9 to 5.2 ºF)

Lake Superior

A2
(medium-high)

1979-2001

A1B
(moderate)

1961-1990

A2
(medium-high)

1970-1999

A1B
(moderate)

1950-2006

Increasing

3 to 4 °C (5 to 7 °F)
Gula and Peltier, 2012

Maurer et al., 2007

U.S. coast of Lake
Superior

Galatowitsch et al.,
2009

Northern Superior
Uplands region (MN)

WICCI, 2011

Coast of Lake
Superior in
Wisconsin

2050-2060

Increasing
5 °C (9 °F)
(winter average)

August 2017

2080s

Increasing

3.6 to 4.2 ºC
(6.5 to 7.5 ºF)

2030-2039

Increasing

1.7 ºC (3.1 ºF)

2060-2069

Increasing

4.5 ºC (8.1 ºF)

1980-2055

Increasing

3 ºC (6 ºF)

Page 18

 Source

Colombo et al., 2007

Location

Ontario coast of
Lake Superior

Emissions/
Concentration
Scenario
A2
(medium-high)

Benchmark

Time Period

Trend

2 to 3 °C (3.6 to 6 ºF)
(summer average)
1971-2000

2041-2070

Increasing
3 to 4 °C (6 to 7.2 ºF)
(winter average)

Increasing
(90%
probability)

2.8 to 3.2 °C
(5.0 to 5.8 °F)
(mean daily air temp)
4.5 to 5.0 °C
(8.1 to 9.0 °F)
(mean daily air temp)
6.0 to 7.0 °C
(10.8 to 12.6 °F)
(mean daily air temp)

2020-2049

Huang et al., 2012

Ontario north of
Lake Superior

A1B
(moderate)

1968-1998

2040-2069

2070-2099

Pictured Rocks
National Lakeshore

Saunders et al., 2011
Apostle Islands
National Lakeshore

Isle Royale National
Park

B2
(lower)
B2
(lower)
A2
(medium-high)
A2
(medium-high)
B2
(lower)
B2
(lower)
A2
(medium-high)
A2
(medium-high)
B2
(lower)

Magnitude of Change

1971-2000

2040-2069

Increasing

1.9 ºC (3.5 ºF)

1971-2000

2070-2099

Increasing

2.6 ºC (4.7 ºF)

1971-2000

2040-2069

Increasing

2.5 ºC (4.5 ºF)

1971-2000

2070-2099

Increasing

4.3 ºC (7.7 ºF)

1971-2000

2040-2069

Increasing

2.1 ºC (3.7 ºF)

1971-2000

2070-2099

Increasing

2.7 ºC (4.8 ºF)

1971-2000

2040-2069

Increasing

2.6 ºC (4.7 ºF)

1971-2000

2070-2099

Increasing

4.5 ºC (8.1 ºF)

1971-2000

2040-2069

Increasing

2.0 ºC (3.6 ºF)

August 2017

Page 19

 Source

Location

Emissions/
Concentration
Scenario
B2
(lower)
A2
(medium-high)
A2
(medium-high)

Benchmark

Time Period

Trend

Magnitude of Change

1971-2000

2070-2099

Increasing

2.7 ºC (4.8 ºF)

1971-2000

2040-2069

Increasing

2.6 ºC (4.6 ºF)

1971-2000

2070-2099

Increasing

4.4 ºC (8.0 ºF)

August 2017

Page 20

 Figure 12. Projected changes in annual average air temperatures (°F) for the U.S. portion of the
Great Lakes region by the 2080s, relative to 1961-1990 averages, under moderate GHG emissions
(A1B scenario). [Image generated from the Climate Wizard, http://www.climatewizard.org/; data
from Maurer et al., 2007]

Figure 13. Projected changes in annual average air temperatures (°C) for the Great Lakes region
by the 2050s, relative to 1961-1990 averages, under moderate GHG emissions (average of A1B and
B2 emission scenarios). [Image courtesy of Expert Panel on Climate Change Adaptation, 2009
using output from the CCCSN, 2011]

August 2017

Page 21

 2.1.4 Precipitation
Warmer air temperatures associated with rising concentrations of GHGs in the atmosphere are
expected to enhance surface evapotranspiration and thus increase the amount of water vapor in
the atmosphere, leading to overall increases in global precipitation during the 21st century.
Evapotranspiration is the loss of water to the atmosphere through evaporation from the Earth’s
surface and the transpiration of plants (Kling et al., 2003; Environment Canada, 2004). In the
Great Lakes-St. Lawrence basin, almost two-thirds of the water that falls into the lakes as
precipitation returns to the atmosphere by means of evapotranspiration (IJC, 2003; Mortsch et
al., 2000).
Historical Observations of Precipitation
Observational evidence suggests that precipitation amounts are increasing at some locations in
the Lake Superior region, although the trends are less clear than for air temperature, as
summarized in Table 4. The coast of Lake Superior in Wisconsin has experienced a wide
variation in precipitation from 1950 to 2006, based on statewide data from the U.S. NWS
Cooperative Observer Program. An analysis by the University of Wisconsin-Madison indicated
little change in annual average precipitation from 1950 to 2006 for locations along Lake
Superior’s coast in northwestern Wisconsin but increases of 127 to 178 mm (5.0 to 7.0 in) of
precipitation for the area around Chequamegon Bay (WICCI, 2011).
Historical climate data from Environment Canada for five stations in Ontario along the coast of
Lake Superior – Thunder Bay, Cameron Falls, Marathon, Wawa, and Sault Ste. Marie – shown
in Figure 14, indicate that annual total precipitation increased significantly at Thunder Bay (from
1895 to 1992) and Cameron Falls (from 1924 to 1996) (Environment Canada, 2005). However,
an analysis of annual total precipitation at Thunder Bay for the period 1941-2010 (Saunders,
2011) indicates an overall decreasing trend, as shown in Figure 15. Changes in snowfall vary by
location. Historical observations of snowfall on the western coast of Lake Superior suggest a
decreasing trend in recent years. Annual total snowfall rose significantly at Thunder Bay for the
period 1895-1992 and at Cameron Falls for the period 1924-1996 (Environment Canada, 2005).
However, an analysis of snowfall at Thunder Bay for the period 1941-2010 (Saunders, 2011)
indicates a steep decrease in annual total snowfall since 1981. On the eastern coast of Lake
Superior, total snowfall decreased approximately 240 cm (94 in.) at Wawa Airport over the
period 1915-2003 , but there was little change at Sault Ste. Marie for the period 1964-2006
(Environment Canada, 2005). A more detailed seasonal analysis of historical climate trends data
compiled by OCCIAR shows that at Sault Ste. Marie, annual total precipitation decreased 10 mm
(0.4 in.), winter total precipitation decreased 48 mm (1.9 in.), and summer total precipitation
decreased 18 mm (0.7 in.) over the period 1962-2008 (OCCIAR, 2010).
In general, observed precipitation trends in the Lake Superior basin over the last century appear
to vary by location and type of precipitation. Data collected in northwest Wisconsin during the
latter half of the 20th century indicate wide variations in precipitation, depending on location
(WICCI, 2011). Based on historical observations for locations in Ontario for the 20th century,
annual total precipitation at locations along the western shores of Lake Superior appears to be
increasing, while along the eastern coast, annual total precipitation seems to be decreasing or
remaining constant (Environment Canada, 2005; OCCIAR, 2010). At Thunder Bay, on the
August 2017

Page 22

 western shore of Lake Superior, recent data (through 2010) suggest a shift from an increasing
trend to a decreasing trend in annual total precipitation (Saunders, 2011).
Table 4. Observed historical trends of precipitation and snowfall in the Lake Superior region.
Source

Location

Environment
Canada, 2005
Environment
Canada, 2005
Environment
Canada, 2005

Cameron Falls,
Ontario
Cameron Falls,
Ontario
Thunder Bay,
Ontario
Thunder Bay,
Ontario
Thunder Bay,
Ontario
Thunder Bay,
Ontario

Saunders, 2011
Environment
Canada, 2005
Saunders, 2011
Environment
Canada, 2005

OCCIAR, 2010

Environment
Canada, 2005

Wawa, Ontario

Sault Ste.
Marie, Ontario

Sault Ste.
Marie, Ontario

Time
Period

Trend

1924-1996

Increasing

1924-1996

Increasing

1895-1992

Increasing

1941-2010

Decreasing

1895-1992

Increasing

1941-2010

Decreasing

1915-2003

Decreasing

1962-2008

Decreasing

Increasing
1960-2002
Decreasing

August 2017

Measurement
Annual total
precipitation
Annual total
snowfall
Annual total
precipitation
Annual total
precipitation
Annual total
snowfall
Annual total
snowfall
Annual total
snowfall
Annual total
precipitation
Winter total
precipitation
Summer total
precipitation
Annual total
precipitation
Annual total
rainfall
Annual total
snowfall

Magnitude of
Change
not reported
not reported
not reported
not reported
not reported
not reported
not reported
10 mm (0.4 in.)
48 mm (1.9 in.)
18 mm (0.7 in.)
8 mm (0.3 in.)
13 mm (0.5 in.)
4 mm (0.15 in.)

Page 23

 Figure 14. Observed historical precipitation trends for five cities in Ontario on Lake Superior. [Image courtesy of Environment Canada,
2005]
August 2017

Page 24

 Figure 15. Observed historical annual total precipitation (mm) for Thunder Bay, Ontario, 19412010. [Image courtesy of Saunders, 2011, using data from Environment Canada]

Future Projections of Precipitation
It is important to note that GCM projections of temperature changes for a given region are
generally consistent in sign and magnitude, but precipitation projections can vary widely due to
the difficulty in simulating the myriad of factors that influence precipitation frequency, duration,
and intensity. An additional complicating factor is that precipitation in the Lake Superior region
varies naturally both seasonally and annually. In model simulations, any precipitation changes
associated with future climate change are overlaid on this natural variability, making it difficult
for GCMs to resolve contributions from natural and anthropogenic influences. The result is
increased uncertainty in expected precipitation changes associated with future climate change.
Many of the same researchers who analyzed GCM projections of air temperature also used
GCMs to project changes in precipitation for the Lake Superior region under different scenarios
and time periods in the 21st century, as summarized in Table 5. As part of their investigation of
the potential impacts of climate change on water resources in the Great Lakes region, Lofgren et
al. (2002) worked with GCMs that projected average annual increases in precipitation for Lake
Superior of 4% by 2030, 5% by 2050, and 14 to 16% by 2090, relative to 1961-1990 average
values. Wuebbles and Hayhoe (2004) found that GCM projections of precipitation for the
Midwestern U.S., including the Great Lakes region, were complex and had a seasonal
component. Model results for the medium-high (A2) emissions scenario suggest that by 20702099, winter precipitation will increase by 5 to 15% but summer precipitation will decrease by 5
to 10%, relative to 1961-1990 average values, resulting in little or no net annual change in
precipitation for the region (Wuebbles and Hayhoe, 2004). Hayhoe et al. (2010) found similar
results in a follow-up study. Statistically downscaled output averaged from three GCM
August 2017

Page 25

 simulations under a medium-high (A2) emissions scenario showed a seasonal variation in
precipitation projections, with increases in winter and spring precipitation and decreases in
summer precipitation, leading to an overall increase in annual average precipitation of 0 to 10%
by 2070-2099, relative to 1961-1990 average values, as shown in Figure 16. Hayhoe et al.
(2010) concluded that climate change is expected to bring the Great Lakes region only slight
increases in annual average precipitation, but these relatively small annual changes will mask
large shifts in precipitation on the seasonal scale.
Results from an analysis of precipitation projections from the CCCSN (2011) conducted by the
Expert Panel on Climate Change Adaptation (2009) provide further evidence for seasonal
variations in precipitation for the Lake Superior basin. Figure 17 shows that only modest
increases in annual average precipitation on the order of 5.5 to 7.5% are projected by the 2050s,
relative to 1961-1990 average values, under a moderate emissions scenario (average of A1B and
B2 scenarios). As Figures 18 and 19 illustrate, however, these annual changes are the sum of
substantial increases in average winter precipitation of about 9 to 14% and changes in summer
average precipitation of approximately -1.5% to +1.5%.
Projections by Gula and Peltier (2012) suggest that annual precipitation in the Lake Superior
region may increase 5 to 15%, winter precipitation may change between -15% and 5%, and
summer precipitation may increase approximately 30% by 2050-2060, relative to 1979-2001,
under a medium-high (A2) emissions scenario. The results of Huang et al. (2012) suggest the
change in average daily precipitation rate in Ontario north of Lake Superior will be variable
depending on location, with a 90% probability that the average daily precipitation rate will
increase 5.8 to 11.4% by 2020-2049, 11.4 to 17.0% by 2040-2069, and 14.2 to 17.0% by 20702099, relative to 1968-1998, under a moderate (A1B) emissions scenario.
On a more localized scale, climate models indicate a 75% probability that annual average
precipitation will increase in Wisconsin in the 21st century. There is consensus that precipitation
will increase during winter and that a higher percentage of winter precipitation will fall as rain
rather than snow, due to the rise in winter air temperatures (WICCI, 2011).
Although climate change is expected to increase the occurrence of heavy rainfall events
associated with increases in the frequency and intensity of storms in the Great Lakes region
(Hayhoe et al., 2010), there are no published studies documenting anticipated changes
specifically for the Lake Superior basin. Historical observations show that there were only zero
to four occurrences of heavy rainfall during the period 1979-2004 in the portion of Ontario that
borders Lake Superior (Chiotti and Lavender, 2008), as shown in Figure 20. Any future
increases in storm intensity or frequency may increase the incidence of flash flooding and the
flow of pollutants to Lake Superior and surrounding wetlands from runoff (Hayhoe et al., 2010;
Chiotti and Lavender, 2008).
Two sets of researchers have found that little change is expected in the frequency of lake effect
snow in the Lake Superior region through 2099, despite projected increases in water temperature
and number of ice-free days. Kunkel et al. (2002) determined that only a small decrease of 5% is
projected in the frequency of favorable air temperatures for lake effect snow in the Lake Superior
snowbelt, despite an overall warming of 3 °C (5.4 °F) projected for the region. Similarly, based
August 2017

Page 26

 on GCM projections for the Lake Superior snowbelt, Sousounis and Bisanz (2000) concluded
that the average winter air temperature will remain below 0 ºC (32 °F), and the number of belowfreezing days and the frequency of favorable ranges of other variables that impact lake effect
snow will remain relatively unchanged through the end of the 21st century.

Figure 16. Projected changes in annual average precipitation (%) by 2070–2099, relative to 19611990 average values, from statistically downscaled projections of an average of three GCMs under
a medium-high (A2) emissions scenario. [Image courtesy of Hayhoe et al., 2010]

Summary of Projected Changes in Precipitation
GCM projections of precipitation for the Lake Superior region suggest that annual precipitation
will increase by the end of the 21st century, but only slightly (5 to 15%). Shifts in seasonal
precipitation are expected, with decreases in summer precipitation and increases in winter
precipitation. It is possible that more winter precipitation will fall as rain and less as snow,
although little or no change is expected in the frequency of lake effect snowfall. Climate change
is expected to increase the occurrence of heavy rainfall events associated with increases in the
frequency and intensity of storms in the Great Lakes region, but specific changes for the Lake
Superior basin have not been studied.

August 2017

Page 27

 Table 5. Future projections of precipitation for the Lake Superior region. Magnitudes of change
are annual averages unless otherwise specified.
Source

Lofgren et al.,
2002

Location

Lake Superior

Emissions/
Concentration Benchmark Time Period
Scenario

IS92a

Trend

Magnitude of
Change

1961-1990

2030

Increasing

4%

1961-1990

2050

Increasing

5%

1961-1990

2090

Increasing

14-16%

Increasing
Wuebbles and
Hayhoe, 2004

Lake Superior

A2
(medium-high)

1961-1990

2070-2099
Decreasing

Hayhoe et al.,
2010

CCCSN, 2011

Gula and
Peltier, 2012

Lake Superior

Lake
Superior

Lake Superior

Ontario coast
Colombo et al.,
of Lake
2007
Superior

A2
(medium-high)

A1B and B2
average
(moderate)

A2
(medium-high)

A2
(medium-high)

1961-1990

1961-1990

1979-2001

1971-2000

2070-2099

2050s

2050-2060

2041-2070

2020-2049
Huang et al.,
2012

Ontario north
of Lake
Superior

A1B
(moderate)

1968-1998

2040-2069
2070-2099

August 2017

5 to 15%
(winter
average)
5 to 10%
(summer
average)

Increasing

0-10%

Increasing

5.5 to 7.5%

Increasing

9 to 14%
(winter
average)

Variable

-1.5 to +1.5%
(summer
average)

Increasing

5 to 15%

Variable

-15% to 5%
(winter
average)

Increasing

30%
(summer
average)

Increasing

0 to 10%
(summer
average)
0 to 10%
(winter
average)

Increasing 5.8 to 11.4%
(90%
probability; 11.4 to 17.0%
average daily
precipitation
14.2 to 17.0%
rate)

Page 28

 Source

Location

Northern
Galatowitsch et Superior
al., 2009
Uplands
region (MN)

Emissions/
Concentration Benchmark Time Period
Scenario
A2
(medium-high)

1961-1990

2060-2069

Trend

Magnitude of
Change

1.8 to 2.2
mm/day
No change
(0.071 to 0.087
in/day)

Figure 17. Projected changes in annual average precipitation (%) for the Great Lakes region by
the 2050s, relative to 1961-1990 average values, under moderate GHG emissions (average of A1B
and B2 scenarios). [Image courtesy of Expert Panel on Climate Change Adaptation, 2009 using
output from CCCSN, 2011]

August 2017

Page 29

 Figure 18. Projected changes in annual average winter precipitation (%) for the Great Lakes
region by the 2050s, relative to 1961-1990 average values, under moderate GHG emissions
(average of A1B and B2 scenarios). [Image courtesy of Expert Panel on Climate Change
Adaptation, 2009 using output CCCSN, 2011]

Figure 19. Projected changes in annual average summer precipitation (%) for the Great Lakes
region by the 2050s, relative to 1961-1990 average values, under moderate GHG emissions
(average of A1B and B2 scenarios). [Image courtesy of Expert Panel on Climate Change
Adaptation, 2009 using output from CCCSN, 2011]

August 2017

Page 30

 Figure 20. Historical observed occurrences of heavy rainfall in Ontario for the period 1979-2004.
Heavy rainfall is defined as rainfall that is ≥50 mm/hour (≥2.0 in/hour) or ≥75 mm (≥3.0 in) in three
hours. [Image courtesy of Chiotti and Lavender, 2008]

2.1.5 Migrating Climate Analyses
By relating future climate changes for a state or region to current conditions at a different
location, migrating climate analyses can provide an illustrative example of the impacts of climate
change. Hayhoe et al. (2010) conducted a migrating climate analysis for Michigan based on
projected changes in average summer temperatures and precipitation from GCMs under higher
(A1F1) and lower (B2) emissions scenarios. Figure 21 illustrates that the summer climate of
Michigan will feel as if it is migrating southward and westward during the course of the 21st
century. By 2080-2099, summers in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan, adjacent to Lake
Superior, may feel like current summers in southwestern Kansas (if a higher emissions scenario
is realized) or central Missouri (if a lower emissions scenario is realized).

August 2017

Page 31

 Figure 21. Migration of Michigan’s summer climate throughout the 21st century based on average
summer temperature and precipitation GCM projections under the A1F1 (higher) and B1 (lower)
future emissions scenarios, relative to 1961-1990 average values. [Image adapted from Hayhoe et
al., 2010]

In a comprehensive analysis of changes in air temperature and precipitation in Minnesota,
Galatowitsch et al. (2009) examined GCM projections by landscape region using a migrating
climate analysis. Results suggest that by 2060-2069, for a medium-high (A2) emissions
scenario, projected changes in annual average air temperature and precipitation for the Northern
Superior Uplands region, adjacent to Lake Superior, will correspond to the current climate of
southern Minnesota, as shown in Figure 22. Specifically, the results indicate that annual average
maximum air temperatures in the Northern Superior Uplands region are projected to increase 1.7
ºC (3.1 °F) by 2030-2039 and 4.5 ºC (8.1 °F) by 2060-2069, relative to 1970-1999 average
values. Summer (June-August) average maximum air temperatures are projected to increase 1.6
ºC (2.9 °F) by 2030-2039 and 3.4 ºC (6.1 °F) by 2060-2069, relative to 1970-1999 average
values. Precipitation rates for this region are projected to remain relatively constant for the
region, with annual average rates of 1.8 to 1.9 mm/day (0.071-0.075 in/day) (minimum amount)
and 2.1 to 2.2 mm/day (0.083 to 0.087 in/day) (maximum amount) and summer average rates of
3.0 mm/day (0.12 in/day) (minimum amount) and 3.3 mm/day (0.13 in/day) (maximum amount).
August 2017

Page 32

 Figure 22. Migration of climate for the Northern Superior Uplands region of Minnesota, based on
annual average temperature and precipitation GCM projections under a medium-high (A2)
emissions scenario for 2060–2069, relative to 1961-1990 average values. [Image modified from
Galatowitsch et al., 2009]

2.1.6 Water Temperature
Rising air temperatures associated with climate change are expected to increase the water
temperatures of Lake Superior and impact the lake’s vertical circulation (Hall et al., 2007). Due
to the sensitivity of coldwater fish species to water temperature, changes in water temperature
can substantially impact fish in Lake Superior, as discussed in detail in Section 2.3.
The current annual average water temperature of Lake Superior is approximately 4.5 °C (40 °F)
(Environment Canada, 2005), and surface water temperatures generally peak in September at 15
to 25 ºC (59 to 77 ºF) (Croley et al., 1998). These warm surface temperatures create a stable
summertime temperature stratification in the water column of the lake, as low density warm
water floats above high density cool water. Surface water temperatures decrease during the fall
and winter, and once surface water temperatures reach approximately 4 ºC (39 °F), the
temperature at which water has its maximum density, high density surface water sinks and lower
density deep water rises, causing vertical mixing in the water column. This “turnover” occurs
again in the spring as surface temperatures rise above 4 ºC (39 °F) (Croley et al., 1998). The
twice-annual vertical turnovers bring oxygen from the surface to the deeper waters and resuspend nutrients previously trapped at the bottom of the lakes (Hall et al., 2007).

August 2017

Page 33

 Historical Observations of Water Temperature
Observational evidence indicates that Lake Superior surface water temperatures have increased
over the past 35 to 40 years, and these changes are impacting the lake’s vertical water
circulation, as summarized in Table 6. Austin and Colman (2007) studied changes in Lake
Superior surface water temperatures for the period 1979-2006 using buoy measurements (Figure
23). They found that summer (July-September) surface water temperatures increased
approximately 2.5 ºC (4.5 °F), which is equivalent to a rate of 0.11 ± 0.0 ºC/yr (0.20 ± 0.11
ºF/yr). The beginning date of the summer temperature stratification period was observed to have
occurred nearly two weeks earlier in 2006 compared to 1979, corresponding to a rate of change
of half a day earlier per year. In a subsequent study, Austin and Colman (2008) used data from
two locations on the St. Marys River, near Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario, as a proxy for interannual
water temperature variability in Lake Superior. Results are similar to the 2007 study and
indicate that Lake Superior summer (July-September) average water temperatures increased
approximately 3.5 °C (6.3 °F) over the period 1906-2006; most of the warming has occurred
since 1976. In addition, the length of the summer temperature stratification season increased
approximately 25 days during the 100-year analysis period.
The observed increases in water temperature of 2.5 to 3.5 °C (4.5 to 6.3 °F) measured by Austin
and Colman (2007, 2008) are more than twice that of the corresponding observed increases of 1
to 1.2 °C (1.8 to 2.2 °F) in annual average air temperatures for the Lake Superior region
(Environment Canada, 2005; OCCIAR, 2010). This result suggests that increases in air
temperature are not solely responsible for the observed changes in water temperature. Austin
and Colman (2007, 2008) concluded that the main factor responsible for their observed increases
in surface water temperature was the recent decrease in observed ice cover on Lake Superior
(described in Section 2.1.7). These results reinforce the hypothesis that large natural systems,
such as Lake Superior, will undergo a complex response to global climate change.
Table 6. Observed historical trends in surface water temperature for Lake Superior.
Source

Location

Time Period

Trend

Austin and
Colman, 2007

Lake Superior

1979-2006

Increasing

Austin and
Colman, 2008

St. Marys River
(proxy for Lake
Superior)

1906-2006

Increasing

Magnitude of Change in
Summer Average
(July-September)
2.5 °C
(4.5 °F)
3.5 °C
(6.3 °F)

Future Projections of Water Temperature

Relatively few GCM studies analyzed changes in lake water temperature and summer
stratification, but the models are consistent in projecting warmer water temperatures and longer
stratification periods for the 21st century, as summarized in Table 7. Lehman (2002) investigated
possible future mixing patterns and primary production in the Great Lakes using projections
from two GCMs. Results show that the relative magnitudes of change are expected to be largest
August 2017

Page 34

 in Lake Superior. Annual average surface water temperatures in Lake Superior are projected to
increase approximately 5 ºC (9 °F) by 2071-2090, relative to 1954-1995 averages, and summer
average surface water temperatures are expected to exceed 20 °C (68 °F) by 2071-2090. The
time period of summer stratification is also projected to increase from approximately 100 days to
160-245 days by 2090.
In a more recent study, Trumpickas et al. (2009) estimated future water temperatures in Lake
Superior using the output from two GCMs in conjunction with an empirical relationship between
surface water temperatures and local air temperatures. Results for the A2 and B2 emissions
scenarios indicate that annual average surface water temperatures in Lake Superior will increase
2.0 to 2.1 ºC (3.6 to 3.8 °F) by 2011-2040, 3.2 to 3.9 ºC (5.8 to 7.0 °F) by 2041-2070, and 4.6 to
6.7 ºC (8.3 to 12.1 °F) by 2071-2100, relative to 1971-2000 average values. This approach
assumes that surface lake temperatures will respond linearly to future changes in local air
temperatures.

Summary of Projected Changes in Surface Water Temperature
Although there are relatively few GCM projections of water temperature for Lake Superior, the
models are consistent in projecting an increase in annual average surface water temperatures
throughout the 21st century, with magnitudes of approximately 4.6 to 6.7 ºC (8.3 to 12.1 °F) by
2090-2100, depending on the particular model and scenario utilized.

Figure 23. Observed historical changes in summer (July-September) average surface water
temperature (top) and start of stratified season (bottom) for 1979-2006 from measurements of
three NOAA buoys in the eastern (buoy 45004), central (buoy 45001), and western (buoy 45006)
portions of Lake Superior. [Image modified from Austin and Colman, 2007]

August 2017

Page 35

 Table 7. Future projections of surface water temperature for Lake Superior. Magnitudes of
change are annual averages.
Source
Lehman,
2002

Location
Lake Superior

Emissions/
Concentration
Scenario

Benchmark

Time
Period

Trend

Magnitude
of Change

unspecified

1954-1995

2071-2090

Increasing

5 °C (9 °F)
2.0 °C
(3.6 °F)
3.9 °C
(7.0 °F)

2011-2040
A2
(medium-high)

2041-2070

6.7 °C
(12.1 °F)

2071-2100
Trumpickas
et al., 2009

Lake Superior

1971-2000

B2
(lower)

Increasing
2011-2040

2.1 °C
(3.8 °F)

2041-2070

3.2 °C
(5.8 °F)

2071-2100

4.6 °C
(8.3 °F)

2.1.7 Ice Cover
Changes in air temperature and surface water temperature on Lake Superior are tied to changes
in the extent and duration of ice cover on the lake. Normal ice cover on Lake Superior reaches a
maximum of approximately 75% of lake surface area in February (Croley et al., 1998). A recent
analysis of historical observations of ice cover on Lake Superior for the period 1973-2010 (Wang
et al., 2012) indicates that on average over the 37-year analysis period, ice cover on Lake
Superior reached its peak in early March and then declined quickly thereafter (Figure 24).
Historical Observations of Ice Cover
Historical observations, presented in Table 8, indicate that the extent of ice cover on Lake
Superior decreased in the 20th century. Assel et al. (2003) analyzed a 39-year (1963-2001)
winter record of annual maximum ice concentration (AMIC) for the Great Lakes. AMIC is
defined as the maximum percentage of lake surface area covered by ice in a given year. Results
indicate that ice cover on Lake Superior for the winters of 1998-2001, the most recent four-year
period analyzed, was the lowest four-year average on record. The average AMIC value for
1998-2001 was 27%, compared to an average value of 68% for 1963-2001. The previously
discussed results of Austin and Colman (2007, 2008) suggest that the extent of average ice cover
on Lake Superior decreased approximately 11% over the period 1906-2006; most of that change
occurred since 1976. The results of Wang et al. (2012) indicate that Lake Superior ice cover
decreased by a rate of 2% per year for the period 1973-2010, for a total decrease of 79% over the
course of the 37-year analysis period. Figure 25 illustrates the decreasing trend in the extent of
Lake Superior ice observed by Wang et al. (2012).

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 Figure 24. Variation of weekly ice extent for Lake Superior for the period 1973-2010; the right yaxis is the fraction of ice extent. The vertical error bars represent one standard deviation. [Image
courtesy of Wang et al., 2012]

Although ice cover on Lake Superior was nearly 100% in 2009 (U.S. NWS, 2009), minimal ice
cover was observed on Lake Superior during 2010, as indicated in Figure 25. Figure 26 is a
MODIS true color satellite image of Lake Superior from March 5, 2010 (U.S. NWS, 2010) that
shows the extremely small amount of ice on the lake. Comparison to historical ice cover data
from the NOAA Great Lakes Ice Atlas for 1973 to 2002 (Assel, 2003) indicates that by March 17, approximately 25% of the winters between 1973 and 2002 had about the same amount of ice
cover as that observed on March 5, 2010. This comparison, illustrated in Figure 27, suggests that
by March 1-7, Lake Superior had more ice cover during approximately 75% of winters from
1973 to 2002 than during winter 2010 (U.S. NWS, 2010).
Howk (2009) investigated the duration of ice cover on Lake Superior using a 150-year record
(1857-2007) of the opening and closing of navigation in Bayfield, Wisconsin. Bayfield is
located on the southwest shore of Lake Superior, and the date that the last boat is able to navigate
in the Bayfield Harbor indicates the onset of ice cover on Lake Superior. Results show that the
duration of ice cover on Lake Superior at Bayfield decreased over the past 150 years by
approximately 3 days per decade or 45 days over the course of the study. The most dramatic
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Page 37

 changes have occurred since 1975; during the period 1975-2007, the ice season began an average
of 11.7 days later and ended 3.0 days earlier every decade. These results suggest that decreases
in the duration of ice cover on Lake Superior are occurring in conjunction with decreases in the
extent of ice cover.

Summary of Projected Changes in Ice Cover
Based on observational evidence, and assuming air temperatures in the Lake Superior region
continue to increase as projected by GCMs, the extent of ice cover on Lake Superior is expected
to continue to decrease through the 21st century (Ferris and Andrachuk, 2009). GCM projections
support the empirical evidence and suggest that average February ice cover will be only 2 to 11%
for the eastern and western Lake Superior basins by 2090 (Lofgren et al., 2002). The duration of
ice cover is also expected to continue to decrease in the 21st century, perhaps by as much as 50
days by 2050-2060 (Gula and Peltier, 2012) or 1 to 2 months by 2100 (Easterling and Karl,
2000).

Table 8. Observed historical trends in ice cover for Lake Superior.
Source

Location

Time
Period

Trend

Measurement
AMIC

Assel et al.,
2003
Austin and
Colman, 2008
Wang et al.,
2012

Lake Superior

1963-2001

Decreasing

St. Marys River (proxy
for Lake Superior)

1906-2006

Decreasing

Lake Superior

1973-2010

Decreasing

Howk, 2009

Bayfield, WI (proxy for
Lake Superior)

1857-2007

Decreasing

Extent of Ice
Cover
Extent of Ice
Cover
Duration of Ice
Cover

Magnitude of
Change

11%
79%
(2.07%/yr)
3 days/decade

Figure 25. Observed historical annual mean lake ice area for Lake Superior during the period
1973-2010. The linear line is the trend in annual lake ice coverage calculated from the least
squares fit method. The left y-axis is in units of km2 and the right y-axis is the fraction of ice
extent. [Image courtesy of Wang et al., 2012]

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 Figure 26. MODIS true color satellite image of Lake Superior showing minimal ice cover on March
5, 2010. [Image courtesy of U.S. National Weather Service, 2010]

Figure 27. Great Lakes Ice Atlas for winters 1973-2002, 25% quartile frequency distribution of ice
cover for March 1 to 7. [Image courtesy of U.S. National Weather Service, 2010 from data of Assel,
2003]
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Page 39

 2.1.8 Wind Speeds
In addition to mesoscale wind phenomena, such as the lake breeze (described in Section 2.1.1),
wind in general is an important component of Lake Superior’s climate. Year-round, the
predominant winds are westerly (Wilcox et al., 2007), although winds from all directions impact
the region. Sustained high winds can create seiches or storm surges by pushing the water level
up at one end of the lake, which causes the level to drop by a corresponding amount at the other
end. For example, northerly winds blowing into Chequamegon Bay can cause flooding in the
city of Ashland, and northeasterly winds blowing down the length of the lake can cause flooding
in the city of Superior (Moy et al., 2010).
Increasing air and surface water temperatures in the Lake Superior basin associated with climate
change may cause wind speeds to increase. As air temperatures at the Earth’s surface increase,
the lower atmosphere will become more unstable, since increasingly warmer, less dense air will
be below relatively colder, denser air. As a result, atmospheric turbulence will increase, and
stronger winds from aloft will mix down to the surface, causing an increase in surface wind
speeds (National Wildlife Federation, 2010). Faster winds may impact a variety of features in
the Lake Superior region, including the lake’s biogeochemical cycles, the lake breeze, lake
currents, and the depth of the lake’s mixed-layer (Desai et al., 2009; Austin and Colman, 2007).
Historical Observations of Wind Speed

Historical evidence suggests that Lake Superior wind speeds are already increasing, as
summarized in Table 9. Desai et al. (2009) analyzed buoy and satellite observations for Lake
Superior and found that surface wind speeds above the lake during the summer months (JulySeptember) increased 0.52 ± 0.20 m/s (1.2 ± 0.45 mph) over the period 1985-2008, an increase
of nearly 12%. This trend corresponds to a nearly 5% increase in wind speed per decade for
1985-2008, which exceeds observed trends in wind speed over land. Results from numerical
model simulations of the lake circulation suggest that increasing wind speeds will lead to
increases in lake current speeds. As part of their study of trends in Lake Superior surface water
temperatures, Austin and Colman (2007) also observed a general trend towards higher average
wind speeds during the summer months (July-September). They found that wind speeds had
increased at open-water buoy sites by approximately 0.05 m/s per year (0.1 mph per year) over
the period 1979-2006, which is on the order of the increase observed by Desai et al. (2009). This
change is significant compared to average summer wind speeds of 4 to 6 m/s (9 to 13 mph) over
Lake Superior. The increasing trend in wind speeds was attributed to increasing air and surface
water temperatures and a reduction in the temperature gradient between air and water, which are
destabilizing the atmospheric surface layer above the lake (Desai et al., 2009; Austin and
Colman, 2007).

Summary of Projected Changes in Wind Speeds
No GCM model projections of wind speeds over Lake Superior for the 21st century are available,
but if air temperature and lake water temperatures continue to increase as projected, wind speeds
over the lake are likely to increase concomitantly due to destabilization of the atmospheric
surface layer above the lake.
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 Table 9. Observed historical trends in wind speed for Lake Superior.
Source
Desai et al.,
2009
Austin and
Colman, 2007

Location

Time
Period

Trend

Lake Superior

1985-2008

Increasing

Lake Superior

1979-2006

Increasing

Magnitude of Change in
Summer Average
(July-September)
0.52 ± 0.20 m/s (1.2 ± 0.45 mph) over
entire period
0.05 m/s (0.1 mph) per year

2.1.9 Water Levels
The waters of Lake Superior are critical for regulating natural ecosystems and providing
resources for human activities, such as recreation and hydropower production. The water level
of Lake Superior varies naturally on a range of timescales, including seasonal and annual. Water
enters the Lake Superior basin primarily via precipitation, and evapotranspiration is the major
removal mechanism (Wilcox et al., 2007).
Seasonal changes in Lake Superior water levels are caused by differences in net basin supply
associated with snowmelt, precipitation, and evaporation (Wilcox et al., 2007). Water level rises
in the spring as the runoff from snowmelt enters the lake and begins dropping in late summer and
fall as surface water evaporates (Mortsch et al., 2000; Kling et al., 2003). The highest water
level usually occurs in August or September on Lake Superior, and the lowest water level
typically occurs in March (Wilcox et al., 2007). Lake Superior reaches its maximum summer
water level later than the other Great Lakes because of the relatively long snow cover season in
its northern drainage basin (Mortsch, 1998).
To help minimize extremes in water level fluctuations, the outflow of Lake Superior has been
regulated by control structures on the St. Marys River since about 1914 (IJC, 2003; Wilcox et al.,
2007). Regulation of Lake Superior is designed to maintain stable water levels that reflect longterm, average conditions (Mortsch, 1998). Figure 28 shows the annual average water levels of
Lake Superior for the period 1860-2010. Although significant annual variation is apparent, Lake
Superior water levels are more consistent than they would be in the absence of regulation
(Wilcox et al., 2007).
Since evapotranspiration increases with increasing air temperature, climate change is expected to
cause an overall net decrease in the water level of Lake Superior in the 21st century
(Environment Canada, 2004). Reductions in the extent and duration of ice cover (as described in
Section 2.1.7) may also increase the rate of evaporation from Lake Superior during the winter,
thereby impacting the water level of the lake. The issue is further complicated by the uncertainty
in projections of precipitation changes for the Lake Superior region, as described in Section
2.1.4. If annual average precipitation amounts decrease in conjunction with increases in
evapotranspiration, then substantial declines in the Lake Superior water level are probable. On
the other hand, if annual average precipitation amounts increase, the effect of increasing
evapotranspiration may be offset, and little or no change in Lake Superior water levels may
occur (Angel and Kunkel, 2010).
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Page 41

 Historical Observations of Water Levels
There is evidence that the water level of Lake Superior may be on a downward trend. Figure 28
indicates that there was an overall decrease in annual average lake water levels during the period
1995-2010. In August 2007, Lake Superior was at its lowest level since 1925. Although the
average lake water level has increased recently, it is still below the long-term average level of
approximately 183.41 m (601.73 ft), as illustrated in Figure 28. While it is clear that temperature
and precipitation exert a strong influence on lake water levels, the exact relationship between
these variables is not well understood, in part because neither precipitation nor evaporation are
measured over Lake Superior (Chiotti and Lavender, 2008).

Figure 28. Observed historical annual average Lake Superior water levels (m, ft) for 1860-2010.
[Image courtesy of Moy et al., 2010]

Future Projections of Water Levels
To ensure adequate water levels in Lake Superior in the coming years for ecosystem and human
needs, water managers and planners require information on the most probable future changes in
lake water levels. To that end, many GCM simulations have been conducted to provide
projections of Lake Superior water levels for the 21st century, as summarized in Table 10. It is
important to note GCMs do not directly project changes in future lake water levels. Instead,
projections of future Lake Superior water levels are derived from hydrologic models that input
projections of changes in air temperature and precipitation from GCMs. In an early study,
Hartmann (1990) linked output from GCMs to estimates of basin runoff, over-lake precipitation,
August 2017

Page 42

 and lake evaporation for the Great Lakes. Results suggest a very small decline in Lake Superior
water levels of about 13 mm/decade (0.51 in/decade) through the middle of the 21st century.
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers conducted an assessment of Great Lakes water resources
impacts using GCMs and found that Lake Superior water levels are expected to decrease
approximately 0.1 to 0.9 m (0.3 to 3.0 ft) by 2020-2050, relative to 1951-1990 average values
(Chao, 1999). In a similar study, Lofgren et al. (2002) used two GCMs to determine the
potential impacts of climate change on the water resources of the Great Lakes basin. The models
projected decreases in annual average water levels for Lake Superior of 0.01 to 0.22 m (0.03 to
0.72 ft) by 2021-2040, 0.01 to 0.31 m (0.03 to 1.0 ft) by 2041-2060, and 0.11 to 0.42 m (0.36 to
1.4 ft) by 2081-2100, relative to 1961-1990 average values. These amounts for Lake Superior
were the smallest projected decreases in lake levels for all of the Great Lakes.
More recent GCM analyses have found that projections of lake levels depend on the selected
GCM emissions scenario, similar to GCM projections for temperature and precipitation. Hayhoe
et al. (2010) used projected changes in air temperature and precipitation for the Great Lakes
region from GCMs under two emissions scenarios to determine expected changes in lake water
levels. Results show that Lake Superior average annual water levels are anticipated to remain
relatively constant under a lower emissions scenario (B1) through the 21st century. As illustrated
in Figure 29, results of a moderate (A1B) emissions scenario indicate that Lake Superior water
levels will begin to decrease in the early 21st century, with a total decrease of approximately 0.20
m (0.66 ft) by 2040-2069, relative to 1961-1990 average values. The differential effects of
changing temperature and precipitation are expected to balance each other out over much of the
21st century, resulting in little net change to Lake Superior water levels through approximately
2039 (Hayhoe et al., 2010). In a similar study, but on a larger modeling scale, Angel and Kunkel
(2010) estimated possible future water levels of the Great Lakes using the output of 18-23 GCMs
under the A2 (medium-high) emission scenario. Results show that Lake Superior median water
levels are expected to decrease 0.07 m (0.23 ft) by 2050-2064 and 0.12 m (0.39 ft) by 20802094, relative to 1970-1999 average values. At least 75% of the GCMs indicated steady or
declining water levels in Lake Superior by 2080-2094, which supports the findings of Hayhoe et
al. (2010) that Lake Superior water levels are likely to decrease later in the 21st century.
Many of the most recent projections of future Lake Superior water levels (e.g., Hartmann, 1990;
Chao, 1999; Lofgren et al., 2002; Angel and Kunkel, 2010) are derived from a hydrologic model
that uses GCM projections of air temperature as a proxy for potential evapotranspiration.
Lofgren et al. (2011) recently developed a new method that utilizes GCM predictions of net
radiative energy instead of air temperature in the hydrologic model. Their results indicate that
the new “energy adjustment” method projects a smaller drop in lake water levels, or possibly
even a slight increase, compared to the older “temperature adjustment” method. For example,
based on output from a GCM run with a moderate (A1B) emissions scenario, Lake Superior
water levels are projected to decrease 0.71 m (2.3 ft) by 2081-2100, relative to 1950-2005, using
the temperature adjustment, but to decrease only 0.33 m (1.08 ft) using the energy adjustment
method of Lofgren et al. (2011). Furthermore, using the energy adjustment with output from a
GCM run with a medium-high (A2) scenario, Lake Superior water levels are projected to
increase 0.13 m (0.43 ft) by 2081-2100, relative to 1950-2005. These results suggest that the
magnitudes and possibly the signs of previous lake level projections based on hydrologic models
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Page 43

 that utilized a “temperature adjustment” are overestimated (Lofgren et al., 2011), further
increasing the uncertainty in future changes of Lake Superior water levels.
The recent International Upper Great Lakes Study (IUGLS) report on Lake Superior Regulation
confirmed that GCM projections of future lake water levels introduce uncertainties that are very
difficult to reconcile with historical data (IUGLS, 2012). The report also found that water levels
for the upper Great Lakes, including Lake Superior, are almost entirely unpredictable more than
a month ahead, which makes it challenging to estimate the impacts of climate change (IUGLS,
2012). The report also notes that increasing evaporation over the past 60 years in the Lake
Superior basin has not been compensated for by increased precipitation, which has led to the
general decline in lake water levels discernible in Figure 28. This decrease in Lake Superior
water levels is expected to continue, on average, unless increases in precipitation amounts and
duration occur. As a result, continued overall decreases in Lake Superior water levels are likely,
although they will probably not be as large as previous studies have predicted, and periodic
higher than average levels are possible (IUGLS, 2012). In a recent study, MacKay and
Seglenieks (2012) dynamically downscaled GCM results using the Canadian Regional Climate
Model and then bias-corrected the simulated overall net basin supply. Their results support the
conclusions of the IUGLS report by suggesting a decrease in Lake Superior levels of 0.03 m (0.1
ft) by 2021-2050 relative to 1962-1990, as well as an amplified seasonal signal for lake levels
into the future compared to the present.

Figure 29. Projected changes in annual average water levels (m) for the Great Lakes, relative to
1961-1990 average values, under the A1B (moderate) emissions scenario. [Image courtesy of
Hayhoe et al., 2010]

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Page 44

 Summary of Projected Changes in Lake Water Levels
It is difficult to predict future changes in Lake Superior water levels, due to competing impacts
from variations in evapotranspiration and precipitation. The potential impacts of changes in ice
cover and duration on wintertime evaporation from Lake Superior are also not definitively
known. GCM simulations suggest that Lake Superior water levels will decrease slightly,
beginning mid-century, on the order of 0.10 to 0.20 m (0.33 to 0.66 ft). Periodic increases in
lake water levels are also possible. The variation in results for different GCMs under different
emissions scenarios suggests a high degree of uncertainty in possible future lake levels. A recent
study (Lofgren et al., 2011) indicates that the magnitudes and possibly the signs of previous lake
level projections based on hydrologic models that utilized a “temperature adjustment” are
overestimated. Current research also suggests that the magnitude of any decreases in Lake
Superior water levels will be less than for the other Great Lakes. The recent IUGLS report on
Lake Superior Regulation (IUGLS, 2012) affirmed these conclusions and suggests that continued
overall decreases in Lake Superior water levels are likely, although they will probably not be as
large as previous studies have predicted, and periodic higher than average levels are possible.

Table 10. Future projections of Lake Superior water levels.
Source

Location

Hartmann,
1990

Lake Superior

Chao, 1999

Lake Superior

Emissions/
Concentration
Scenario
Equilibrium
CO2
IS92a

Benchmark

Time
Period

Trend

1973-1980

1981-2060

Decreasing

1951-1990

2020-2050
2021-2040

Lofgren et
al., 2002

Lake Superior

IS92a

1961-1990

2041-2060
2081-2100

Hayhoe et
al., 2010

Lake Superior

A1B
(moderate)

1961-1990

Angel and
Kunkel,
2010

Lake Superior

A2
(medium-high)

1970-1999

Lofgren et
al., 2011

Lake Superior

MacKay
and
Seglenieks,
2012

Lake Superior

A2
(medium-high)
A1B
(moderate)
A2
(medium-high)

2040-2069
2050-2064
2080-2094

1950-2005

2081-2100

1950-2005

2081-2100

1962-1990

2021-2050

August 2017

Magnitude of
Change

1.3 mm/yr
(0.051 in./yr)
0.1 to 0.9 m
Decreasing
(0.3 to 3.0 ft)
0.01 to 0.22 m
(0.03 to 0.72 ft)
0.01 to 0.31 m
Decreasing
(0.03 to 1.0 ft)
0.11 to 0.42 m
(0.36 to 1.4 ft)
0.20 m
Decreasing
(0.66 ft)
0.07 m
(0.23 ft)
Decreasing
0.12 m
(0.39 ft)
0.13 m
Increasing
(0.43 ft)
0.33 m
Decreasing
(1.08 ft)
Decreasing

0.03m
(0.1 ft)

Page 45

 2.1.10 Onset of Seasons
Climate change-induced increases in air temperature are expected to impact the onset of seasons
in the Lake Superior region.
Historical Observations of Onset of Seasons
There is some evidence that seasons are already beginning earlier, as summarized in Table 11. A
recent study (Stine et al., 2009) indicates that surface temperatures trended toward earlier
seasons by approximately 1.7 days globally and by 3 to 5 days in the vicinity of Lake Superior
for the period 1954-2007. This shift is larger than can be explained by natural variability, and
may have been caused by alterations in atmospheric circulation associated with climate change.
These results are similar to those of Wuebbles and Hayhoe (2004), who examined the changes in
the length of frost-free seasons for the Midwestern U.S. (Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Michigan,
Minnesota, Missouri, Ohio, and Wisconsin) for the period 1900-2000, and found that the longest
frost-free seasons occurred in the 1990s. Results showed that frost-free seasons in the 1990s
were approximately one week longer than in the early 20th century, due mainly to earlier dates
for the last spring freeze (Wuebbles and Hayhoe, 2004). In addition, WICCI found that
diverging spring and fall freeze dates led to an increase in the length of the growing season of 7
to 35 days during the period 1950-2006 for the counties in northwestern Wisconsin that border
Lake Superior (Kucharik et al., 2010b).
Table 11. Observed historical trends in onset of seasons for the Lake Superior region.
Source
Stine et al.,
2009
Wuebbles and
Hayhoe, 2004
Kucharik et
al., 2010b

Location

Time
Period

Measurement

Trend

Magnitude of
Change

Lake Superior region

1954-2007

Onset of spring

Earlier

3 to 5 days

Midwestern U.S.

1900-2000

Increasing

7 days

Northwestern WI, on
shore of Lake Superior

1950-2006

Increasing

7 to 35 days

Length of frostfree season
Length of
growing season

Future Projections of Onset of Seasons
Table 12 lists the GCM projections related to changes in the onset of seasons for the Lake
Superior region. GCM projections using the A1F1 and B1 emissions scenarios suggest that the
length of the frost-free season in the Midwestern U.S., including the southern Lake Superior
basin, will continue to increase by an additional 4 to 8 weeks through the end of the 21st century,
compared to 1961-1990 (Wuebbles and Hayhoe, 2004). The date of the last spring frost is
expected to become earlier by as much as 15 to 35 days, and the date of first autumn frost will be
pushed back by up to 35 days (Wuebbles and Hayhoe, 2004). GCM projections for Pukaskwa
National Park in Ontario using the A2 emissions scenario show a similar trend, with the length of
the growing season expected to increase by 22.6 days by 2071-2100, compared to 1971-2000
(McKenney et al., 2010).
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 Summary of Projected Changes in Onset of Seasons
GCM projections suggest that the length of the frost-free season in the Midwestern U.S.,
including the southern Lake Superior basin, will continue to increase by an additional 4 to 8
weeks through the end of the 21st century, compared to 1961-1990 (Wuebbles and Hayhoe,
2004). The date of the last spring frost is expected to become earlier by as much as 15 to 35
days, and the date of first autumn frost will be pushed back by up to 35 days (Wuebbles and
Hayhoe, 2004). Results are similar for Pukaskwa National Park in Ontario, on the northern shore
of Lake Superior, with GCM projections indicating an increase in the length of the growing
season of 22.6 days by 2071-2100, compared to 1971-2000 (McKenney et al., 2010). If air
temperatures continue to increase as projected by GCMs, it is likely that spring and summer will
begin earlier and the frost-free season will last longer throughout the Lake Superior basin during
the course of the 21st century.

Table 12. Future projections of onset of seasons for the Lake Superior region.
Source

Wuebbles
and
Hayhoe,
2004

McKenney
et al., 2010

2.2

Emissions/
Location Concentration Benchmark Time Period Measurement
Scenario
Length of frostfree season
MidA1F1 (high)
Date of last
western
1961-1990 2001-2099
and B1 (low)
spring frost
U.S.
Date of first
autumn frost

Pukaskwa
A2
National
(medium-high)
Park

1971-2000

Trend

Magnitude
of Change

Increasing 4 to 8 weeks
Earlier
Later

15 to 35
days
Up to 35
days

2011-2040

Increasing

5.9 days

2041-2070

Length of
Increasing
growing season

14.3 days

2071-2100

Increasing

22.6 days

Effects of Climate Change on Lake Superior Ecosystems

2.2.1 Summary of Expected Effects on Lake Superior Ecosystems
The climate change impacts described in Section 2.1 are expected to have a variety of effects on
physical, chemical, and biological aspects of Lake Superior ecosystems in the 21st century. In
some cases, climate change may result in expanding habitats for fish, bird, and tree species in
Lake Superior ecosystems. All of these changes are described in detail in Sections 2.2.2-6.
Some of the most significant potential effects include:
• The current extent of coastal wetlands may experience an overall decrease if lake levels
decline below historical annual averages, with negative consequences for a variety of
plant and animal habitats.
• Higher air temperatures and changes in precipitation patterns may result in a northward
shift in forest habitat. Forest species throughout the Lake Superior region are expected to
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Page 47

 •
•
•

•
•
•

experience increased mortality and eventually be replaced by species from forests further
south.
Stronger wave action and lower water lake levels could leave shoreline regions more
vulnerable to erosion and damage, resulting in degradation of fish spawning areas.
The concentrations of toxic chemicals and pollutants in Lake Superior may increase due
to variations in the frequency and intensity of precipitation, with adverse effects on
wildlife.
The dissolved oxygen content in Lake Superior may decrease due to higher water
temperatures and an increase in the length of the summer stratification season, resulting
in anoxic dead zones at the bottom of Lake Superior where few plants or animals could
survive.
Higher water temperatures are likely to cause major changes in the populations of plants
and animals in the aquatic ecosystem, such as a shift in fish composition from cold water
species (e.g., trout and salmon) to warm water species (e.g., bass and carp).
Warmer air temperatures and changes in precipitation patterns may cause a reduction in
the extent of northern plant and animal species and an increase in that of southern
species.
Higher water temperatures may permit increases in the populations of aquatic invasive
species in Lake Superior, such as Sea Lampreys and zebra and quagga mussels.

Although these effects on ecosystems in the Lake Superior region are probable based on current
research, uncertainty in climate change impacts exists, especially changes associated with future
precipitation patterns (Carstensen et al., 2008). Results from recent modeling studies of the
sensitivity of natural ecosystems to potential climate change in the U.S., both at regional and
national levels, show that different, equally plausible emissions scenarios can generate
significant differences in the simulated future response of ecosystems to climate change,
particularly due to variations in projected precipitation (Lenihan et al., 2008). Simulating the
response of ecosystems to climate changes adds an additional layer of uncertainty, since changes
in climate will interact with changes in other processes, such as land use (Carstensen et al., 2008;
Lenihan et al., 2008).
In general, however, climate change seems likely to stress Lake Superior ecosystems by altering
the air temperature and precipitation patterns in the region, which will in turn affect Lake
Superior’s water temperature, ice cover, and water levels. A warmer climate may exceed the
thermal tolerances of some species, causing them to migrate to cooler locations. The changing
climate may also create suitable habitats for predators or competitors to move into the Lake
Superior region and impinge on resident species. In this way, the impacts of climate change are
expected to affect the composition and productivity of Lake Superior ecosystems. Many existing
ecosystem stresses, including habitat fragmentation, accumulation of chemical pollutants, and
the spread of invasive species, will be exacerbated by the effects of climate change. Future
ecosystem stresses, such as enhanced water withdrawal to support expanding energy production,
may also increase the vulnerability of Lake Superior ecosystems (Great Lakes Commission,
2011).

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 2.2.2 Physical Aspects of Vulnerable Ecosystems
Climate change is expected to affect the physical aspects of Lake Superior ecosystems, causing
variations in habitat types. Coastal wetlands and forests will be particularly impacted and
significant shoreline effects and consequences associated with ice cover are expected.
Coastal Wetlands
Coastal wetlands are transition zones between water and land, with vegetation ranging from
submerged plants along the shore to woods and swampy forests in higher elevations. Lake
Superior coastal wetlands include marshes, meadows, bogs, and swamps (Mortsch, 1998;
Epstein et al., 1997). Examples of specific wetland community types in the Wisconsin
portion of the Lake Superior basin include submergent aquatic, emergent aquatic, coastal fen
(sedge fen), coastal bog (poor fen), open bog, northern sedge meadow, interdunal wetland, wet
sand flats, alder thicket, shrub-carr, tamarack swamp, black spruce swamp, white cedar swamp
(northern wet-mesic forest), hardwood swamp, and floodplain forest (Epstein et al., 1997).
Coastal wetlands provide habitats for a variety of plants and animals, including migratory and
nesting birds, spawning fish, and other aquatic species (Hartmann, 1990). Because wetlands act
as the interface between terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems, they are sensitive to changes in air
temperature, regional precipitation, runoff, snow cover, length of the freezing season, and
evapotranspiration caused by climate change. These climate change-induced stresses may
amplify existing stresses to wetlands from urbanization, recreational development, conversion to
agricultural land, and ecological damage (Mortsch, 1998). The historical natural cycles of
water levels in the Lake Superior basin, described in Section 2.1.9, are critical for maintaining
healthy coastal wetlands ecosystems. High lake levels confine the expansion of trees, shrubs,
and canopy-dominating emergent plants, while low water levels promote seed germination and
restrict the growth of plants that require very wet conditions, such as cattails, to the lowest
elevations (Wilcox et al., 2007). Since the diversity of wetland plant communities and animal
habitats in the Lake Superior region depends on water-level fluctuations, projected decreases in
lake water levels associated with climate change are of particular concern. Consistently lower
Lake Superior water levels could limit the extent of marshes that serve as breeding and nursery
areas for fish and wildlife, and significantly reduce fisheries production (Hartmann, 1990; IJC,
2003; Environment Canada, 2005). Based on bathymetry data, Ciborowski et al. (2008)
identified the areas on Lake Superior where a 1 m average decrease in water levels will have the
most significant potential impact on near-shore and coastal habitats, shown in Figure 30.
Mortsch (1998) assessed the potential impacts of climate change on Great Lakes coastal
wetlands. Although this study focused on coastal wetlands in the Great Lakes as a whole, the
implications are applicable to the Lake Superior basin. Results of the study indicated that future
lower mean lake water levels and a shift in seasonal water level cycles could have significant
consequences for coastal wetlands, including a decline in habitat for waterfowl migration;
reduced muskrat populations due to starvation, disease, and increased attacks from predators; and
inability of fish to reach spawning areas. Marshes are expected to adapt more easily to lower
water levels than swamps. Swamp ecosystems are more vulnerable because they contain
primarily trees, which cannot regenerate and colonize quickly under changing conditions of lake
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 water levels. Under extreme conditions of lower lake levels and reductions in precipitation
associated with climate change, coastal wetlands could progress toward terrestrial ecosystems.
The rate of climate change is another critical factor affecting wetland ecosystems. A relatively
slow rate of change would allow steady adaptation and invasion of new vegetation and wildlife
species, but a sudden, rapid change in climate could have catastrophic effects, as few wetland
organisms would be able to adapt (Mortsch, 1998). It is possible that the extent of
coastal wetlands may increase initially, as lake levels begin to decline,
since more of the Lake Superior coastline will be exposed to allow the
expansion of wetland communities (Mitsch, 2011).

Figure 30. Coastal areas of Lake Superior most likely to be affected by a 1 m decrease in water
levels (red shading). Green areas are provincial, federal, or state parks. The detailed pullout
areas are representative and may not include all coastal areas in Lake Superior potentially
affected by fluctuating water levels. [Adopted from Ciborowski et al., 2008]

Based on expert opinion and the latest understanding of climate change effects, the following
coastal wetlands are recognized to be at risk:
• Bog ecosystems
• Fen ecosystems
• Lagoon ecosystems
• Swamp ecosystems
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 Forest Habitat
Warmer air temperatures and changes in precipitation patterns under a changing climate are
expected to alter forest habitat in the Lake Superior region. Currently, the Lake Superior basin
includes northern hardwood forests (called the Great Lakes-St. Lawrence forest in Ontario) and
boreal forests. Boreal forests include conifer species (such as black and white spruce, jack pine,
and balsam fir) and deciduous species (such as poplars and white birch) (Saunders et al., 2011;
Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources, 2011a). Northern hardwood forests/Great Lakes-St.
Lawrence forests contain coniferous trees (such as eastern white pine, red pine, eastern hemlock
and white cedar) and deciduous broad-leaved species (such as yellow birch, sugar and red
maples, basswood, and red oak) (Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources, 2011b). Tree species
more common in boreal forests, such as white and black spruce, jack pine, aspen, and white
birch, also exist in the northern hardwood forests/Great Lakes-St. Lawrence forests (Ontario
Ministry of Natural Resources, 2011b).
Modeling studies are consistent in projecting a northward shift in forest habitats due to climate
change in the 21st century. Forest species throughout the Lake Superior region are expected to
experience increased mortality and eventually be replaced by species from forests further south
(McKenney et al., 2010; IJC, 2003). Boreal forest tree species (e.g., black spruce, jack pine,
white spruce, balsam fir, trembling aspen) are projected to migrate northwards of Ontario and out
of the Lake Superior region (McKenney et al., 2010). Northern hardwood forests/Great LakesSt. Lawrence forest tree species (e.g., white pine, red pine, sugar maple, and red oak) are
expected to expand into the northern portion of the Lake Superior basin, as the amount of
suitable habitat is projected to increase due to warmer conditions in the Ontario portion of the
basin (McKenney et al., 2010). In the U.S. portion of the basin, modeling studies suggest a shift
from predominately spruce-fir, white-red-jack pine, and aspen-birch forests to predominately
oak-hickory and maple-beech-birch forests by 2099 (Ravenscroft et al., 2010; Iverson et al.,
2008), as shown in Figure 31.
Although it seems clear that climate change will cause a shift in forest habitat in the Lake
Superior region, the timescale of change is unclear. Migration rates, pests, disease, land use, and
forest management will also impact forest health and composition in the 21st century (IJC, 2003).
Insect infestations or wildfires may cause faster changes in forest types than suggested by
climate models, or the long life expectancy and hardiness of some tree species may ameliorate
the impacts of climate change on Lake Superior forests (Saunders et al., 2011).
In addition to providing a myriad of functions for wildlife, human recreation, and industry, forest
ecosystems are also extremely valuable as carbon sinks. Plants utilize CO2 for photosynthesis
and thus, forests provide a natural sink for atmospheric CO2. Large amounts of carbon are stored
in trees, roots, and soils. Any significant loss of forested regions will decrease the Earth’s ability
to absorb carbon and prevent the release of CO2 into the atmosphere. Responsible management
of forest ecosystems to enhance carbon storage could help to mitigate the rate of climate change
(U.S. Forest Service, 2010).

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 Based on expert opinion and the latest understanding of climate change effects, the following
forest habitats are recognized to be at risk:
• Boreal forests (northern Lake Superior basin)
• Northern hardwood forests/Great Lakes-St. Lawrence forests (southern, western,
eastern Lake Superior basin)

White/Red/Jack Pine
Spruce/Fir
Longleaf/Slash Pine
Loblolly/Shortleaf Pine
Oak/Pine
Oak/Hickory
Oak/Gum/Cypress
Elm/Ash/Cottonwood
Maple/Beech/Birch
Aspen/Birch
No Data

Figure 31. Potential future changes in suitable forest type habitat by 2099. Trees are categorized
using USDA Forest Service forest types. Current habitat is based on the Forest Inventory and
Analysis, and projections are based on the output of three GCMs run under “high” (A1F1) and
“low” (B1) emissions scenarios. [Images courtesy of Prasad et al., 2007]

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 Shoreline Effects
Stronger winds over Lake Superior associated with climate change will create higher and
stronger waves that will impact the lake shoreline, including bluffs and lakebeds (WICCI, 2011).
Reduced ice cover will allow more waves to form on the lake during winter, especially during
winter storms (Saunders et al., 2011). Consequently, the Lake Superior shoreline will be more
vulnerable to erosion from wave action, particularly during the winter (WICCI, 2011; Saunders
et al., 2011).
To investigate these effects on the Lake Superior shoreline, the United States Geological Survey
used a change-potential index (CPI) to map the susceptibility of the shoreline in Apostle Islands
National Lakeshore in Wisconsin to climate change-induced changes in Lake Superior water
levels (Pendleton et al., 2007). The CPI was based on geomorphology, regional coastal slope,
rate and direction (i.e., rise and fall) of relative lake-level change, historical shoreline change
rates, annual ice cover and mean significant wave height. This approach combined the coastal
system’s potential for change with its natural ability to adapt to changing environmental
conditions. Results showed that the areas of unconsolidated sediment where regional coastal
slope is low and wave energy is high are likely to experience the most lake-level-related coastal
change. Over half of the 300 km (185 mi) of shoreline at Apostle Islands National Park is rated
as having a high to very high potential for shoreline change. High change-potential
geomorphology includes gravel and sand beaches not immediately backed by bluffs (Pendleton
et al., 2007). These results are likely applicable to other shoreline areas of Lake Superior, which
suggests that the combination of stronger waves and lower lake water levels could leave
shoreline regions vulnerable to degradation.

Based on expert opinion and the latest understanding of climate change effects, the following
shorelines are recognized to be at risk:
• Shoreline of Apostle Islands National Lakeshore

2.2.3 Chemical Aspects of Vulnerable Ecosystems
Climate change is expected to affect the chemical aspects of Lake Superior ecosystems, causing
deteriorations in water quality. Anticipated impacts include increases in the concentrations of
toxic chemicals and pollutants in Lake Superior and decreases in dissolved oxygen content
associated with warmer lake waters and changes in vertical circulation and stratification patterns.
Toxic Chemicals and Pollutants
Any variations in the frequency and intensity of precipitation associated with climate change
have the potential to degrade the water quality of Lake Superior. Longer periods of dry weather
between heavy rain events, particularly in the summer, will permit pollutants to build up on
roads and land surfaces. Runoff from subsequent heavy rains will wash these pollutants into
Lake Superior, potentially causing a spike in concentrations of hazardous chemicals in lake
waters (IJC, 2003). An increase in rainfall intensity may result in increased erosion of the land
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 surface and stream channels, higher sediment loads, and increased loadings of nutrients and
contaminants (McBean and Motiee, 2008). Sporadic releases of relatively high concentrations of
toxic pollutants may cause more adverse effects on wildlife than smaller, more frequent releases.
Potentially lower lake water levels due to climate change may also increase concentrations of
toxic chemicals in Lake Superior. If lake water levels drop, formerly submerged toxic sediments
could be exposed, releasing chemicals such as mercury, dioxins, and polychlorinated biphenyls
(PCBs) into Lake Superior surface waters (Dempsey et al., 2008; Betz et al., 2010). Lower water
levels may also cause existing levels of nutrients, contaminants, and sediments to become more
concentrated, thereby affecting water quality and impacting coastal wetland ecosystems (Cápiro,
2009). Impacts on fish and wildlife may include increased tumors and higher mortality.
Humans may also be affected through consumption of fish exposed to toxic chemicals and
pollutants. In addition, stronger wave action in shallow waters associated with lower Lake
Superior water levels could reduce water quality through increased turbidity (deLoë and
Kreutzwiser, 2000). These shallow areas are important spawning regions for Lake Superior fish.

Based on expert opinion and the latest understanding of climate change effects, the
following locations are recognized to be at risk for amplification of toxic chemicals and
pollutants:
• Shallow waters, including shoreline areas
• Areas of the lake that are adjacent to communities or agricultural areas
• Areas prone to flooding and erosion
• Harbors and embayments,
• Heavily developed shorelines
• River mouths draining urban areas

Dissolved Oxygen Content
Warmer water temperatures associated with climate change will reduce the overall dissolved
oxygen content of Lake Superior (IJC, 2003). Dissolved oxygen saturation values are lower for
warmer water, so Lake Superior is expected to have less oxygen in the future as lake water
warms due to climate change (Hall et al., 2007). In addition, as the lake water warms, the
metabolic rates of oxygen-consuming sediment bacteria will increase, as will the biological
productivity and respiration in the water column, which will further decrease dissolved oxygen
content in Lake Superior (Hall et al., 2007). Other expected impacts associated with higher lake
water temperatures include changes in the rate of chemical reactions in the water column, at the
sediment-water interface, and at the water-atmosphere interface (IJC, 2003). Dissolved oxygen
concentrations are critical for the health of aquatic ecosystems, including fish.
Water quality could also be degraded by an increase in the frequency and extent of algal blooms,
including toxic blue-green algae (Moy et al., 2010). Algae growth is favored in warmer waters,
so warmer water temperatures associated with climate change may enhance the growth of algae
in Lake Superior. The alga are short lived, and as they begin to decompose, they deplete
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 dissolved oxygen in the water. As a result, warmer waters with reduced levels of dissolved
oxygen can experience further declines if algal blooms occur.
Vertical Circulation/Stratification Effects
As described in Section 2.1.6, Lake Superior undergoes a process of “turnover” twice per year,
during which warm, oxygen-rich surface water sinks and mixes with colder, oxygen-depleted
deep water (Figure 32). “Turnover” is the main mechanism that replenishes deep lake waters
with dissolved oxygen. Currently, the Lake Superior water column undergoes “turnover” in the
spring and fall each year (Croley et al., 1998). If the surface water temperature of Lake Superior
does not fall to 4 ºC (39 °F; the temperature at which water has its maximum density) in the fall,
due to warmer temperatures associated with climate change, then “turnover” will occur only
once per year, in the spring (Hartmann, 1990; Croley et al., 1998; Hall et al., 2007). The result
would be a reduction in the dissolved oxygen content of the deep water layers in Lake Superior,
which would alter the deep water chemistry of the lake. In the absence of sufficient dissolved
oxygen, cold water fish species would be unable to survive in deep water habitats, impacting the
aquatic ecosystem (Croley et al., 1998; Lehman, 2002; Kling et al., 2003; Hall et al., 2007).
Climate variables projected by two GCMs suggest that thermal stratification will be up to 2
months longer in Lake Superior by 2090, with higher surface, mixed layer, and bottom water
temperatures (Lehman, 2002). Warmer deep water will likely increase the metabolic rates of
invertebrates and microbes, leading to accelerated consumption of dissolved oxygen during
extended periods of stratification (Lehman, 2002). It may also deprive phytoplankton and
detritus-eating organisms of nutrients necessary for growth and survival (Hall et al., 2007). The
overall productivity of the lake may be lowered, impacting the entire food chain and leading to
declines in the population and health of cold water fish and other species that depend on vertical
lake circulation for survival (Dempsey et al., 2008; Hall et al., 2007; Saunders et al., 2011).

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 Figure 32. Illustration of lake stratification and “turnover” to distribute oxygen-rich waters
throughout the vertical lake water column. [Image courtesy of Kling et al., 2003]

2.2.4 Biological Aspects of Vulnerable Ecosystems
Climate change is expected to affect the biological aspects of Lake Superior ecosystems, causing
changes to a significant number of plants and animals. Major types of potentially impacted
organisms include phytoplankton and zooplankton, fish, mammals, birds, and trees in forests. A
pictorial overview of the Lake Superior food web is shown in Figures 33a and 33b.

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 Figure 33a. The Lake Superior food web. [Image courtesy of NOAA Great Lakes Environmental Research Laboratory
(http://www.glerl.noaa.gov/pubs/brochures/foodweb/LSfoodweb.pdf)]

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 Figure 343b. The Lake Superior food web. [Image courtesy of NOAA Great Lakes Environmental Research Laboratory
(http://www.glerl.noaa.gov/pubs/brochures/foodweb/LSfoodweb.pdf)]

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 Phytoplankton/Zooplankton
Currently, Lake Superior has very low phytoplankton primary productivity rates to support its
food web (Minnesota Sea Grant, 2010). Warmer surface lake water associated with climate
change may impact the life cycle of phytoplankton, decreasing primary productivity and
reducing food available for zooplankton and the prey of predator fish (Dempsey et al., 2008).
Results from two GCMs suggest that as Lake Superior’s water temperature increases, primary
productivity will decline, principally due to the longer thermal stratification season (Sousounis
and Bisanz, 2000). If phytoplankton become less abundant, the food web will become
diminished, impacting cold water fish species and Lake Superior fishery production (Sousounis
and Bisanz, 2000).
Warming Lake Superior surface water may affect the abundance of copepods, which are the
largest component of zooplankton in the lake. A recent study indicates that water temperature
shifts of 5 to 10°C (9 to 18 °F) can cause large changes in proportions of three copepod species
in Lake Superior (Megart et al., 2009). In general, researchers expect that Lake Superior
copepods will become smaller and more abundant as surface water temperature continues to
increase in the future associated with climate change (Megart et al., 2009), which may cause an
unknown impact on Lake Superior’s aquatic ecosystem and food web.

Based on expert opinion and the latest understanding of climate change effects, the following
phytoplankton/zooplankton are recognized to be at risk:
• Copepods

Fish
Fish in Lake Superior are a complex mix of native and non-native species. Several non-native
fish were intentionally introduced to Lake Superior as game fish species, including Chinook
Salmon, Coho Salmon, Brown Trout, and a variety of Rainbow Trout strains (Minnesota
Department of Natural Resources, 1999). Invasive non-native fish species include Ruffe, Round
Goby, and Sea Lamprey. The Sea Lamprey virtually eliminated Lake Trout in Lake Superior
after its arrival in the mid-1900s (Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, 1999). Lake
Trout rehabilitation efforts over the past 20 years, including Sea Lamprey control, harvest
regulations and stocking programs, have resulted in the establishment of self-sustaining
populations in most near-shore waters of Lake Superior (Great Lakes Fishery Commission,
2007). Natural reproduction of Lake Trout has been re-established and maintained in Lake
Superior (U.S. EPA and Environment Canada, 2009). At this time, deepwater species of Lake
Trout (Siscowet) are abundant in Lake Superior, and the lean, shallow-water species of Lake
Trout are also plentiful due to restoration efforts (U.S. EPA and Environment Canada, 2008).
More details about the impacts of climate change on invasive species in Lake Superior are
provided in Section 2.2.6.
Fish in North American lakes can be divided into three main categories, based on temperature.
Cold water fish require water temperatures of <15 °C (<59 °F), cool water fish require water
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 temperatures of 15 to 25 °C (59 to 77 °F), and warm water fish require water temperatures of
>25 °C (>77 °F) (Chiotti and Lavender, 2008). Climate change is expected to increase the water
temperature of Lake Superior, potentially leading to a decrease in the populations of cold water
fish species and an increase in warm water species and some cool water species. Examples of
potentially affected cold water fish species in Lake Superior include Brown Trout, Rainbow
Trout, Chinook Salmon, and Coho Salmon (Wisconsin Sea Grant, 2002; Stefan et al., 2001).
Examples of cool water fish that may be impacted include Northern Pike, Walleye, White
Sucker, and Yellow Perch (Wisconsin Sea Grant, 2002; Stefan et al., 2001). Increases in water
temperature associated with climate change may also have a negative impact on cold water fish
species that spend their life cycle in Lake Superior (e.g., Lake Trout, Burbot), but they will have
the best chance of survival in Lake Superior compared to other North American lakes, since
Lake Superior is a deep, stratified lake (Stefan et al., 2001).
Specific impacts on cold water fish will likely involve the timing of spawning, egg development,
hatching, yolk sac development and potential for normal growth. For example, optimum
temperatures for spawning occur in the autumn for Lake Trout (8 to 11°C; 46 to 52 °F) and in the
spring for Northern Pike (4 to 12°C; 39 to 54 °F) (Lehman, 2002). These spawning windows
may be shifted or compressed as lake temperatures warm. Figure 34 indicates the current
locations for fish spawning in Lake Superior. Water temperature changes may also affect
developmental responses in fish that are cued by temperature, such as hatching of resting eggs
and resting stages (Lehman, 2002). Once fish are at the yearling stage, their growth will
decrease if prey consumption remains constant in waters warmed by climate
change (Hill and Magnuson, 1990). Potential changes in yearling fish growth
are expected to be greatest in spring and fall due to an increase in the
length of the period during which fish may behaviorally thermoregulate to find
their optimal temperature for growth. Fish that are not able to
thermoregulate in warmer waters will experience less growth in areas of Lake
Superior where near-surface water temperatures are higher than a particular
fish’s optimum range (Hill and Magnuson, 1990).
The extent and duration of ice cover on Lake Superior will also have important consequences for
fish. Ice provides protection for fish eggs against predators during late winter and early spring
(Ferris and Andrachuk, 2009). Any reductions in the extent and duration of ice on Lake Superior
associated with climate change will leave fish eggs exposed and vulnerable, curtail access to
spawning beds, and may reduce the overwinter survival of fish (Easterling and Karl, 2000; Assel
et al., 2003; IJC, 2003).

Based on expert opinion and the latest understanding of climate change effects, the following
fish are recognized to be potentially at risk:
• Burbot
• Northern Pike
• Rainbow Trout
• Brown Trout
• Walleye
• Chinook Salmon
• White Sucker
• Coho Salmon
• Yellow Perch
• Lake Trout
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 Figure 354. Locations of fish spawning on Lake Superior. [Image courtesy of Great Lakes Wind
Atlas, http://erie.glin.net/wind/]

Mammals
A wide variety of mammals currently reside in the Lake Superior basin. Large mammals include
white-tailed deer, black bears, wolves, moose, and woodland caribou. Smaller fur-bearing
mammals include bobcats, coyotes, red foxes, beavers, otters, minks, muskrats, raccoons, lynx,
and wolverines. Small forest mammals include porcupines, snowshoe hares, striped skunks, red
squirrels, chipmunks, mice, shrews, and bats (Minnesota Department of Natural Resources,
1999).
A recent report on climate change in the U.S. National Parks in the vicinity of Lakes Superior
and Michigan (Saunders et al., 2011) suggests that climate change will have negative impacts on
some key species of wildlife in the region, including moose and lynx. In particular, changes in
habitat and snow depth patterns associated with climate change may make the persistence of lynx
in Minnesota less likely, especially during low periods of the lynx (predator)/ hare (prey)
population cycle (Carstensen et al., 2008). This potential loss of lynx populations is of particular
concern because the lynx is a state-threatened species in Michigan, Minnesota, and Wisconsin
(Collins, 2012).
Another recent study demonstrated that as average air temperatures have increased over the
period 1883-2006 in the northern U.S. Great Lakes region, the distribution and abundance of
common southern small mammal species (e.g., white-footed mice, eastern chipmunks, southern
flying squirrels) have increased, while that of comparable northern species (e.g., woodland deer
mice, southern red-backed voles, woodland jumping mice, northern flying squirrels, least
chipmunks) have decreased (Myers et al., 2009). For example, white-footed mice and southern
flying squirrels were not present in 1971 in the Huron Mountains near the Lake Superior
shoreline in the central Upper Peninsula of Michigan, but they have become commonplace in the
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 last 35 years. Results of the study showed that southern species are not only moving into the
Lake Superior region, but they are replacing northern species (Myers et al., 2009). The
implications of these observed changes on Lake Superior ecosystems are potentially enormous
because the small mammal species involved are so commonplace (Myers et al., 2009).
If deer migrate further north in response to an expansion of their habitat associated with climate
change, they have the potential to severely impact moose and woodland caribou populations in
northern Minnesota and the Ontario portion of the basin due to the spread of the meningeal worm
parasite (Parelaphostrongylus tenuis). Deer carry the meningeal worm, and high deer population
densities in moose/caribou habitat can result in the transfer of the parasite, with subsequent
infection and mortality for moose and caribou (Lankester, 2010; Greenwood, 2012). Short, mild
winters favor the growth of deer populations in moose/caribou habitat, and wetter conditions and
longer snow-free periods enhance the opportunity for parasite transition from deer to moose and
caribou (Lankester, 2010). These conditions are expected to occur due to climate change, which
will likely increase the susceptibility of moose and woodland caribou populations in the Lake
Superior region to the meningeal worm parasite. Furthermore, an increase in precipitation and
winter air temperatures around Lake Superior may lead to a decline in the moose population
along the southern edge of their range (Varrin et al., 2007).
Increasing air temperatures associated with climate change may also be impacting the famous
moose/wolf system on Isle Royale, a remote island located in northwestern Lake Superior. The
moose are the primary prey of the wolves on Isle Royale, and the wolves are the only predators
of the moose. Researchers from Michigan Technical University and the U.S. National Park
Service have been making annual observations of wolves and moose on Isle Royale since 1958.
The Isle Royale wolf population typically comprises between 18 and 27 wolves, organized into
three packs. The moose population historically includes between 700 and 1,200 moose.
Between January 2010 and January 2011, the wolf population declined from 19 to 16, which is
below the long-term average of 23 wolves (Figure 35) (Vucetich and Peterson, 2011). Moose
abundance in February 2011 was estimated at 515; for the sixth consecutive year, the moose
population was approximately half the long-term average of 1,000 moose (Figure 35) (Vucetich
and Peterson, 2011). During the winter of 2011-2012, the wolf population dropped from 16 to 9
(Figure 35), which is the lowest number of wolves ever observed (Vucetich and Peterson, 2012).
By February 2012, the moose population had risen to 750, continuing the recent increase in
moose since the lowest recorded level of 400 in 2006 (Vucetich and Peterson, 2012). Despite the
recent surge in moose population, numbers remain below the long-term average of 1,000 moose
(Vucetich and Peterson, 2012).

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 Figure 365. Wolf and moose fluctuations, Isle Royale National Park, 1959-2012. [Image courtesy of
Vucetich and Peterson, 2012]

Although Figure 35 indicates there is substantial historical variability in the moose/wolf system,
researchers attribute climate change, specifically a recent string of relatively hot summers, for
the shrinking wolf and moose populations (Michigan Technical University, 2007). Hot weather
causes moose to rest more and forage less during the summer, leaving them less prepared to
survive the long, cold winters on Isle Royale. Warm spring and fall seasons also enhance the
breeding of winter ticks, one of the main non-predatory factors that affect moose. Ticks feed on
the blood of moose, weakening them and making them more vulnerable to attack by the wolves.
Devastating tick infestations occurred on Isle Royale during the relatively warm years of 20022007, which was likely a contributing factor to the recent downturn in moose population
(Michigan Technical University, 2007). Continued increases in average air temperature
associated with climate change could promote the breeding of more ticks in future years, further
threatening the moose population and consequently, the wolf population on Isle Royale.
Moreover, higher-than-average air temperatures and frequent high winds prevented the
formation of an ice bridge between Isle Royale and the mainland during the winter of 2011-2012.
Ice bridges are vital components of the Isle Royale moose/wolf system because they allow
wolves to immigrate from the mainland, which is important for maintaining the genetic health of
the Isle Royale wolf population. Annual observations indicate that the probability of an ice
bridge forming has decreased substantially since 1965. For example, an ice bridge formed an
average of every two out of three winters during the 1960s, but formed only about one year in 10
during the 2000s. This trend in declining winter ice bridge formation is likely due to climate
change (Vucetich and Peterson, 2012).
The extent and duration of ice cover on Lake Superior may also impact mammals. Less ice
cover associated with climate change will allow more water to evaporate from Lake Superior and
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 fall as snow across the region. More snowfall and a deeper snowpack will impede foraging
animals, such as deer, that must burrow through snow to find food (Ferris and Andrachuk, 2009).

Based on expert opinion and the latest understanding of climate change effects, the following
mammals are recognized to be at risk:
• Least chipmunks
• Lynx
• Moose
• Moose and wolves in Isle Royale National Park
• Northern flying squirrels
• Southern red-backed voles
• Woodland deer mice
• Woodland jumping mice
• Wolverine
• Woodland caribou

Birds
A wide variety of birds reside in the Lake Superior basin, including ruffed grouse, spruce grouse,
woodcocks, common ravens, American crows, hawks, owls, many species of songbirds, common
loons, red-winged blackbirds, mallards, blue-winged teals, and wood ducks (Minnesota
Department of Natural Resources, 1999). The Lake Superior watershed is also home to the
piping plover, a U.S. Endangered species, the peregrine falcon, an Ontario Threatened species
(Ontario Peregrine Falcon Recovery Team, 2010), and the bald eagle, an Ontario Species of
Special Concern (Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources, 2008).
Climate change is expected to negatively impact many birds in the Lake Superior region,
including loons and ruffed grouse. An example of the potential future changes in the incidence
of the common loon (Gavia immer), which nests primarily on inland lakes in the Lake Superior
region, by 2099 for the U.S. portion of the Lake Superior basin is given in Figure 36, based on
output from three GCMs run under the A1F1 (high) and B1 (low) emissions scenarios (Prasad et
al., 2009). As suitable habitats shift or are lost in the region due to climate change, general
categories of birds may also be impacted, such as warblers, shorebirds, and wintering birds
(Saunders et al., 2011). The effects of climate change on bird species will be tied to changes in
associated plant communities. For example, populations of ruffed grouse may decline as the
ranges of aspen, birch, and balsam fir trees shift north (Carstensen et al., 2008). As air
temperatures warm and winters become milder due to climate change, southern bird species are
expected to expand into the Lake Superior region. Several species have already moved into the
region from the south in recent decades, such as mourning doves, ring-necked pheasants, and
northern cardinals (Carstensen et al., 2008). In addition, Lake Superior is an important staging
area for migratory waterfowl, and changes in lake water levels and food availability associated
with climate change may affect migrant birds as they pass through the region.

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 Figure 376. Potential future changes in incidence of the common loon (Gavia immer) by 2099.
The current modeled data are based on the Breeding Bird Survey (BBS) and were used to derive
bird incidence (proportion of years that a given species was observed on a particular route across
ten years of sampling). The “high” emissions scenario corresponds to the A1F1 scenario, and the
“low” emissions scenario corresponds to the B1 scenario. [Images courtesy of Matthews et al.,
2007]

Based on expert opinion and the latest understanding of climate change effects, the
following types of birds are recognized to be at risk:
• Loons
• Migratory waterfowl
• Ruffed grouse
• Shorebirds
• Warblers
• Wintering birds

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 Trees and Plants
Approximately 85% of the Lake Superior basin is forested, including a mix of aspen-birch,
spruce-fir, maple-yellow birch, and white-red-jack pine trees (McKenney et al., 2010; Minnesota
Department of Natural Resources, 1999). As described in Section 2.2.2, climate change is
expected to cause a northward shift in the forest habitats of the Lake Superior region due to
increasing average air temperatures. Climate change will also exacerbate existing stresses on
trees, including drought, wind, fires, and insects (Galatowitsch et al., 2009). For example, the
most significant ecosystem impacts associated with climate change that are expected in the
northern Superior uplands region of Minnesota (adjacent to Lake Superior) include an increase in
large-scale tree mortality, reduced regeneration of trees from increased deer herbivory, and loss
of boreal forests (Galatowitsch et al., 2009).
There is some evidence that climate change may already be impacting some northern tree
species. A recent study (Woodall et al., 2009) used the locations of tree seedlings relative to
their respective forest stand biomass as an indicator of tree migration in the eastern U.S.,
including the U.S. portion of the Lake Superior basin. Results suggest that most northern tree
species are exhibiting a northward migration. In particular, over 70% of the northern species
studied had mean locations of seedlings significantly farther north (>20 km; >12.4 mi) than their
respective geographic centers of biomass. Northern species considered in the study included
balsam fir, tamarack, black spruce, red pine, northern white cedar, sugar maple, yellow birch,
paper birch, black ash, balsam poplar, bigtooth aspen, quaking aspen, northern pin oak, northern
red oak, and American basswood. The results of this study indicate that northward tree
migration associated with climate change may already be occurring, with rates approaching 100
km (62.1 mi) per century for many species (Woodall et al., 2009).
The impacts of climate change in the Lake Superior region have been investigated for several
specific tree species using GCMs and vegetation impact models. Two recent studies indicate
that jack pine and black spruce trees in the vicinity of Lake Superior are currently growing at or
near optimum levels, and an increase in air temperature associated with climate change may
cause significant population losses of these trees (Thomson and Parker, 2008; Thomson et al.,
2009). By 2041-2070, the optimum habitat for black spruce is expected to shift northward by
approximately 3 to 4º latitude for areas north and northwest of Lake Superior (Thomson et al.,
2009).
A more comprehensive study identified the species of trees in northern Wisconsin that are
expected to experience habitat loss by the end of the 21st century due to climate change
(Swanston et al., 2011). The most vulnerable forest ecosystems are expected to be low-diversity
ecosystems that are currently dominated almost entirely by a single tree species (Swanston et al.,
2011). The only species anticipated to completely lose suitable habitat is the mountain maple; it
is very uncommon presently in northern Wisconsin. Twelve tree species are expected to have
large declines in suitable habitat: black spruce, balsam fir, northern white cedar, yellow birch,
paper birch, quaking aspen, white spruce, eastern hemlock, sugar maple, black ash, tamarack,
and bigtooth aspen. Many of these species are currently very common in the forests of northern
Wisconsin, and their loss has the potential to severely impact the forest ecosystem of southern
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 and western Lake Superior. Six tree species are expected to experience small declines in suitable
habitat, including balsam poplar, rock elm, jack pine, red maple, eastern white pine, and
butternut. In addition, there are several species of trees in northern Wisconsin that are not
expected to be impacted by climate change, such as green ash, northern pin oak, American
basswood, northern red oak, chokecherry, and red pine (Swanston et al., 2011). Overall, these
changes in forest communities will affect various aspects of forest ecosystems, such as wildlife
habitat (Swanston et al., 2011).
Apostle Islands National Lakeshore provides important habitat for northern boreal plant species,
such as butterwort (endangered species in Michigan) and birds-eye primrose (species of special
concern in Michigan). Recent record low lake water levels, possibly associated with climate
change, may be reducing the incidence of pools found on the wave-splashed shores of islands in
the park. These splash pools are important to the survival of the northern boreal plant species,
and as a result, the incidence of these plant species is decreasing. Apostle Islands National
Lakeshore staff are conducting a survey to determine if the observed declines in the northern
boreal plant species in recent years are related to climate change (Burkman and Van Stappen,
2009). The arctic and sub-alpine disjunct plant species that live along the northwestern Lake
Superior coast are also vulnerable to the impacts of climate change. These plants were deposited
by glaciers and have continued to survive on the cold coasts of Lake Superior. They include
black crowberry, common butterwort, prickly saxifrage and many moss and lichen species
(Nature Conservancy Canada, 2012). Increasing air temperatures associated with climate change
may reduce or eliminate the habitat for these disjunct species.

Based on expert opinion and the latest understanding of climate change effects, the following
trees and plants are recognized to be at risk:
• Balsam fir
• Mosses
• Balsam poplar
• Mountain maple
• Bigtooth aspen
• Northern white cedar
• Birds-eye primrose
• Paper birch
• Black ash
• Prickly saxifrage
• Black crowberry
• Quaking aspen
• Black spruce
• Red maple
• Butternut
• Red pine
• Butterwort
• Rock elm
• Eastern hemlock
• Sugar maple
• Eastern white pine
• Tamarack
• Jack pine
• White spruce
• Lichens
• Yellow birch

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 2.2.5 Expanding Habitats in Lake Superior Ecosystems
In some cases, climate change may result in expanding habitats for some biological aspects of
Lake Superior ecosystems. Where these habitats are relatively healthy and well connected, and
where other conditions are suitable, climate change may provide opportunities for species to
expand, particularly some fish, bird, and tree species.
Fish
As described in Section 2.2.4, warmer Lake Superior waters associated with climate change will
favor the expansion of warm and possibly some cool water fish populations. Particularly during
the summer, the productive littoral zone of Lake Superior will likely have higher average water
temperatures that will persist for a longer period of time. These changes should favor increases
in the populations of many warm water fish, such as Smallmouth Bass, Rock Bass,
Pumpkinseed, Carp, and Freshwater Drum (Chiotti and Lavender, 2008; Environment Canada,
2005; Wisconsin Sea Grant, 2002; Stefan et al., 2001). Examples of cool water fish that may be
impacted include Northern Pike, Walleye, White Sucker, and Yellow Perch (Wisconsin Sea
Grant, 2002; Stefan et al., 2001). In particular, the habitat for Yellow Perch is expected to
expand in Lake Superior as water temperatures increase (Bronte et al., 2003).
Birds
A warmer climate in the Lake Superior region may benefit several year-round resident bird
species, including chickadees, woodpeckers, and northern cardinals (Kling et al., 2003). One of
the main advantages is expected to be a reduction in winter-related mortality, which should allow
populations of these birds to increase (Kling et al., 2003). In addition, as described in Section
2.2.4, climate change will permit southern bird species to move into the Lake Superior region
and flourish, thereby increasing and changing the biodiversity of the region.
Trees
In general, tree growth may be accelerated in the 21st century due to the rising atmospheric CO2
concentrations that are driving climate change, as described in Section 1.2. Rising atmospheric
CO2 levels are expected to stimulate plant photosynthesis, which would result in faster tree
growth. Higher CO2 may also accelerate the rate at which “pioneer” trees (e.g., aspen trees) give
way to species that grow in their shade (e.g., maple trees). Pioneer trees are the first to colonize
sites following disturbances, such as timber harvesting or fire. Studies show that maple trees
grown under elevated CO2 conditions become more tolerant of shade and increase their growth
rate (Kling et al., 2003). In a separate study (Goldblum and Rigg, 2005), the sugar maple
showed greater potential than white spruce or balsam fir for increased growth rates under the
projected warming and altered precipitation regime of climate change in Lake Superior
Provincial Park, which is located on the northeastern shore of Lake Superior, north of Sault Ste.
Marie, Ontario. By 2080, climate change is expected to enhance the status of sugar maple at its
current northern limit and facilitate its expansion northward (Goldblum and Rigg, 2005). The
climate change-induced expansion of red and sugar maple trees is projected in northeastern
Minnesota as well (Ravenscroft et al., 2010). As stated in Section 2.2.4, climate change is
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 expected to reduce the habitat of the sugar maple in northern Wisconsin (Swanston et al., 2011),
but its habitat seems likely to increase in northeastern Minnesota and on the Canadian side of the
Lake Superior basin (Ravenscroft et al., 2010; Goldblum and Rigg, 2005).
Based on projections from GCMs, the habitats of many tree species in northern Wisconsin are
expected to increase by the end of the 21st century as a result of warmer annual and winter air
temperatures associated with climate change (Swanston et al., 2011). Four species, all of which
are currently common throughout northern Wisconsin, may experience a small increase in
suitable habitat: American elm, eastern hophornbeam, American hornbeam, and white ash.
Seventeen species are anticipated to have a large increase in suitable habitat, including American
beech, bitternut hickory, black cherry, black oak, black walnut, black willow, boxelder, bur oak,
eastern cottonwood, eastern red cedar, hackberry, osage orange, shagbark hickory, silver maple,
slippery elm, swamp white oak, and white oak. Model projections for only three of these tree
species (white oak, black oak, American beech) have high reliability scores, however, so there is
some uncertainty in interpreting the range of trees that are expected to have a large increase in
suitable habitat due to climate change in northern Wisconsin. Under high and low emissions
scenarios, conditions are projected to be suitable for 11 new tree species in northern Wisconsin:
black locust, flowering dogwood, honey locust, mockernut hickory, Ohio buckeye, pignut
hickory, pin oak, red mulberry, river birch, sassafras, and yellow poplar. Under a high emissions
scenario only, 16 tree species that have little or no presence currently in northern Wisconsin may
have suitable habitat by the end of the 21st century, including black hickory, blackgum, blackjack
oak, chestnut oak, chinkapin oak, common persimmon, eastern redbud, northern catalpa,
peachleaf willow, pecan, post oak, scarlet oak, shingle oak, sugarberry, sycamore, and wild
plum. Although suitable habitats may be available for these trees in northern Wisconsin in the
future, many factors will influence whether they actually become established in the region, such
as the dispersal ability of the species (Swanston et al., 2011).

2.2.6 Invasive Species
Many terrestrial and aquatic invasive species are currently present in Lake Superior, including
the Round Goby, Eurasian Ruffe, New Zealand mudsnail, zebra mussel, Sea Lamprey, Eurasian
watermilfoil, and purple loosestrife (Lake Superior Binational Program, 2010). These invasive
species can be linked to many current ecosystem challenges, including the decline in the lower
food web’s Diporeia (a benthic invertebrate) populations, fish and waterfowl diseases, and
excessive algal growth (U.S. EPA and Environment Canada, 2008). Climate change will likely
enhance the spread of these existing invasive species (Kling et al., 2003) and increase the rate
and incidence of non-native species invasions into the Lake Superior basin (Lehman, 2002; U.S.
EPA and Environment Canada, 2008).
Cold winter weather currently limits the northern extent of some invasive insects, such as the
gypsy moth (Kling et al., 2003; Régnière et al., 2009). Gypsy moths are present in the Lake
Superior basin on the eastern shore near the city of Sault Ste. Marie (Régnière et al., 2009) and at
Apostle Islands National Lakeshore. The park is approximately 50 miles west of a north-south
line of gypsy moth advance in Wisconsin, and the spread of gypsy moths into the park is
presumably due to park visitors transporting firewood from infested areas to the east (Burkman
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 and Van Stappen, 2009). A future warmer climate region could enhance the spread of gypsy
moths further north across the Lake Superior region. An increase in the onset of spring, caused
by climate change, could allow several damaging forest pests, such as the forest tent caterpillar
and spruce budworm, to flourish (Kling et al., 2003). In Ontario, model projections suggest a
northward extension of spruce worm defoliation during the period 2011-2040 (Candau and
Fleming, 2011). Ash trees in the region, such as green ash and white ash, are susceptible to the
spread of the emerald ash borer (Collins, 2012). In addition, tree and flower pollination may be
negatively impacted if climate change decouples the timing between flowering and insect
pollination (Kling et al., 2003). In general, climate change may provide an advantage for
invasive species that are able to shift quickly into a new geographic range and/or tolerate a wider
range of environmental conditions. The spread of invasive species may also be favored by
changes in land use patterns that increase habitat fragmentation (Dukes and Mooney, 1999).
Expansion of non-native plants and animals will increase the stress on native species populations
in Lake Superior, particularly in shallow near-shore regions and coastal wetlands (Kling et al.,
2003). The proliferation of Phragmites australis (common reed), an invasive plant that has
spread very quickly across the lower Great Lakes region in recent years, will be favored by lower
lake water levels and higher water temperatures that may result from climate change (Hall et al.,
2007). Higher Lake Superior water temperatures in the 21st century are also expected to promote
the expansion of existing non-native aquatic species, including Sea Lampreys, zebra mussels,
and quagga mussels.
The viral hemorrhagic septicemia (VHS) virus has recently been found in fish in Lake Superior
at four different locations (Paradise and Skanee in Michigan and St. Louis Bay and Superior Bay
in Wisconsin) (Cornell University, 2010). It is not clear how warmer lake water associated with
climate change will affect the spread of VHS in Lake Superior. Temperature is known to be a
factor in the spread of VHS; for the European strains of the VHS virus (genotype I), fish
mortality and the proportion of virus carriers decrease at higher temperatures, and deaths from
VHS rarely occur in water at temperatures above 15 °C (59 °F) (McAllister, 1990). A laboratory
study showed that the Great Lakes genotype IVb strain of VHS from Muskellunge in the Great
Lakes grew fastest in water at 15 °C (59 °F) but did not grow in water at 25°C (77 °F) (U.S.
Geological Survey, 2007). In a separate study, results showed that the temperature range of VHS
virus genotype IVb appears to be the same as for VHS virus genotype I, which has an optimum
of 9 to 12 °C (48 to 54 °F) and an upper limit of 18 to 20 °C (64 to 68 °F) (Goodwin and Merry,
2011). These results suggest that warmer water may inhibit the spread of VHS. However, a
recent study of the comparative susceptibility of representative Great Lakes fish to VHS virus
genotype IVb demonstrated that cool water fish species (e.g., Muskellunge, Largemouth Bass,
Yellow Perch) are more susceptible to VHS than cold water fish species (e.g., Rainbow Trout,
Brook Trout, Brown Trout, Chinook Salmon, Coho Salmon) (Kim and Faisal, 2010). This result
suggests that fish which may thrive in increasing lake water temperatures could be more
susceptible to the spread of VHS in Lake Superior.

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 Sea Lampreys
The estimated abundance of spawning-phase Sea Lampreys in Lake Superior was 65,500 in
2007, the most recent year for which data are available (U.S. EPA and Environment Canada,
2008). In the period 2000-2007, the average spawning-phase Sea Lamprey abundance was
94,000, which is equivalent to the average population found in Lake Superior in the early 1980s,
as shown in Figure 37. In addition, wounding rates showed an upward trend for 2000-2007 (U.S.
EPA and Environment Canada, 2008).
Sea Lampreys can live longer and grow larger in warmer water, particularly in water with
temperatures >10 °C (50 °F) (National Wildlife Federation, 2010). Thus, as Lake Superior water
temperatures increase due to climate change, Sea Lamprey populations are expected to grow, and
the average size of lampreys will likely increase. Bigger lampreys kill more fish, leading to
potentially serious consequences for fish in Lake Superior. Lamprey control managers are
already adapting to the effects of climate change by monitoring the daily average temperature of
Lake Superior (Figure 38). On days when water temperature is expected to be >10 °C (50 °F),
Sea Lamprey control efforts are intensified (National Wildlife Federation, 2010).
Zebra and Quagga Mussels
Zebra and quagga mussels are a threat to Lake Superior because they increase water clarity,
which leads to accelerated algae growth, and they also compete with native mussel species. In
the lower Great Lakes, over 99% of the native freshwater mussel population has been devastated
by invasive zebra and quagga mussels (U.S. EPA and Environment Canada, 2009). At the
present time, the northward expansion of zebra and quagga mussels has been limited by the cold
waters of Lake Superior (IJC, 2003; Hall et al., 2007). As the water in Lake Superior warms due
to climate change, the prevalence of zebra and quagga mussels will likely increase, with
populations potentially reaching the same extent as are currently found in the lower Great Lakes
(Easterling and Karl, 2000; IJC, 2003; Hall et al., 2007; Moy et al., 2010).

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 Figure 387. Abundance of spawning-phase Sea Lampreys in Lake Superior, 1980-2007. The error
bars indicate 95% confidence intervals. The solid red line indicates the suppression target of
35,000 spawning-phase Sea Lampreys, and the dashed red lines are the 95% confidence intervals
for the suppression target. [Image courtesy of U.S. EPA and Environment Canada, 2008]

Figure 398. The number of days when Lake Superior water temperatures were >10ºC (50ºF) in
2009 by U.S. EPA Eco-region (ER); areas of particular urgency for Sea Lamprey management are
indicated in red. [Image courtesy of National Wildlife Federation, 2010]

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 2.3

Gaps and Uncertainties in Available Science and Monitoring

One of the primary sources of uncertainty in assessing the impacts of climate change derives
from the range of GCM projections of climate variables for a given region, particularly air
temperature and precipitation (Easterling and Karl, 2000). As discussed in Section 1.2, climate
projections are dependent on the specific GCM and emissions scenario used. Given the
uncertainty regarding future GHG emission pathways, there are a range of possible values of
future air temperatures and precipitation amounts. For the Lake Superior region, uncertainty is
amplified because most existing climate model studies focus on a larger area, such as the entire
Great Lakes region or the Midwestern U.S. To avoid generalizations that may not pertain to
Lake Superior ecosystems, this report primarily utilizes science-based projections that are
specific to Lake Superior. In cases where information on Lake Superior was not available, Great
Lakes regional data, projections, etc. are presented. To that end, region-specific, downscaled
climate projections are required to inform future development of climate change adaptation
actions in the Lake Superior region.
Many specific data gaps exist, both for modeled and observed variables in the region. For
example, future variations in storm intensity, groundwater, and soil moisture associated with
climate change are essentially unknown, since there is no published research on these features
specifically for the Lake Superior region. Numerical models that incorporate surface flux
dynamics, horizontal exchange, and ice need to be developed for Lake Superior to make more
accurate projections of future ice cover extent and duration (Austin and Colman, 2007). In
addition, research that couples models of ecosystem productivity and land use change are needed
for the Lake Superior basin (Sousounis and Bisanz, 2000). Second generation runoff models and
improved lake evaporation models are also necessary to assess changes in vegetation,
evapotranspiration, runoff, and lake evaporation associated with climate change (Sousounis and
Bisanz, 2000). Two recent studies investigated the physical controls and processes and spatial
distribution and variability of evaporation from Lake Superior over a 2.5 month period (Blanken
et al., 2011; Spence et al., 2011); these results can be applied to lake evaporation models to
potentially improve predictions of lake water levels associated with climate change. Data gaps
also exist in assessment of the impacts of climate change on nearshore and coastal wetland
vegetation (Cápiro, 2009), as well as the effects of rising CO2 levels on fertilization of trees and
other flora (Easterling and Karl, 2000).
WICCI (Moy et al., 2010) has identified several areas for future research that will help to define
projected climate change impacts on Lake Superior and refine proposed adaptation strategies.
These research needs include:
• Updated long-term projections of potential lake water levels based on downscaling of
GCM output,
• Current, high resolution lidar observations that can be incorporated into integrated
topographic/bathymetric models in order to visualize the impacts of variable lake water
levels,
• More frequent and widespread coastal observations (e.g., buoys and other sensors
measuring wind, waves, water levels),
• Detailed measurements of the extent of beaches and coastal wetlands,

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 •
•

More information on the expected effects of changes in lake water temperature and
chemistry on aquatic ecosystems (e.g., algae, invertebrates, exotic species), and
Locations of known non-gamefish spawning areas near the current lake shoreline.

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 3

Existing Efforts on Adaptation of Lake Superior Ecosystems to Climate Change

This report complements or supplements a growing number of studies and governmentsupported climate change strategies that address climate change risks to Lake Superior
ecosystems. Many of these actions call for further research on the impacts of climate change and
increased cooperative management of corresponding impacts to priority ecosystems and
ecosystem functions. This section highlights climate change regulations, policies, and programs
affecting the Lake Superior basin. A list of additional tools and resources that support adaptation
to climate change is presented in Appendix A.
3.1

Regulations

To date, federal, state, provincial, and First Nations/tribes in the Lake Superior basin have not
directly addressed climate change adaptation through regulatory measures. Many of these
agencies have enacted natural resource and agriculture management rules and regulations that
relate to climate change indirectly, however. Current regulations pertain to the sustainable
management of coastal areas, agriculture, forestry, wildlife, water resources, and other areas.
For example, when farmers are required to manage their farmland in a sustainable manner (e.g.,
decreasing erosion, managing manure and nutrients), climate change-related ecosystem
environmental effects are also mitigated, such as flooding that may result from increased
precipitation. Some illustrative examples of these types of regulations are described below.
The Great Lakes-St. Lawrence River Basin Water Resources Compact (Great Lakes Compact;
Council of Great Lakes Governors, 2006) is a legally binding interstate agreement among the
U.S. Great Lakes states (Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Minnesota, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania
and Wisconsin). Since the Great Lakes Compact became law in December 2008, it has governed
how the states manage the use of the Great Lakes’ fresh water supply. The compact provides
broad guidelines for the Great Lakes states to manage their water resource requirements. Under
the Great Lakes Compact, the Great Lakes states can design and implement water management
programs autonomously, with states’ actions subject to other states’ approval in only limited
circumstances.
To date, Minnesota has enacted several ecosystem adaptation-related regulations. One example
is the Wetland Conservation Act (WCA; Minnesota Board of Water and Soil Resources, 2011a),
enacted in 1991, which maintains and protects Minnesota’s wetlands. The WCA requires
anyone who is proposing to drain, fill, or excavate a wetland to 1) try to avoid disturbing the
wetland, 2) try to minimize any impact on the wetland, and 3) replace any lost wetland acres,
functions, and values. The Minnesota Legislature has amended the WCA many times since
1991, primarily to account for the different geographic areas of Minnesota and their associated
wetland issues (Minnesota Board of Water and Soil Resources, 2011b).
Ontario passed the Climate Change Mitigation and Low-carbon Economy Act in May 2016
(Legislative Assembly of Ontario, 2016). This climate change legislation enables the Province
of Ontario to provide a foundation for climate change action and firmly establishes Ontario’s cap
and trade program and greenhouse gas emissions reduction targets in law. The Act makes the
Ontario government accountable for responsibly and transparently investing every dollar from
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 the cap and trade program into actions that reduce greenhouse gas pollution, create jobs, and help
people and businesses shift to a low-carbon economy.
A strategic goal of Ontario’s Expert Panel on Climate Change Adaptation is to integrate climate
change adaptation into government activities, including legislation and regulations (Expert Panel
on Climate Change Adaptation, 2009). An example of a regulation indirectly related to climate
change is the Provincial Parks and Conservation Reserves Act of 2006 (Ontario, 2006), which
legally protects a system of parks and reserves that are home to sensitive ecosystems, which are
representative of all of Ontario’s natural regions. Biodiversity conservation and sustainable
recreation and park usage are viewed as a form of natural and culture heritage.
The Great Lakes – St. Lawrence River Adaptive Management (GLAM) Committee, established
by the International Joint Commission (IJC) in January 2015, reports to the IJC’s three Great
Lakes Boards of Control, including the International Lake Superior Board of Control that is
responsible for regulating outflows of Lake Superior via the St. Marys River. Water level and
flows are important drivers for both ecosystem and socio-economic outcomes on Lake Superior
and in the St. Marys River. By providing scientifically sound data, knowledge and
technologically advanced tools possible for making management decisions, the GLAM
Committee serves as an example of an adaptive management approach being utilized by the IJC
in the context of improving the regulation of Great Lakes water levels and flows in the face of
uncertain future conditions. In May 2016, the adaptive management approach was presented by
GLAM’s Canadian co-chair in a webinar hosted by the Graham Sustainable Institute on
Changing Great Lakes Water Levels and Local Impacts (Great Lakes – St. Lawrence River
Adaptive Management Committee, 2016).
3.2

Policies and Adaptation Strategies

The Province of Ontario, states, and other jurisdictions in the Lake Superior basin are responding
to current and future climate change impacts by developing adaptation strategies and action
plans. All three states in the Lake Superior basin (Michigan, Minnesota, and Wisconsin) and
Ontario have recommended GHG reduction policies. Minnesota, Wisconsin, and Ontario have
developed climate adaptation strategies. Appendix B presents federal, state/provincial, and other
climate action plans and strategies relevant to the Lake Superior basin. Many of these policies
and action plans formed the basis for the recommended Lake Superior adaptation actions in
Section 4.
Tribes
Tribes in the U.S. portion of the Lake Superior basin are beginning to develop adaptation
strategies and action plans. The Bad River Band of Lake Superior Chippewa Indians, located on
the shore of Lake Superior in northern Wisconsin, has actively managed invasive species,
particularly in wetland systems, which promotes resilience in the ecosystem (a key component of
adaptation). Similarly, ongoing forest management efforts indirectly provide mitigation benefits.
The Bad River Band of Lake Superior Chippewa Indians Department of Natural Resources is
currently managing a climate change adaptation project involving 164 acres of aspen-dominated
forest. This project is a real-world example of how climate change considerations can be
incorporated into sustainable forest management. This project is one of multiple efforts in the
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 area that show how forest management actions can enhance the ability of forests to cope with
changing conditions while meeting a variety of management goals (Climate Change Response
Framework, 2016).
The Grand Portage Band of Lake Superior Chippewa, located in the northeast corner of
Minnesota along Lake Superior, developed climate change adaptation plans and strategies to
guide resource management. Adaptation is a priority for the Grand Portage Band because
climate change is expected to disproportionately affect tribes, whose natural resources are vital to
maintaining a subsistence lifestyle. As part of their adaptive management practices, the Grand
Portage Band shifted a 61-acre inland lake from a cold water (Brook Trout) to a cool water
(Walleye) fishery to maintain harvestable fish with increased water temperatures. In addition,
the Grand Portage Native Fish Hatchery is utilizing re-circulating water systems to increase
water temperatures needed for rearing cool water native fish species, which allows for better
utilization and flexibility of hatchery and stocking operations. Additional rearing facilities were
also created for Walleye to further increase species diversity. The Grand Portage Band has also
been researching climate change impacts on moose, in response to declining moose populations
in Minnesota in recent years (see Section 3.3). The Grand Portage forestry department has been
active in addressing issues related to climate change with their current management practices,
including promotion of mixed tree species forests over mono-cultures, which will allow for
greater flexibility with adaptive management of forest resources in the future. Native tree
species are being planted annually to promote native forest communities and enrich species
diversity. Aquatic invasive species (AIS) surveys have become standard assessments for Grand
Portage waters, that include plants (e.g., curly leaf pondweed), fish (e.g., Ruffe, Goby), and
invertebrates (e.g., rusty crayfish, spiny water flea, zebra mussels). Similarly, since increases in
air temperatures associated with climate change may promote population growth of native and
non-native forest pests and disease, the forestry department is active in the Slow-the-Spread
gypsy moth program and the trapping of emerald ash borer in ash trees. Forestry personnel have
also received training in invasive pest and disease first detector courses, with discussions about
creating an emerald ash borer action plan (Isaac, 2011).
The Fond du Lac Band of Lake Superior Chippewa Indians, located in northeastern Minnesota
west of Duluth, is engaged in a variety of activities designed to reduce the impacts of climate
change. The Fond du Lac Band has developed an Integrated Resource Management Plan, which
addresses invasive species and climate change interactions. The Fond du Lac Band’s Forestry
Division is working to re-forest agricultural land, and the Fond du Lac Band’s Office of Water
Protection has conducted sampling of stream water flow and temperature on its reservation to
establish a baseline for future changes that may result from climate change. The Fond du Lac
Band is also working with local, state, and national stakeholders on climate change issues, such
as the Northeastern Minnesota Landscape Committee, which includes private, state, county,
federal, and tribal landowners. In addition, the Fond du Lac Band is participating in the U.S.
Forest Service’s Climate Change Response Framework in northern Wisconsin (described in
Section 3.4) and is working with the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources and the U.S.
Fish and Wildlife Service to study the health of moose populations in northern Minnesota
(Wiecks and Youngblood, 2012).

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 The 1854 Treaty Authority is an inter-tribal natural resource management agency governed by
the Bois Forte Band of Chippewa and Grand Portage Band of Lake Superior Chippewa, charged
with protecting, preserving and enhancing treaty rights and related resources throughout the 1854
Ceded Territory (1854 Treaty Authority, 2016). This ceded territory encompasses present day
northeastern Minnesota, of which a large portion is within the Lake Superior Basin. Starting in
2014, the 1854 Treaty Authority has worked collaboratively with the Bois Forte, Grand Portage,
and Fond du Lac bands to identify key natural resources in the 1854 Ceded Territory that are/will
be vulnerable to climate change impacts and to develop strategies for adapting to and relieving
those impacts. In August of 2016, a document titled Climate Change Vulnerability Assessment
and Adaptation Plan: 1854 Ceded Territory Including the Bois Forte, Fond du Lac, and Grand
Portage Reservations was completed (Stults et al., 2016). The document includes an
introduction describing the history of Ojibwe peoples and their treaty reserved rights in the 1854
Ceded Territory, a rapid climate assessment describing observed and projected climate changes
in the area, a vulnerability assessment that includes a combination of over 30 individual species,
groups of species, and habitats, and adaptation strategies. While general adaptation strategies
were developed for all individual species/groups of species/habitats, more detailed and
customized strategies were developed for a subset of them. Grand Portage, Fond du Lac and
Bois Forte bands of Chippewa and 1854 Treaty Authority received the Climate Adaptation
Leadership Award from the National Fish, Wildlife, Plants Climate Adaptation Strategy
(NFWPCAS) for development of this plan (Lake Superior Partnership, 2017).
The Red Cliff Band of Lake Superior Chippewa Indians (Red Cliff), located on the southern
shore of Lake Superior on the tip of the Bayfield Peninsula, is investigating and addressing
climate change through a multi-faceted approach. The Red Cliff Energy Team is creating a
strategic energy plan that will increase the energy efficiency of government buildings as well as
help guide Red Cliff into the renewable energy future. The Red Cliff Mino Bimaadiziiwin
Garden is expanding its community presence and diversifying its crops, which will help Red
Cliff become more food sovereign. The Red Cliff Treaty Natural Resources fisheries program is
studying historic Lake Trout spawning grounds in Lake Superior to determine if changing lake
conditions are influencing the fishery. Red Cliff was awarded a grant to partner with other
Tribes in Wisconsin and with the University of Wisconsin—Madison to develop a series of
online trainings that will build capacity among Tribes in Wisconsin. In 2016, Red Cliff began
investigating and documenting climate change impacts on surface water to protect and preserve
water quality and water quantity of tribal waters. Red Cliff is also working to produce a climate
change adaptation plan to address key impacts, vulnerabilities and adaptation options for the
natural and built environment (Wilk, 2015). The plan was supported by the GLRI Addressing
the Local Impact of Climate Change project from 2011 to 2013. The plan is in its final draft
phases and is expected to be finalized in 2017. Proactive planning and management, education
and outreach, sustainability and capacity building are the multidisciplinary approaches that Red
Cliff Treaty Natural Resources Division is undertaking to create more resilient systems and
increase climate change adaptability. One example of a proactive planning is the draft Red Cliff
Watershed Management Plan, anticipated to be adopted in 2018, which includes considerations
and best management practices for future climate change impacts to water resources, as well as
water infrastructure such as bridges and culverts based on various monitoring projects (Nguyen,
2017).

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 The Keweenaw Bay Indian Community (KBIC) in Michigan maintains staff specifically to
address climate change and to develop a climate change action plan for the L’Anse reservation.
The action plan will include assessments of vulnerable areas, climate impacts, and implications
of climate change for the community (Johnston, 2011). KBIC has completed a 2-year wildlife
and habitat inventory study, and a Wildlife Stewardship Plan. KBIC also has been working on
updating the Integrated Resource Management Plan (IRMP) incorporating climate change
considerations into each section. Revision of the IRMP will aid in climate change action
planning for the reservation. Other climate change-related activities include growing native and
culturally significant plants in a greenhouse that is used to sustain a Great Lakes Restoration
Initiative (GLRI) funded 33.5 acre habitat restoration project along Lake Superior. KBIC has
also hired staff to combat the spread of invasive species (Johnston, 2011).
The Great Lakes Indian Fish and Wildlife Commission (GLIFWC) is an intertribal natural
resource agency that assists its 11 Ojibwe member tribes in co-managing natural resources in the
1854, 1842, 1837, and 1836 Ceded Territories (Great Lakes Indian Fish and Wildlife
Commission, 2016). These Ceded Territories are lands in Minnesota, Wisconsin, and Michigan
on which Ojibwe tribes reserved hunting, fishing, and gathering rights in treaties with the United
States government. Through its Climate Change Program, GLIFWC is working to understand
the extent and severity of climate change impacts in the Ceded Territories. One of GLIFWC’s
projects monitors the phenology of treaty-harvested plant species to learn how changes in
climate may affect their key seasonal changes. GLIFWC has also completed a preliminary
vulnerability assessment and is now working on a more extensive assessment to determine which
species are most vulnerable to climate change within the Ceded Territories. Other work within
the Climate Change Program includes several fishery studies, both inland and in Lake Superior,
to gain a better understanding of how rising lake temperatures and other climate-related factors
might affect fish populations. Ultimately, GLIFWC will use all of this information to develop a
climate change adaptation plan and to help manage resources most effectively in a changing
climate (Chiriboga, 2012).
The Inter-Tribal Council of Michigan, Inc. (ITCMI) is a consortium of Michigan’s federally
recognized tribes that works across reservation boundaries and treaty ceded territories to provide
technical assistance with human health and resource protection efforts to member tribes. ITCMI
facilitated a tribal-led process of analyzing climate projections, assessing the vulnerability of key
tribal resources, developing planning resources, analyzing important tribal species, and
identifying adaptation strategies across jurisdictional boundaries. The report is intended to
provide a foundation for tribal resource managers as they incorporate climate change
considerations in decision-making, moderate the risks, and proactively adapt to climate change
for the benefit of current and future generations (Inter-Tribal Council of Michigan, Inc., 2016).
As part of this effort, Bay Mills Indian Community (BMIC) conducted interviews with tribal
elders to solicit key information (Maccoux-LeDuc, 2017).
The Ministry of the Environment and Climate Change (MOECC) is working with the Red Rock
Indian Band to fund the development of a Watershed and Climate Change Plan. The purpose of
the plan is to create a community-led initiative that mapped the valued ecosystem components
within the watershed, identified vulnerabilities with respect to development and climate change,
created a dialog about the environment and Lake Superior watershed, and built environmental
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 capacity in the community. Lakehead University and the Grand Portage Tribe of Lake Superior
Chippewa are providing technical support. The project was submitted in 2016 and approved in
2017 (Lake Superior Partnership, 2017 and InfoSuperior, 2017).
Michigan
Michigan has developed policy recommendations to reduce GHG emissions as a means of
mitigating the forecasted impacts of climate change. Michigan has also laid the groundwork for
developing and implementing climate change adaptation strategies.
In 2007, by executive order, Michigan Governor Jennifer Granholm created the Michigan
Climate Action Council (MCAC) to address climate change in the state. As directed by the
governor, the MCAC prepared a Climate Action Plan in 2009, developed a GHG emissions
inventory and forecast, and outlined policy recommendations for reducing GHG emissions by
sector (e.g., energy supply, residential, commercial, industrial, transportation, land use,
agriculture, forestry, waste management). The Climate Action Plan focuses on mitigating
climate change through GHG reductions. Due to time and resource constraints, the MCAC did
not examine the impacts of climate change on Michigan’s ecosystems. Therefore, the MCAC
recommended that additional analyses be conducted to determine the state’s vulnerability to
climate change, and that specific adaptation plans for key sectors be developed (Michigan
Climate Action Council, 2009).
The Superior Watershed Partnership (SWP) launched the Climate Conservation Corps (CCC) in
May 2016 as part of the Great Lakes Conservation Corps (GLCC). GLCC crews in the Lake
Superior, Lake Michigan and Lake Huron watersheds work on a wide variety of conservation,
restoration and recreation projects while the CCC is specifically dedicated to projects that help
coastal communities adapt to climate change and increase community resiliency to more extreme
weather events. CCC projects include coastal dune restoration, coastal wetland restoration,
green infrastructure, stormwater management projects, buffer restoration and more. While the
new CCC crews are focused on helping communities adapt to more extreme weather events and
other climate impacts, GLCC continues to implement more traditional conservation, restoration
and recreation projects. For example, in the summer of 2016 GLCC crews built several new
sections of the statewide Iron Belle/North Country Trail. Other GLCC projects include restoring
habitat for the threatened Monarch butterfly, protecting habitat for the endangered Piping Plover,
removing invasive plant species, restoring native plant species, erosion control and improved
public access projects. GLCC and CCC partners include cities, tribes, state and federal agencies,
businesses and private landowners (Superior Watershed Partnership, 2016).
The Michigan Department of Natural Resources (DNR) has a new State Wildlife Action Plan,
which was approved in October 2016 by the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service. The plan discusses
targeted resources and species of greatest conservation concern. Climate change and adaption
are discussed in the plan, and the Michigan DNR has specific federal grants to allow the state to
address climate issues with these target resources. Additionally, the Water Strategy for the State
of Michigan considers and includes climate change as a key consideration in evaluating water
resources into the future (Swart, 2017).

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 The Michigan DNR Status and Trends Program is designed to evaluate changes in inland aquatic
resources over time in a comparable manner. The program has both temporal components (fixed
sampling sites) and spatial (random sites within statistical strata) that allow for an assessment of
climate change effects (Swart, 2017).
Minnesota
Minnesota has developed state-level policy recommendations to mitigate climate change through
reductions in GHG emissions and to help wildlife adapt to predicted changes in climate. Similar
to Michigan’s Climate Action Plan, Minnesota developed a Minnesota Climate Change Action
Plan: A Framework for Climate Change Action (Ciborowski and Fenske, 2003), which presents
estimates and forecasts of GHG emissions and a carbon sequestration inventory. The Action
Plan also outlines recommended actions to reduce GHG emissions and considers existing state
programs that could assist in controlling GHG emissions. Subsequently, the Minnesota Climate
Change Advisory Group (MCCAG) developed the Final Report: A Report to the Minnesota
Legislature, which presented an inventory of historical (by sector for 2005) and forecasted GHG
emissions (through 2020) and recommended actions to reduce GHG emissions by sector (e.g.,
residential, commercial, industrial, energy supply, transportation, land use, agriculture, forestry,
waste management) (MCCAG, 2008). The report also considered the costs and benefits of
recommended options. The report’s state-level policy recommendations were developed by
consensus through a stakeholder process that involved more than 100 Minnesotans who were
members of MCCAG and six technical work groups that supported the advisory group
(MCCAG, 2008). The report did not propose adaptation actions for Minnesota ecosystems.
More recent publications describe current mitigation and adaptation strategies (EQB, 2015) and
identify observed and projected climate change, impacts, and state agency responses to climate
impacts (Interagency Climate Adaptation Team, 2017).
In 2007, the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) Division of Fish and Wildlife
convened a Wildlife Climate Change Working Group within the Section of Wildlife to respond
to the challenge of developing approaches to address climate change. In 2008, the working
group published Climate Change: Preliminary Assessment for the Section of Wildlife of the
Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, which described expected climate change
projections for Minnesota, effects of climate change on wildlife and landscapes in Minnesota,
and recommended climate change actions for the Section of Wildlife, including specific
adaptation and mitigation strategies. The report and recommendations focused on Minnesota, as
a whole (Carstensen et al., 2008).
The Minnesota DNR proposed a Minnesota Moose Research and Management Plan to address
declining populations of moose due to climate change and other stressors. After a public review
process, a final plan was released in December 2011 (Minnesota Department of Natural
Resources, 2011).
The Minnesota DNR Climate and Renewable Energy Steering Team (CREST) issued a primer in
August 2011 for DNR staff titled Climate Change and Renewable Energy: Management
Foundations (Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, 2011a). This document provides a
platform for DNR staff to discuss and build management strategies to address climate and
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 renewable energy challenges. The report describes the current science on climate and renewable
energy issues and provides a common framework for exploring management responses.
The Minnesota DNR took a big step on the issue of climate change by issuing a new Operational
Order 131 (Climate Adaptation and Mitigation in Natural Resources Management) in November
2014. This high-level directive requires all DNR Divisions to develop climate guidance and
performance measures to assess internal progress on the integration of climate data and
information into projects, programs, plans, communications, and training. The guidance
documents direct all DNR staff to adapt their work with climate change in mind. As of August
2016, three of six DNR Divisions had completed their guidance and begun implementation
activities. Examples include:
• In November of 2014, the Division of Ecological and Water Resources (EWR) began
implementing an Operational Order 131 by advising all staff to consider climate change
adaptation and mitigation in all actions undertaken by EWR. Guidance was created that
directs EWR staff to learn as much as possible about climate change and impacts specific
to their work focus and applicable ecoregion. Several staff enrolled in a six-month
climate academy through the USFWS National Climate Training Center, and EWR has
offered several in-service trainings for their staff (McDonnell, 2016). EWR has created a
standing climate change adaptation team and completed a survey of staff familiarity with
climate change policies and available resources.
• In response to Operational Order 131, the Division of Fish and Wildlife published the
Climate Change Staff Handbook in October 2015. The handbook compiles recent, peerreviewed information on climate change, mitigation, adaptation, vulnerability
assessments, and management. The handbook also lists additional resources,
organizations, and contacts for the agency. The goal of the handbook is to provide
Division of Fish and Wildlife staff a rapid, detailed snapshot of climate effects across our
work areas and direct them to appropriate resources for more information (Jereczek,
2016).
The Minnesota DNR Lake Superior Coastal Program built an informal collaboration for climate
change awareness and adaptation strategies for natural resource professionals. The group is
called the Twin Ports Climate Coalition (TPCC) and throughout 2016 they hosted monthly
Climate Conversations featuring speakers on a variety of monthly topics, such as climate data
and projections, water infrastructure, impacts to Lake Superior, local food production, public
health and more. The monthly programming has been well-received and TPCC is currently
planning the Climate Conversations for 2017 (McDonnell, 2016).
In November 2013, Minnesota’s Interagency Climate Adaptation Team (ICAT) published
Adapting to Climate Change in Minnesota, which describes observed and projected climate
impacts in Minnesota, outlines Minnesota state agency activities helping to adapt to climate
change, and identifies opportunities for further action and interagency collaboration (Minnesota
Interagency Climate Adaptation Team, 2013). Contributing to this report were the following
state agencies: Agriculture, Commerce (Division of Energy Resources), Health, Natural
Resources, Pollution Control, Public Safety (Division of Homeland Security and Emergency
Management), and Transportation, as well as the Board of Water and Soil Resources and the
Metropolitan Council. ICAT has been meeting since 2009, and works to encourage state
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 agencies to identify and implement measures to assist the state and its communities in adapting
to climate change. ICAT is currently working to update this report for mid-2017.
The Minnesota Environmental Quality Board published Minnesota and Climate Change: Our
Tomorrow Starts Today in 2014, which is targeted at the general public. The report explains
how climate change impacts the way Minnesotans live and work (Minnesota Environmental
Quality Board, 2014). In 2016, the Board published the report Climate Solutions and Economic
Opportunities (Minnesota Environmental Quality Board, 2016). This report focuses on
opportunities for near-term emissions reductions between now and 2030, and includes analysis
and discussions of options for the state, providing a framework for decision-making by the state.
In July 2014, the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) published MPCA Climate
Adaptation Strategy and Proposed Near-Term Actions, which was developed by the MPCA
Climate Adaptation Team (MCAT) (Minnesota Pollution Control Agency, 2014). MCAT
consists of representatives from programs within the MPCA’s seven divisions. Also, the
Minnesota Pollution Control Agency and the Minnesota Department of Commerce produce a
Greenhouse Gas Emissions Reduction report every other year about greenhouse gas emissions
trends in the state, with the most recent report issued in January 2015 (Minnesota Pollution
Control Agency and the Minnesota Department of Commerce, 2015).
In October 2015, Minnesota (among 135 jurisdictions worldwide) signed the Under 2 MOU the
Subnational Global Climate Leadership Memorandum of Understanding (http://under2mou.org/).
The MOU commits Minnesota to pursue greenhouse gas emissions reductions consistent with a
trajectory of 80 to 95 percent below 1990 levels by 2050 and/or achieving a per capita annual
emission goal of less than 2 metric tons by 2050. In the MOU, Minnesota also agrees to
collaboration on actions to promote adaptation and resilience, with an eye toward maximizing
benefits for both greenhouse gas emission reduction and climate adaptation. Among other
adaptation actions, this includes sharing best practices in modeling and assessment to understand
projected climate impacts, especially at the regional and local scale, as well as looking to green
infrastructure solutions that maximize ecological benefits while providing protection.
Ontario
Ontario has confronted the challenge of climate change by implementing policies to reduce GHG
emissions and by investing in renewable energies and energy efficiency. Ontario’s Go Green
plan outlines emission reduction targets and the strategies to achieve those goals. An annual
scorecard also tracks progress and suggests new ways to reduce emissions.
In December 2007, the Ontario Minister of the Environment appointed the Expert Panel on
Climate Change Adaptation to help the Ontario government, municipalities, and citizens prepare
and plan for the impacts of a changing climate in several areas, including the environment. The
Panel consulted with senior-level government managers from Ontario and other government
agencies to identify climate change adaptation needs and develop implementation strategies for
Ontario. The Panel, comprised of 11 leading scientists, industry representatives, and
environmental experts, prepared a report titled Adapting to Climate Change in Ontario, which
was submitted to the Ontario Minister of the Environment in 2009 (Expert Panel on Climate
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 Change Adaptation, 2009). The report presents the expert panel’s strategic goals and 59
recommendations to inform the development of a climate change adaptation strategy and action
plan for Ontario. Several recommendations are relevant to adaptation of Lake Superior
ecosystems.
Ontario’s Climate Change Strategy, published November 2015, outlines a broad vision for how
Ontario will achieve its greenhouse gas reduction target of 80 percent below 1990 levels by 2050
while building a prosperous low-carbon and resilient economy (Ontario, 2015).
Ontario published the Five-Year Climate Change Action Plan in June 2016. The plan creates a
foundation on which Ontario will develop and build the policies and programs needed in the next
five years to provide more choices to families and businesses on ways to become energy efficient
and lower energy bills (Ontario, 2016).
In 2015, the City of Thunder Bay implemented a climate adaptation strategy. The goal of the
strategy is to build resilience within the corporation to reduce the risks inherent in climate
change. Through workshops and engagement with multiple stakeholder groups, the city focused
on nine priority climate change impacts and identified 45 potential adaptation actions which are
intended to be mainstreamed into regular municipal functions in a way that integrates climate
adaptation as a core function. As part of its stormwater management plan, the City of Thunder
Bay updated its existing models to better describe and evaluate local watersheds, identified
problem areas where environmental impacts from storm events are known or expected, and
developed recommendations to address these problem areas. The stormwater management plan
is a 20-year action plan that will help protect water quality in Lake Superior and its tributaries.
In 2015, the Lakehead Region Conservation Authority completed a multi-faceted adaptation
planning project. The project included a wetland evaluation to support the City of Thunder
Bay’s stormwater management plan, an assessment of stormwater management at conservation
areas, and public education and outreach to increase awareness of potential climate change
impacts and actions individuals can take to reduce the impact of climate change stressors and
help protect Lake Superior. In addition, the Township of Nipigon developed a stormwater
management plan in 2016 to address increased stormwater runoff resulting from urbanization
and climate change, which have resulted in erosion and sedimentation in waterways, such as
Clearwater Creek (McChristie, 2016).
Wisconsin
In 2008, Wisconsin developed recommendations for reducing GHG emissions statewide.
Wisconsin has also established a structure for addressing climate change and continues to
identify adaptation strategies that apply within the state.
In 2008, in response to Wisconsin Governor Jim Doyle’s executive order, the Governor’s Task
Force on Global Warming developed Wisconsin’s Strategy for Reducing Global Warming, which
presented an inventory of state GHG emissions and recommended short- and long-term goals for
reducing GHG emissions in the utility, transportation, agriculture and forestry, and industry
sectors, and in other areas (Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources and Public Service
Commission of Wisconsin, 2008).
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 Wisconsin launched the Wisconsin Initiative on Climate Change Impacts to address climate
change issues at appropriate scales for planning and action, including identifying the impacts of
climate change in Wisconsin and strategies needed to adapt to them. The WICCI released its
first report in 2011, Wisconsin’s Changing Climate: Impacts and Adaptation (WICCI, 2011).
The report is anticipated to be the first in a series of climate impact and adaptation reports as part
of a long-term process to prepare for the challenges of a changing climate. The report
summarizes expected climate changes in Wisconsin (by mid-century) and expected impacts on
water resources, natural habitats, agriculture, coastal regions, society, and the built environment.
The report synthesizes the findings of 15 working groups who contributed content for the report
(e.g., Moy et al., 2010; Kucharik et al., 2010b). The working groups, comprised of more than
200 researchers, managers, educators, and other experts, continue to develop vulnerability
assessments and to identify adaptation strategies. The 2011 report lays the groundwork for
implementing adaptation strategies in Wisconsin, as recommended by the working groups.
In addition, the Northern Institute of Applied Climate Science (NIACS) of the U.S. Department
of Agriculture, Forest Service, developed a tool to help land managers adapt forest ecosystems in
northern Wisconsin to climate change. Forest Adaptation Resources: Climate Change Tools and
Approaches for Land Managers, released in 2011, guides land managers through a selection
process to consider ecosystem vulnerabilities, select appropriate adaptation approaches, and
implement those approaches. Case studies describe how the adaptation approaches can be
applied to forested ecosystems, including those that border Lake Superior. In fact, the
Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest in northern Wisconsin served as a test-bed for the project.
The approaches presented can be adjusted and applied to other locations to help forests adapt to
the impacts of climate change (Swanston and Janowiak, 2012). NIACS also launched the Shared
Landscapes Initiative, which is engaging stakeholders in the region on the potential ecological
and land management pressures associated with climate change. A working group has been
established as part of the initiative, including representatives from 30 federal, state, other public,
tribal, and private organizations. The Shared Landscapes Initiative is conducting a climate
change adaptation demonstration project, similar to the Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest
test-bed (Tillison, 2012). Additionally, NIACS is developing a “menu” of adaptation strategies
and approaches for watershed management. NIACS has tested this tool at four workshops and
interviewed over 50 watershed management professionals to solicit input and feedback. The
menu will be published later in 2017 (Lake Superior Partnership, 2017).
3.3

Science and Monitoring

Several science and monitoring initiatives are ongoing in the Lake Superior region. In 2011, the
Cooperative Science and Monitoring Initiative (CSMI), jointly led by Environment Canada and
the U.S. EPA, concentrated its efforts on Lake Superior. CSMI focuses its activities on one
Great Lake each year as part of a rotational cycle. Initiated in 2002, the CSMI brings together
federal, provincial, state, tribal, and other agencies in a cooperative effort to address issues
identified by LAMP management teams and their partners. Scientists from both Canada and the
U.S. began intensive field work and data collection activities on Lake Superior during 2011.
Research included trends in water quality and quantity in selected streams to identify impacts of

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 climate changes and land use. Monitoring results were being compiled in 2013 (U.S. EPA and
Environment Canada, 2011).
The federal governments of Canada and the U.S. support research on adaptation measures and
climate impacts. For more than 15 years, Environment Canada has conducted research on the
science of climate adaptation and impacts. Environment Canada’s multi-disciplinary research
supports the development of appropriate adaptation actions for sustainable ecosystems. On a
provincial scale, leading-edge science and research supported by the Climate Change program of
the Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources has resulted in approximately 300 publications on
climate change (Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources, 2016). These documents cover expected
environmental changes and impacts for parks, forests, water, fish and wildlife. Many of the
reports provide adaptation options and recommendations.
As part of the U.S. Global Change Research Program (USGCRP), the U.S. Climate Change
Science Program (CCSP) integrates federal research on climate and global change. The CCSP,
comprised of various federal agencies, has published a number of reports on the impacts of
climate change and approaches to adaptation or mitigation. For example, CCSP Synthesis and
Assessment Product 4.4: Preliminary Review of Adaptation Options for Climate-Sensitive
Ecosystems and Resources (CCSP SAP 4.4) recommends specific approaches for protecting
climate-sensitive ecosystems, such as national forests, parks, and marine-protected areas, from
the impacts of climate change (Baron et al., 2008). Also, as part of the USGCRP, the U.S.
Climate Change Technology Program (CCTP) is a multi-agency research and development
program for technologies that promote adaption and mitigation of climate change.
The 1854 Treaty Authority, governed by the Bois Forte Band of Chippewa and Grand Portage
Band of Lake Superior Chippewa, has included climate change monitoring and other activities in
resource management programs since 2014 and is currently developing a climate change
program. Temperature loggers were placed in 20 Walleye assessment lakes in 2015, 2016 and
2017 (spring to fall) to obtain baseline data for surface water temperatures and establish a longterm data set to monitor trends. On twelve of these lakes, Walleye and Smallmouth Bass will be
collected for mercury analysis and compared in two size categories. Smallmouth Bass will also
be included in Walleye assessments on these lakes to monitor population trends and to indicate
whether some of these lakes are becoming more suitable for Smallmouth Bass as the climate
changes and less suitable for Walleye. In 2017, phenocams were placed at two wild rice lakes to
monitor growth (phenology) through the growing season, ice duration and other environmental
conditions (Kaspar, 2016). With climate change in mind, the 1854 Treaty Authority also
provided input on current and proposed mining activities, permits, as well as land management
decisions from corporate, federal and state agencies that may impact resources in the 1854 Ceded
Territory and Lake Superior Basin (Lake Superior Partnership, 2017). In the spring of 2018, the
1854 Treaty Authority plans to begin monitoring maple sugar phenology and timing of frog and
toad calling with acoustic recorders.
NOAA has been involved in a variety of climate change projects over the last few years. These
projects include:
1. The Economic Assessment of Green Infrastructure Strategies for Climate Change
Adaptation. This study was piloted in the Great Lakes region in Duluth, MN,
and Toledo, OH, and was designed to help these communities help answer questions like:
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 “What are the Green Infrastructure options for my community? How much do they cost?
What are the benefits (when considering precipitation trends under future climate
scenarios)? What information is available to help answer these questions?” (National
Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, 2014).
2. There are several resources associated with the Economic Assessment of Green
Infrastructure Strategies for Climate Change Adaptation study, including a full report,
stories from each city, sample posters and maps that can be tailored for other locations, as
well as a link to a StoryMap, which is an online, geospatial educational tool that walks the
reader through the impacts of climate change and the case for becoming resilient to future
storm impacts, like heavy rains and flooding. Since this project was completed in Duluth
and Toledo, the process was also piloted in the Hawaiian Islands, and the project team is
currently working with Rochester, NY (National Oceanic and Atmospheric
Administration, 2016).
3. An online resource called the Great Lakes Coastal Resilience Planning Guide is the result
of a NOAA partnership with the Association of State Floodplain Managers (ASFPM). It
is a collection of case studies and best management practices for a variety of coastal
resilience and climate change adaptation issues. The website is managed by ASFPM
(Association of State Floodplain Managers, 2016).
4. Recently, NOAA partnered with the Great Lakes and St. Lawrence Cities Initiative to
work with a group of University of Michigan graduate students to create the Climate
Ready Cities Toolkit (Great Lakes and St. Lawrence Cities Initiative, 2016). The toolkit
is a set of case studies, webinars, and infographics, as well as GIS maps that can be used
as guides for other cities to illustrate vulnerability to climate change. The graduate
students worked with five Great Lakes communities (members of GLSLCI) to highlight
their efforts to become more resilient to climate change. The cities include Evanston, IL;
Goderich, ON; Milwaukee, WI; Niagara Region, ON; and Traverse City, MI.
5. Minnesota Sea Grant and University of Minnesota Extension are partnering on climate
adaptation online training. The project will develop a cohort-based online training for
natural resource professionals in climate adaptation. The online course development is
being led by Minnesota Sea Grant and University of Minnesota Extension to provide
training on climate change mechanics, climate change impacts on biodiversity,
vulnerability assessments, adaptation planning, and stakeholder engagement focused on
engaging forestry, water and other natural resource professionals in Minnesota (Schleck,
2016).
The IJC’s International Upper Great Lakes Study (2007-2012) contains an adaptive management
strategy aimed at reducing the risk of water level-related impacts in a manner that can respond to
evolving knowledge and future conditions, including climate change. The multi-year study
examines various adaptive response actions for the improvement of Lake Superior outflow
regulation (Donahue, 2011).

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 The Bad River Band of Chippewa Indians developed a Comprehensive Climate Change
Monitoring Plan for the Kakagon-Bad River Sloughs that established baseline data on current
environmental conditions. The plan summarizes projected climate changes, probable impacts
and outlines a monitoring approach to identify anticipated adverse effects. It was designed to be
a living, flexible guide to climate change monitoring that the Tribe will modify and adapt as
needed to ensure conservation of the Kakagon-Bad River Sloughs for seven generations (Climate
Change Response Framework, 2016).
Climate change has negatively impacted moose populations in North America, an important
subsistence species for Native Americans. Population declines have been most evident in
regions where moose are at the southern edge of their range. Biologists with the Grand Portage
Band of Lake Superior Chippewa found many moose in northeast Minnesota to be in poor
health. Climate-induced changes have resulted in increased parasite levels in moose, increased
heat and nutritional stress associated with increasing temperatures, coupled with increased
predators like wolves and disease carriers like whitetail deer. Deer are the natural host for brain
worm (Parelaphostrongylus tenuis) and liver fluke (Fascioloides magna), two parasites known
to seriously affect moose. Parasites and other health-related issues are the major sources of
mortality for moose on the Grand Portage Indian Reservation. It is necessary to understand how
climate change impacts biota to properly manage natural resources and adapt/mitigate where
possible. The Grand Portage Band of Lake Superior Chippewa created a Climate Change
Vulnerability Assessment and adaptation strategies to guide resource management into the future
(Isaac, 2016).
The Great Lakes Indian Fish and Wildlife Commission (GLIFWC) completed a preliminary
climate change vulnerability assessment for Ceded Territories. The preliminary assessment
characterizes potential climate changes on several treaty-harvested species, including manoomin
(wild rice), Ogaa (Walleye), Mooz (moose), Makwa (black bear), Waabezheshi (American
Marten), and Ochig (Fisher). GLIFWC is currently working on a broader vulnerability
assessment of over 60 species. GLIFWC’s phenology project monitors seasonal changes of ten
treaty-harvested plant species at two study sites in northern Wisconsin to learn how they will be
impacted by climate change. Weather stations and phenocams are installed at the two sites as
additional monitoring tools. GLIFWC’s seed bank pilot project will begin the process of
collecting seeds from ash and birch trees and storing them in long-term storage in the National
Laboratory for Genetic Resources Preservation in Fort Collins, CO, for use in potential future
restoration projects. There are several fishery studies underway both in inland lakes and in Lake
Superior to gain a better understanding of how rising lake temperatures and other climate-related
factors might affect fish populations. Fishery projects include a fish diet study as well as ongoing
monitoring to detect climate change impacts on the fishery (Chiriboga, 2016). GLIFWC is also
conducting Traditional Ecological Knowledge (TEK) interviews with tribal elders and harvesters
to gather information about observed changes to treaty resources. Knowledge provided in the
interviews will be integrated into the climate change vulnerability assessment and into all other
projects (Lake Superior Partnership, 2017). This unique and integrated approach to climate
change research and adaptation will provide GLIFWC’s member tribes with culturally-relevant
resources and will be a model for organizations partnering and working with tribes. These efforts
are the first steps in assessing the predicted effects of climate changes on Ceded Territory
ecosystems; GLIFWC’s next task is to develop a Ceded Territories and organization-wide
climate change adaptation plan.
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 The Bay Mills Indian Community (BMIC) created the Waishkey River Watershed Management
Committee in 2015 with the goal of protecting and restoring the ecological integrity of the
Waishkey River. Development of a Waishkey River Watershed Management Plan is currently
underway. BMIC has also engaged the community by publicly dispersing NOAA climate
change reports that are published quarterly, as well as conducting outreach and education about
the benefits of ice cover (Maccoux-LeDuc, 2017). Additional outreach and education activities
completed by BMIC include publishing newsletter and newspaper articles on the impacts of
climate change on riparian vegetation and fish. BMIC has also been working with the Intertribal
Council of Michigan to conduct TEK interviews with elders regarding forest understory plants
sensitive to climate change. Through the NatureServe program they are assessing the
vulnerability of culturally important species. (Lake Superior Partnership, 2017).
Researchers at universities in the Lake Superior basin are also investigating climate change
impacts in the region, as summarized by various references in Section 2 (e.g., Austin and
Colman, 2007, 2008; Desai et al., 2009; Trumpickas et al., 2009). Several of these research
efforts are conducted in conjunction with Sea Grant programs, such as the Minnesota Sea Grant,
Michigan Sea Grant, and Wisconsin Sea Grant. John Lenters of the University of Nebraska is
currently leading a project to study the impacts of climate change on evaporation in the Great
Lakes, focusing on Lakes Superior and Huron (Great Lakes Integrated Sciences and Assessments
[GLISA], 2011).
The Minnesota Department of Transportation (MnDOT) conducted a system-wide assessment of
trunk highway network vulnerability to increased heavy precipitation in MnDOT Districts 1
(Northeast Minnesota) and 6 (Southeast Minnesota), which concluded in 2014 (Minnesota
Department of Transportation, 2014). The assessment was one of 19 pilot studies across the
country sponsored by the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) to examine the effects of
climate hazards on transportation systems. The project team scored and ranked 316 bridges, 521
large culverts, 920 pipes, and approximately 45 miles of road segments paralleling streams based
on the sensitivity and exposure to heavy precipitation and the system’s adaptive capacity. The
project also included an adaptation analysis of two culverts: one on MN 61 over Silver Creek in
District 1 and one on US 63 in the City of Spring Valley in District 6. The analysis evaluated the
current culvert performance and three adaptation options. All options were assessed against
three future climate scenarios and a preferred option was identified based on lowest lifecycle cost
analysis that included cost for direct repair, replacement, detours, and safety.
The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (MNDNR) completed the Criteria for Land and
Water Management to Sustain Healthy Aquatic Ecosystems in a Changing Climate project in
2016. The purpose was to expand the understanding of the relationships between and use,
management, flow and water quality that govern the health and resilience of Lake Superior
streams in Minnesota under future climate scenarios. Project activities included development of
models that predict stream flow and ecological response based on climate, land use, and other
physical inputs; analysis of flow-ecology relationships; identification of management strategies
to enhance stream resilience based on these models; and development of outreach materials and
workshops to inform restoration and management actions. Information produced by the project
is designed to be shared with decision makers (Lake Superior Partnership, 2017).
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 In a collaborative project supported by NOAA with GLRI funds, coastal managers in
Minnesota’s Lake Superior Coastal Program partnered with researchers from University of
Minnesota-Duluth's Natural Resources Research Institute, The Nature Conservancy, and MN Sea
Grant to model current and future conditions in three test watersheds, resulting in a report with
recommendations for protecting and preserving Lake Superior’s streams. The lake’s tributaries
have some of Minnesota’s most economically significant cold-water trout habitats. The current
threats of warmer waters, dwindling spawning habitat, and reduced stream connectivity, coupled
with continuously changing climate and land use, have made the tributaries’ aquatic life highly
vulnerable.
Michigan Department of Natural Resources has a long-term standardized sampling regime and
advanced fish population models for select species. The regime and models were developed for
Lake Superior in coordination with other Lake Superior fisheries agencies, and can detect
changes from climate change (Swart, 2017).
In December 2015, the Ontario Climate Consortium, Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources and
Forestry (OMNRF) and McMaster University, with support from Fisheries and Oceans Canada
(DFO), and in consultation with the binational Climate Change Impacts Annex Subcommittee,
published the report State of Climate Change Science in the Great Lakes Basin: A Focus on
Climatological, Hydrologic and Ecological Effects. The report synthesizes the state of climate
change impacts in the Great Lakes Basin. The report utilized and references the Lake Superior
Climate Change Impacts and Adaptation Report, 2014 (Lake Superior Partnership, 2017).
3.4

Programs

In the past few years, many programs have been initiated in Canada and the U.S. that address the
changing climate of the Lake Superior basin. The state and provincial governments in the basin
have dedicated resources to address climate change through outreach and education, mitigation,
adaptation, and research. Federal programs in Canada and the U.S. likewise are addressing
climate change issues in the Lake Superior basin, both directly, through climate change actions
in national parks, for example, and also indirectly through federal research that supports
adaptation to climate change. These state/provincial and federal programs can be leveraged to
facilitate implementation of the recommended actions outlined in Section 4. A few programs are
described below as examples, and a list of programs relevant to climate change in the Lake
Superior basin is presented in Appendix C.
State/Provincial Programs
The Michigan Sea Grant is a cooperative program with the University of Michigan and Michigan

State University that promotes the protection and sustainable use of the Great Lakes and coastal
resources. Through research, education, and publications, Michigan Sea Grant works to identify
adaptation strategies and help local communities plan for climate change (Michigan Sea Grant,
2011). Examples of Michigan Sea Grant’s efforts include:

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•

CoastWatch is an online reporting system that presents maps of surface water
temperatures on each of the Great Lakes. Surface water temperatures are automatically
generated from satellite-derived sensors.
Researchers developed training modules for leaders of coastal communities that provide
the tools to develop climate adaptation plans for their communities.

Minnesota Sea Grant’s climate change initiative is an ongoing program of research, outreach,
and education to help citizens, communities, and industries understand and adapt to climate
change in the region. Minnesota Sea Grant is a federal-state partnership funded by NOAA
through the National Sea Grant College Program and the state of Minnesota through the
University of Minnesota. As recommended in the 2010 Minnesota Sea Grant Implementation
Plan, Minnesota Sea Grant is pursuing a number of activities related to climate change
adaptation, including the following (Minnesota Sea Grant, 2010):
• Participate in Great Lakes Observing System (GLOS) activities. GLOS provides access
to Lake Superior maps and data layers containing climate information, water quality, land
facts, and pertinent data for community planning and resource management.
• Provide scientific information, resources, and assistance to communities to help them
adapt and plan for climate impacts to stormwater infrastructure. Minnesota Sea Grant
also helps communities understand climate models, and provide them with tools or
resources to make infrastructure decisions that will mitigate damage from climate change
to community infrastructure, property, and natural resources.
The Minnesota Department of Health’s Climate and Health Program provides a wide range of
information, tools, trainings and education to public health professionals and the public on the
health impacts of climate change. The following is a summary of information and tools available
to the public.
• The Climate and Health Program website contains information on topics that are
influenced by climate change. The website serves as a communication vehicle with the
public and provides access to resources and tools. The Program also maintains a listserv
that has over 1,600 subscribers and routinely distributes timely and topical information
(Minnesota Department of Health Climate and Health Program, 2016).
• The Minnesota Climate and Health Profile Report 2015 provides a comprehensive
assessment of climate change impacts and potential health issues specific to Minnesota
(Minnesota Department of Health Climate and Health Program, 2015).
• The Minnesota Climate Change Vulnerability Assessment 2014 reviews the geographic
occurrence of several “climate hazards”: extreme heat, air pollution, vector-borne
disease, flooding and drought. The vulnerability assessment mapped the location of past
climate hazards and populations vulnerable to the climate hazards (Minnesota
Department of Health Climate and Health Program, 2014).
The Minnesota Biological Survey is designing a Long-Term Status and Trends Monitoring
Project that is not only focused on tracking changes due to climate but it could also help identify
trends related to climate change.
The Minnesota Board of Water and Soil Resources (BWSR) is currently working through
partnerships to protect the integrity of northern forests. Recent efforts include the protection of
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 wild rice lakes and surrounding forests through the Reinvest in Minnesota (RIM) Program, an
effort to protect and restore White Cedar wetlands that are becoming less common, and support
of Cooperative Weed Management Areas (CWMAs) in northern Minnesota to address emerging
weed threats. BWSR also promotes managing forests for high diversity to adapt to climate
variation, large storms, diseases, and pathogens (Moss, 2016).
Wisconsin’s Conservation Reserve Enhancement Program allows farmers to meet conservation
goals related to soil and water resources. The program provides financial incentives for those
with land along rivers and streams, such as paying landowners to install filter strips along
waterways, creating and maintaining riparian buffers, or converting continually flooded fields
back into wetlands. Farmers can enter portions of land into the program while maintaining other
land for agricultural purposes (Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer
Protection, 2016).
OCCIAR at Laurentian University in Sudbury has provided adaptation outreach and education
since 2001. OCCIAR develops adaptation resources, including guides, frameworks, fact sheets,
and case studies, to advance climate change adaption in Ontario. OCCIAR also hosts workshops
to educate communities about climate change impacts, risks, and vulnerabilities and provides
advice on climate change risk management and vulnerability assessment. OCCIAR uses a
“community consultation model” that brings decision-makers, such as mayors, together with
field practitioners in a variety of municipal departments to ensure that all partners work
cooperatively to address local vulnerabilities, risks, and opportunities that arise because of
climate change (Expert Panel on Climate Change Adaptation, 2009).
Ontario committed $325 million to the Green Investment Fund for projects that will fight climate
change, grow the economy, and create jobs. These investments are part of the Ontario
government’s plan to secure a healthy, clean and prosperous low-carbon future. Green
Investment Fund projects will help homeowners use less energy, support more electric vehicle
charging stations across Ontario, retrofit social housing developments, help businesses reduce
emissions, help fund local environmental organizations, help provide Indigenous communities
with training, tools and infrastructure to address climate change (McChristie, 2016).
Red Cliff is involved in the Wisconsin Tribal & University Partnership for Climate Change
Adaptation Workshops project. This project is a tribally-led partnership to develop capacity for
tribal environmental professionals working on climate change issues in Wisconsin (and
elsewhere). This project is developing an online resource that provides training workshop
modules with public access free of charge. Project topics include traditional ecological
knowledge (TEK) applications, human health impacts, and ecological impacts. To help facilitate
Red Cliff’s participation in this project, Red Cliff applied for a Resiliency AmeriCorps VISTA
position through a partnership with the American Indian Higher Education Consortium. The
release date for the project is tentatively late 2017 (Lake Superior Partnership, 2017).
In August of 2016, following the completion of the Climate Change Vulnerability Assessment
and Adaptation Plan, the 1854 Treaty Authority, governed by the Bois Forte and Grand Portage
bands, hired a Climate Change Specialist to start implementing the plan and to develop a climate
change program (Kaspar, 2016). Grand Portage also conducted climate change lessons and
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 activities at the Grand Portage Charter School (K-6) as part of an Environmental Curriculum.
Presentations and advisory support were also provided at the local, regional and national level
(Lake Superior Partnership, 2017).
Federal Programs
Parks Canada, the federal agency responsible for managing national parks and NMCAs in
Canada, is responding to climate change through science, adaptation, and mitigation measures.
Parks Canada monitors the ecological integrity of national parks by inventorying and monitoring
plant and animal species. The information collected will be used to understand how park species
and ecosystems are responding to climate change over time and to identify key habitat areas and
species to protect. Parks Canada also plans to increase collaboration with adjacent landowners
and agencies to allow species migration, given the geographic shifts projected as a result of
climate change (Parks Canada, 2009).
The U.S. National Park Service is implementing a variety of strategies and programs to address
climate change. The National Park Service has a national climate change response strategy that
focuses on science, adaptation, mitigation, and communication (U.S. National Park Service,
2010). The National Park Service’s Midwest Region, which includes five park units in the Lake
Superior basin, is developing a regional climate change strategy (Krumenaker, 2012). The
National Park Service’s Great Lakes Inventory and Monitoring Network has developed and
implemented a long-term ecosystem monitoring program that will facilitate the identification and
measurement of impacts due to climate change and other ecosystem stressors (U.S. National
Park Service, 2009). In addition, Apostle Islands and Pictured Rocks National Lakeshores were
the first two Midwestern national park units to develop and implement comprehensive Climate
Friendly Parks Action Plans (U.S. National Park Service, 2008a and 2008b). Both of these parks
have also led efforts to provide climate change education to their gateway communities
(Krumenaker, 2012).
The NOAA Climate Program Office manages NOAA’s competitive research program to advance
the understanding of Earth’s climate system and its atmospheric, oceanic, land, and snow and ice
components on national, international, and global scales. Outcomes of this research include
increased knowledge of the impacts of climate change and variability on health and the
economy. Funding activities are organized within four programs: Climate Observations and
Monitoring; Earth System Science; Modeling, Analysis, Predictions, and Projections; and
Climate and Social Interactions. The Climate Program Office also supports NOAA’s
contributions to the USGCRP and the U.S. Interagency Climate Change Adaptation Task Force
(National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, 2011).
NOAA is working with Wisconsin Coastal Management’s Program to Introduce Natural
Infrastructure to Great Lake Communities. Wisconsin has identified green infrastructure as a
viable alternative to traditional gray infrastructure. Recent Wisconsin legislation requires coastal
communities to create resilience plans. The Lake Superior National Estuarine Research Reserve
(NERR) is providing research and stewardship expertise, creating partnerships needed for
communities to successfully apply for funding and helping citizens embrace the approach (Lake
Superior Partnership, 2017).
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 The Northwoods Climate Change Response Framework Project (Framework) is an effort
initiated by the U.S. Forest Service to provide information and resources relevant to climate
change adaptation and mitigation strategies for forest ecosystems in northern Michigan,
Wisconsin and Minnesota (U.S. Forest Service, 2016). The Framework is a collaborative, crossboundary approach among scientists, managers and landowners to incorporate climate change
considerations into natural resource management. The project provides a forum for people
working across Northwoods to effectively and efficiently share experiences and lessons learned,
and supports efforts by public land managers, private landowners and others to develop and
implement new tools for addressing climate change impacts in the Northwoods and factor
climate change considerations into decision making. A tool that has come from this effort is the
online Adaptation Workbook (Northern Institute of Applied Climate Science, 2016). The
Workbook is a structured process to consider the potential effects of climate change on forest
ecosystems and design forest management and conservation actions that can help prepare for
changing conditions. The process is completely flexible to accommodate a wide variety of
geographic locations, scales, forest types, management goals and ownership types. The
Framework also developed a document titled Forest Adaptation Resources: Climate Change
Tools and Approaches for Land Managers that incorporates information from previous
assessments to help land managers select strategies and approaches to help forest ecosystems
adapt to a changing climate (Swanston and Janowiak, 2012).
The U.S. Forest Service is a partner in developing the USDA Regional Climate Hubs, a multiagency effort among the USDA Agricultural Research Service, Forest Service, and Natural
Resources Conservation Service (U.S. Department of Agriculture, 2016). The Hubs are divided
into regions; the Midwest Hub and the Northern Forests Hub overlap the Lake Superior basin.
The Midwest Hub provides information to help agricultural producers cope with climate change
through the innovative linkage of research to education and extensive partnerships. The
Northern Forest Hub provides information specifically for landowners, natural resource
professionals and other stakeholders working in forest ecosystems across this region.
3.5

Climate Change Workshops, Meetings, and Conferences

Many workshops, meetings, and conferences on climate change have been held over the past few
years in the Lake Superior basin. Discussion topics have included climate change research,
impacts, vulnerable areas, adaptation and mitigation strategies, awareness efforts, and useful
tools and resources. Selected workshops, meetings, and conferences relevant to climate change
adaptation in the Lake Superior basin are listed in Appendix D. Summaries and conclusions
from these meetings can be useful in developing adaptation actions for the Lake Superior basin.

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 4

Adaptation Actions

The following list of potential adaptation strategies and actions was compiled from the literature
and an Expert Group of participants with expertise in issues related to changing climate
conditions in the Lake Superior region. The list provides a range of potential measures for
assisting Lake Superior ecosystems to adapt to climate change. These actions include the
completion of “no-regret” projects, which are actions that support adaptation, address other
stressors to the lakes, and provide a net social or economic benefit. The list may be used to
structure LAMP organization discussions, to facilitate reporting, and to further the transfer of
successful adaptation actions from one jurisdiction to another. This action list is presented to
LAMP organizations to pursue implementation to the extent possible through ongoing domestic
programs and organizational work plans.
1. Manage Non-Climate Stressors
Context
These actions will potentially reduce or manage the impact of key non-climate change ecosystem
stressors, such as pollution, habitat degradation, and invasive species, which is a critical
component of adaptation. Naturally functioning ecosystems are more resilient to the impacts of
climate change than impaired ecosystems.
Strategies and Actions
1.1 Advance restoration and protection efforts under the GLWQA and the LAMP to reduce or
manage the impacts of non-climate change ecosystem stressors, including:
• On-the-ground projects to further reduce critical pollutants, including implementation of
the Zero Discharge Demonstration Program.
• Preventing new introductions and spread of aquatic invasive species, including
implementation of the Lake Superior Aquatic Invasive Species Complete Prevention
Plan.
• Work in cooperation with various levels of government, land-owners, the mining and
water power sectors, and other stakeholders to achieve LAMP Ecosystem Objectives.
• Monitor nutrient loading in connecting streams and rivers and develop and apply nutrient
abatement programs to improve water quality.

2. Manage Habitats, Species and Ecosystem Functions
Context
Adaptation actions that help protect habitats and maintain species biodiversity are essential.
These actions could help to sustain the biodiversity of native plants and animals so they can cope
with future disturbances arising from climate change.
Strategies and Actions
2.1 Develop and use habitat-specific, species-specific and ecosystem function-specific
management approaches to address critical climate change impacts, where necessary.

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 2.1.1 Restore or construct riparian buffers where necessary to provide adequate shade along
existing cold and cool water streams, and/or to manage heavy runoff of non-point
source pollution and sediments associated with potentially more frequent and intense
precipitation events.
2.1.2 Develop and implement a management plan(s) to help arctic and sub-alpine disjunct
plant communities adapt to climate change.
2.1.3 Develop and implement a management plan(s) to help wild rice adapt to climate
change.
2.1.4 Monitor and manage the viability of commercial fishing operations, especially
fisheries that are significant economic enterprises for tribes.
2.1.5 Develop and implement increased water temperature thresholds, where necessary, for
shifting local stocking and fisheries management from cold water fish (e.g., trout) to
cool water fish (e.g., Walleye).
2.1.6 Establish artificial reserves for at-risk or displaced species
2.1.7 Upgrade and replace existing infrastructure to handle the volume of runoff associated
with potentially more frequent and intense precipitation events.
2.1.8 Use vegetation management strategies to closely mimic natural disturbances.
2.1.9 Use wind-resistant vegetation to minimize blow-downs and erosion along coastal
shorelines.
2.1.10 Adapt sea lamprey control efforts to reflect changing habitat conditions for sea
lamprey growth and survival in Lake Superior.
2.1.11 Develop a list of the aquatic invasive species that are most likely to reach Lake
Superior and monitor appropriately.
2.1.12 Establish first response control and eradication protocols in anticipation of newly
discovered aquatic invasive species.
2.1.13 Plant seeds or seedlings originating from seed zones that resemble the expected future
conditions of the planting site.
2.1.14 Establish and expand refugia (e.g., protected areas, reserves, natural heritage areas) to
link habitats and to protect threatened native species.
2.1.15 Support efforts to renew and implement adaptive forestry management practices that
respond to climate change to minimize possible forest disturbances that impact Lake
Superior. These practices should consider, as necessary:
• Assess and modify fire management and prescribed burning programs.
• Conduct regular prescribed fires, where appropriate, to help treat fuel loads and
prepare forest stands for regeneration.
• Undertake, where appropriate, assisted migration of tree species.
• Develop a protocol for managing areas that can no longer sustain forest cover
types due to climate change.
• Implement the “slow the flow” strategy into forestry management activities to
help reduce runoff rates and decrease sedimentation into Lake Superior.
• Improve fire weather forecasting and fire monitoring.
• Improve soil management, spacing, and tree rotation length to minimize the
vulnerability of forests to new or variable climate patterns.
• Increase planting rates to assist slow natural redistribution of tree/plant genotypes
and species.

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•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•

Increase preparedness for insect and pest management, improve pest monitoring
and maintain or improve the ability of forests to resist pests and pathogens.
Manage for multi-age forest structure, where appropriate.
Plant tree species that are more tolerant to a changing climate, including drought
and disease-resistant varieties.
Plant fire-resistant species, such as hardwoods, between more flammable conifers.
Replant, particularly after disturbance, to assist slow natural regeneration.
Manage herbivory (e.g., deer grazing) using fences and other barriers to promote
regeneration.
Diversify tree/plant species, where appropriate.
Harvest forests at high risk of loss to disturbance or general decline, where
appropriate, before they reach their otherwise optimal rotation age to allow betteradapted species or populations to move in.
Maintain appropriate forest rotation lengths to decrease the period of time that an
older stand is vulnerable to insect pests and pathogens.
Promote reforestation and afforestation of marginal lands to increase soil moisture
retention, provide shade, and increase habitat for species under stress.
Manage and reduce the harvest of native tree species, where appropriate, that are
particularly vulnerable to climate change.

2.2 Identify and pursue opportunities to improve regulatory and policy approaches to address
climate change impacts.
2.2.1 Examine and adjust, where appropriate, fishing regulations to reflect fluctuations in
aquatic carrying capacities and shifting fish breeding and migration patterns
associated with climate change.
2.2.2 Revise provincial fish stocking guidelines to incorporate climate change effects.
2.2.3 Adjust Ontario compliance protocols (e.g., Fish Habitat Protocol, Harmful Alteration,
Disruption and Destruction-HADD rules) to reflect changes to fish habitat protection
due to climate change.
2.2.4 Create coastal development setbacks or rolling easements to allow ecosystems to
migrate in response to changes in water levels due to climate change.
2.2.5 Develop ordinances to control runoff flow.
2.2.6 Restrict the use of shore protection structures.
2.2.7 Revise current best management practices used to prevent non-point source pollution
to account for climate change impacts.
2.2.8 Zone development away from sensitive and hazard-prone areas.
2.2.9 Protect exposed or seasonally exposed wetland environments from off-road vehicular
use that may be a vector for invasive plants (e.g., phragmites).
2.2.10 Adopt a Lake Superior water level regulation plan that supports ecosystem
functioning and responds to future climate conditions.
2.2.11 Adjust harvest rates for trapped and hunted species.
2.3 Optimize use of restoration and protection funding to projects that have incorporated the
impacts of climate change into the project design.

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 2.3.1 Identify and seek adjustments to funding programs to better integrate climate change
considerations, where appropriate.
3. Conserve and Connect Habitat
Context
Protecting and establishing refugial habitats is a key step to help reduce the vulnerability of
ecosystems to climate change impacts. Establishing and protecting migration corridors between
ecosystems and across landscapes, where appropriate, could allow species to move to more
suitable habitats when climate changes.
Strategies and Actions
3.1 Identify and conserve areas that are likely to be resilient to climate change and support a
broad range of habitats and species.
3.1.1 Identify minimum standards of water levels required for in-stream biological uses.
3.1.2 Ensure climate change impacts are incorporated in Lake Superior place-based
priority-setting, including the new GLWQA commitments to develop a LAMP habitat
and species protection and restoration conservation strategy and an integrated
nearshore framework.
3.1.3 Encourage and support water conservation through implementation of watershedwide water conservation strategies.
3.2 Conserve and restore ecological connections to facilitate migrations and other transitions
caused by climate change.
3.2.1 Ensure that wetlands identified as significant under Ontario’s Land Use Planning
Provincial Policy Statement are protected.
3.2.2 Establish ecological buffer zones around natural features.
3.2.3 Maintain and enhance connectivity in aquatic and terrestrial systems for the purpose
of species migration.
• Increase connectivity, where possible, by removing dams, installing fish ladders,
and utilizing other techniques to restore connectivity in freshwater systems.
4. Enhance Adaptive Management Capacity
Context
It is important for stakeholders and partners in the Lake Superior region to work together to
adopt and implement climate management strategies that can be continuously improved as new
information becomes available. Adaptive management strategies enable stakeholders to take
action based on current knowledge and to gather information to inform future climate change
adaptation actions.
Strategies and Actions
4.1 Promote and adopt available adaptive management support systems that are available to
natural resource managers, as appropriate.
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 4.2 Integrate climate change considerations into existing and new management frameworks used
by Lake Superior natural resource organizations.
4.2.1 Park management planning, including potential increase in number and duration of
visitors due to a longer warm season.
4.2.2 Develop contingencies for Lake Superior water level extremes (high and low) and
commit to ongoing drought- and flood-preparedness.
4.2.3 Recruit and train employees to improve incorporation of climate change information
into the communications, management, technical assistance, and research and
development programs of parks and protected areas.
4.2.4 Monitor effectiveness of the Lake Superior Regulation Plan (i.e., water levels) in
protecting and preserving Lake Superior coastal ecosystems.
4.2.5 Modify aquatic invasive species pathway analysis and prediction models to include
climate change parameters.
4.2.6 Incorporate integrated watershed planning (managing human activities and natural
resources on a watershed basis) into water and aquatic resource management
practices.
4.2.7 Integrate use of climate change scenarios and vulnerability assessments into land use
plans and resource management plans, including but not limited to: economic
development plans, nutrient management plans, municipal official plans, fisheries
management plans, wildlife management plans, forest management plans, and
Species at Risk Recovery plans.
4.3 Coordinate the Lake Superior LAMP organization contributions to complementary climate
change adaptation initiatives, as it relates to protecting and restoring the ecosystem.
4.3.1 Develop a regional data management and access system for Lake Superior that
facilitates the exchange of climate change data and information on expected impacts
to ecosystems among researchers, stakeholders, and interested public.
4.3.2 To the extent possible, provide support to the development and implementation of
adaptation initiatives at various scales, such as local, tribal, state, provincial, and
national.
5. Increase Knowledge
Context
A variety of science and monitoring initiatives are ongoing in the Lake Superior region, but
further research, including vulnerability assessments, are needed to fill the gaps in available
climate change science and monitoring knowledge.
Strategies and Actions
5.1 Deliver coordinated monitoring and information systems to detect and describe climate
impacts on the ecosystem.
5.1.1 Increase monitoring for harmful blue-green algal blooms.
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 5.1.2 Inventory and monitor natural systems and experiences in parks that may be affected
by climate change.
5.1.3 Start tracking plant and animal phenology that coincides with management actions
where timing is crucial.
5.1.4 Use parks or sentinel sites as long-term integrated monitoring sites for climate change
(e.g., monitoring of species, especially those at-risk or extinction-prone).
5.1.5 Monitor data on aquatic invasive species movement and establishment in Lake
Superior, as well as information on ecosystem conditions (e.g., water temperature,
salinity levels, and water chemistry), to evaluate aquatic invasive species threats in
the context of climate change.
5.1.6 Study genetic variability for fitness-related traits to identify species most at risk from
climate change.
5.1.7 Continue to support and enhance scientific research designed to understand resilience
of ecosystems to climate change and other cumulative effects.
5.1.8 Make climate models and scenarios available and accessible to inform large and small
scale natural resource management decisions, growth plan decisions, and socioeconomic analyses.
5.1.9 Improve flood plain mapping, given the increasing frequency of major flood events.
5.2 Undertake vulnerability and risk assessments, as appropriate.
5.2.1 Conduct a region-wide climate change vulnerability assessment for forests in the
Lake Superior Basin, as well as more localized assessments of forest ecosystem
vulnerability at scales that are appropriate for management.
5.2.2 Conduct a region-wide climate change vulnerability assessment of Lake Superior’s
fisheries, particularly for cold water fish.
5.2.3 Conduct region-wide climate change vulnerability assessments of Lake Superior’s
near-shore water quality, watersheds, and status of ecosystems in areas directly
influenced by high volumes of storm water or discharges from industrial and
municipal wastewater treatments plants.
5.2.4 Conduct climate change vulnerability assessments of special designation areas, areas
of unique flora and fauna, and areas of essential ecosystem goods and services.
5.2.5 Develop socio-economic impact assessment tools for use with climate models and
scenarios for the Lake Superior watershed.
5.3 Support cost-benefit assessments for implementing major adaptation activities, as necessary.
5.3.1 Assess the economic value of environmental services to develop accurate cost/benefit
analyses.

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 6. Public Outreach and Motivate Action to Adapt
Context
Education and outreach are critical elements to build support among the public and key
stakeholders for climate change adaptation and resource management. Engaging stakeholders
early and substantively in actions and programs that will affect their lives, livelihoods, and
recreation options will help facilitate the success of climate change adaptation.
Strategies and Actions
6.1 Increase public awareness and understanding of climate impacts to the ecosystem, related
cultural history, and of the principles of climate adaptation.
6.1.1 Communicate to the public the expected impacts of climate that threaten parks and
protected areas.
6.1.2 Support and enhance climate change education and outreach activities that are being
conducted by Sea Grant programs, and other initiatives as identified.
6.1.3 Develop educational programs to teach the general public and key stakeholders about
the principles of climate change science and the expected impacts of climate change
on Lake Superior ecosystems.
6.1.4 Integrate climate change impacts and adaptation into school curricula.
6.1.5 Update natural history field guides and other knowledge-transfer products to reflect
the changing species composition of the Lake Superior Basin.
6.2 Coordinate climate change communication across jurisdictions.
6.2.1 Regularly update the report on Lake Superior Climate Change Impacts and
Adaptation to reflect new climate science related to Lake Superior.
6.2.2 Regularly discuss climate change issues during teleconferences, webinars, and
meetings of the LAMP’s Superior Work Group and other forums as appropriate.
6.2.3 Ensure that community engagement and interagency cooperation and coordination
become part of all climate change and adaptation-related planning and management
in the watershed.
6.3 Support public stewardship related to Lake Superior’s adaptation to climate change.
6.3.1 Communicate the threats of new aquatic invasive species and how to respond to a
sighting.
6.3.2 Encourage stewardship groups to protect and rehabilitate aquatic habitat, riparian
zones, and wetlands.

August 2017

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 5

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 Appendix A. Additional Tools and Resources
A Practitioners Guide to Climate Change Adaptation in Ontario’s Ecosystems. This guide
from the Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources was developed to help practitioners respond to
and prepare for climate change in Ontario. It introduces the concepts of climate change
adaptation, vulnerability, and risk; describes vulnerability and risk assessment tools and
techniques; and provides a framework that can be used to support adaptive management in a
rapidly changing climate.
Adapting to Climate Change: First National Engineering Assessment Report. – This report,
from the Public Infrastructure Engineering Vulnerability Committee, includes seven case study
reports and literature reviews on adapting infrastructure to a changing climate in Canada.
Adapting to Climate Change: A Planning Guide for State Coastal Managers and Great
Lakes Supplement. This guide from NOAA’s Office of Coastal Resource Management provides
information to help coastal managers reduce the risks of climate change impacts that may affect
their coasts. The guide includes steps for setting up a planning process, assessing vulnerability,
devising a strategy, and implementing the plan.
Adapting to Climate Change: A Risk-Based Guide for Ontario Municipalities. This guide
presents a risk-based approach that can be used to facilitate municipalities’ efforts to adapt to
climate change through both longer term planning and short-term responses. It is envisioned to
be used to assist municipal staff and risk management teams in planning and implementing
adaptation strategies.
Adapting to Climate Change: An Introduction for Canadian Municipalities. This booklet
from Natural Resources Canada provides resources for Canadian municipalities to develop
adaptation measures, including a number of case studies.
Assessing the Vulnerability of Wildlife and Habitats to Climate Change. This website from
the National Wildlife Fund provides tools for resource managers to protect wildlife from the
impacts of climate change, including a user’s guide to conducting a vulnerability assessment.
Canadian Climate Change Scenarios Network (CCCSN). The CCCSN is a partner interface
for distributing climate change scenarios and adaptation research in Canada.
Center for Climate Strategies Adaptation Guidebook. Drawing from regional and national
efforts to develop climate adaptation plans, this guidebook details a methodology for developing
and implementing an adaptation strategy at the multi-state, state, regional, or local level. It
provides a stepwise process for developing, implementing, and measuring areas, sectors, and
services anticipated to be most vulnerable to the impacts of climate change.
Climate Adaptation Knowledge Exchange (CAKE). CAKE is a climate adaptation
knowledge sharing database aimed at building a shared knowledge base for managing natural
systems in the face of climate change.

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 Climate Change Adaptation Community of Practice. The Climate Change Adaptation
Community of Practice is an interactive online community of researchers and practitioners who
discuss the latest research and share knowledge on climate change adaptation. The Community
of Practice is facilitated and maintained by the OCCIAR.
Climate Change Adaptation in the Great Lakes Region. This website describes The Nature
Conservancy’s climate change program, including links to case studies, partners, and a climate
change adaptation survey.
Climate Change Adaptation: What Federal Agencies Are Doing. Developed by the Center
for Climate and Energy Solutions (formerly the Pew Center on Global Climate Change), this
updated report summarizes how federal agencies are considering climate change adaptation in
their initiatives, strategies, programs, institutional mechanisms, tools, and resources. It includes
several examples of federal projects that incorporate the impacts of climate change and adaptive
actions into the planning, design, and implementation process.
Climate Change Tree Atlas and Bird Atlas. The Climate Change Atlas is a species
distribution tool that models how ideal habitat for 134 tree species and 150 bird species in the
U.S. may change by 2099 under a range of future climate scenarios.
Climate Change Publications from the Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources.
lists links to climate change publications pertinent to Ontario.

This site

Climate Change Resource Center. This website, sponsored by the U.S. Forest Service,
provides land managers with information on climate-related tools, video presentations, and topic
pages on natural resource management issues.
Climate Change Response Framework . The Climate Change Response Framework Project is
collaborative effort working to help land managers in northern Wisconsin understand the
potential effects of climate change on forest ecosystems and integrate climate change
considerations into management. This site provides perspective, information, and tools for land
managers on how to adapt forest ecosystems in northern Wisconsin to a changing climate.
Climate Ready Great Lakes Training Modules. These three training modules from NOAA
are tailored toward educating the public on climate change in the Great Lakes region. Topics
include 1) Predicted Impacts of Climate Change, 2) Planning Processes and Strategies for
Adapting to Climate Change, and 3) Tools and Information.
Climate Ready Water Utilities. This initiative, funded by U.S. EPA, assists the water sector,
including drinking water, wastewater, and stormwater utilities, in addressing climate change
impacts. Practical and easy-to-use tools promote an understanding of climate science and
adaptation options by translating complex climate projections into accessible formats. This
information can help utility owners and operators prepare their systems for the impacts of
climate change.

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 Climate Smart Restoration: Great Lakes On-the-Ground Examples. The National Wildlife
Federation and EcoAdapt are partnering with NOAA’s Restoration Center Great Lakes Region
with funding from the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative to help make sure that Great Lakes
restoration projects are climate-smart and have an increased chance of resiliency over
time. Through this partnership the National Wildlife Federation and EcoAdapt are working with
select projects to consider climate change in the design and implementation of Great Lakes
restoration activities. This website describes climate-smart restoration projects at 6 locations in
the Great Lakes region, including St. Marys River.
Climate Solutions University. Climate Solutions University works to empower local, rural
communities in the U.S. to become resilient in the face of a changing climate by protecting their
forest and water resources. Communities that participate are provided financial assistance to
assess their climate risks and develop a climate readiness plan with goals that are location
specific, driven by local decision makers, and aimed at benefiting the social, environmental, and
economic needs of the community.
Coastal Climate Adaptation Online Resource. This website provides general information, case
studies, adaptation planning, outreach materials, policies, risk assessments, training materials
regarding climate change. Resources for U.S. states can be accessed, including some adaptation
plans from state and local governments.
Coastal Climate Wiki. Funded by NOAA, this resource is a collaborative website that links
climate scientists with the Sea Grant Climate Network of Sea Grant and NOAA partners
involved in climate research, outreach and education.
Collaboratory for Adaptation to Climate Change. This website is a resource for research,
education, and collaboration in the area of adaptation and climate change. It is funded by the
National Science Foundation and the University of Notre Dame. The Collaboratory provides a
platform for accessing resources, using and learning about tools, and sharing information with
colleagues.
Data Basin Climate Center. The Data Basin is an on-line database with data manipulation
tools created by the Conservation Biology Institute. The Climate Center lists the most recent
datasets, maps and galleries with relevance to climate change issues; provides special features
about specific datasets available in Data Basin; and provides news briefs about recent climate
change publications, observations of change, climate change-related data providers, and climate
change experts.
GEOS Institute. The Geos Institute uses science to help people predict and prepare for climate
change impacts. This website describes the efforts of the Geos Institute and provides
information on climate change adaptation and mitigation.
Great Lakes Climate Adaptation Toolkit. Freshwater Future and EcoAdapt have partnered to
develop this toolkit, with funding support from the Kresge Foundation. It includes a primer on
climate change and adaptation, four case studies on how community groups are incorporating
climate change into their work, communications guidance, fact sheets on specific Great Lakes
August 2017

Page 122

 climate impacts, approaches to addressing climate change with community leaders, and a guide
to assist with vulnerability assessments.
Great Lakes Climate Partnership Resources. Developed through a year-long partnership
between NOAA’s Great Lakes Regional Collaboration Team and The Nature Conservancy, these
climate change adaptation resources include a video, guide, outreach and engagement case
study, and online climate tools designed to empower coastal communities to engage in planning
and decision making that reflect adaptation to a changing climate.
Great Lakes Integrated Sciences and Assessments Center (GLISA). Funded by NOAA,
GLISA is a collaboration of the University of Michigan, Michigan State University, and The
Ohio State University with the goals of 1) contributing to the long-term sustainability of the
region in the face of climate change, and 2) improving the utility of scientific knowledge to
decision making. Funding is available annually for climate research projects.
Great Lakes Restoration Initiative (GLRI). With Congressional funding, the U.S. EPA offers
grants and cooperative agreements through the GLRI for projects to protect and restore the Great
Lakes, including climate change research.
Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC). IPCC is the leading international body
for the assessment of climate change. Online information includes current research, public
policy, and education resources.
Integrating Climate Change into Invasive Species Risk Assessment/Risk Management. This
2008 workshop report from the Government of Canada, Policy Research Initiative outlines
approaches for integrating climate change considerations into invasive species risk assessment
and management. Topics include when to consider climate change, approaches and
considerations, managing risk, and challenges and barriers.
Iterative Risk-Management Framework. The IPCC describes this overall process for making
decisions regarding climate change in its Fourth Assessment Report.
Lake Superior and Climate Change Video Series (Part 1 Part 2 Part 3). In this three-part
video series, scientists at the Large Lakes Observatory in Duluth, MN, explore the implications
of climate change and other human activities for Lake Superior.
LANDIS-II Forest Landscape Model. LANDIS-II simulates forest succession, disturbances
(including fire, wind, harvesting, and insects), climate change, and seed dispersal across large
landscapes. LANDIS-II tracks the spatial distribution of discrete tree and shrub species and has
flexible spatial and temporal resolutions.
MC1 Dynamic Global Vegetation Model. MC1 is a dynamic global vegetation model that uses
monthly climate data and soil information (e.g., bulk density, texture, depth) to project
vegetation distribution, carbon stocks and fluxes, hydrological flows, and wildfire occurrences
and impacts.

August 2017

Page 123

 Michigan Climate Coalition. The Michigan Climate Coalition (MCC) seeks to foster synergy
through information, communication and action, in order to assist Michigan in responding to
climate change. The website includes information from working groups on forests and wildlife.
Michigan Coastal Management Program (MCMP). Section 309 funding will be available
through a competitive grant process in 2012-2016 for research to identify specific climate change
impacts to Great Lakes coastal wetlands; to incorporate preservation, restoration, and climate
change adaptation measures for coastal wetlands into Michigan’s climate change activities; and
to provide technical assistance with incorporating climate change adaptation measures for coastal
wetlands in local green infrastructure plans, land use plans, and zoning ordinances.
NOAA Coastal Services Center Digital Coast. This website provides data, tools, and training
to help coastal managers respond to climate change and other management challenges.
NOAA Earth System Research Laboratory. This tool, provided by the U.S. Climate Division
Dataset Mapping Page, generates regional maps displaying climate data.
Northern Institute of Applied Climate Science (NIACS). The NIACS, part of the U.S. Forest
Service, provides climate change tools and information for forest land managers and others to
address climate change impacts. NIACS staff conduct workshops, facilitate working groups of
stakeholders, use up-to-date climate science to inform local conditions, and provide adaptation
recommendations.
Ohio State University Climate Change Outreach Team. The Climate Change Outreach Team
hosts a webinar series to discuss climate change issues in the Great Lakes.
Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources – Climate Change. The climate change section of the
Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources website includes an overview of climate change impacts,
mitigation, and adaptation.
Restoring the Great Lakes’ Coastal Future: Technical Guidance for the Design and
Implementation of Climate-Smart Coastal Restoration Projects in the Great Lakes Region.
The National Wildlife Federation and EcoAdapt are working with the NOAA to reduce the
vulnerability of the Great Lakes area by developing methods to ensure that coastal planning and
restoration projects are “climate-smart.” This document provides key recommendations to
enhance the durability of Great Lakes restoration efforts.
TNC Climate Wizard. This tool illustrates various IPCC climate change scenarios in the U.S.
from 16 different GCMs. Users can view averages and changes in temperature and precipitation
in the past 50 years and projections into the future.
Upper Midwest/Great Lakes Landscape Conservation Cooperative. The Landscape
Conservation Cooperative provides a venue for a community of interests to explore how and
where to sustain landscapes for natural and cultural resources. Funding is available for projects
that support conservation delivery across the cooperative’s geographic boundary, including
projects that explore the potential impacts of climate change.
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 U.S. EPA Climate Change Program. U.S. EPA’s website provides information on climate
change for communities, individuals, businesses, states, localities, and governments. Topics
include climate change indicators, climate economics, science, regulatory initiatives, GHG
emissions, U.S. climate policy, health and environmental effects, and what you can do.
U.S. Global Change Research Program’s Assessment Report on Climate Change Impacts
in the U.S. – Midwest Chapter. The U.S. Global Change Research Program coordinates and
integrates federal research on changes in the global environment and their implications for
society. The Midwest chapter includes information on climate change impacts on the Lake
Superior basin.
U.S. National Park Service Apostle Islands National Lakeshore Climate Change and
Sustainability. The U.S. National Park Service’s Climate Change Response Program is
coordinated around four areas: Adaptation, Mitigation, Science and Education. This website
describes the efforts at Apostle Islands National Lakeshore to integrate all four areas into park
planning, management, operations, and staff culture.
Wisconsin Coastal Management Program. Grants are available for coastal wetland protection
and habitat restoration, nonpoint source pollution control, coastal resource and community
planning, Great Lakes education, public access and historic preservation. All Wisconsin counties
adjacent to Lake Superior are eligible.
Wisconsin Initiative on Climate Change Impacts (WICCI). WICCI is a state initiative to
develop a climate change adaptation strategy in Wisconsin.

August 2017

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 Appendix B. Climate Strategies and Action Plans Relevant to the Lake Superior Basin
State/Agency

Action Plan/ Strategy

Description

Focus

FIRST NATIONS/TRIBES
MICHIGAN
Michigan Department
of Environmental
Quality (2009)

Michigan Climate Action Council
Climate Action Plan

Michigan Coastal
Management
Program (MCMP)

Climate Change Adaptation in
Coastal Wetland Management
Strategy

Michigan Department
of Community Health
(Cameron et al.,
2011)

Michigan Climate and Health
Adaptation Plan (MI-CHAP):
2010-2015 Strategic Plan

Michigan Department
of Natural Resources
and Environment

Memorandum of Understanding
(MOU) with the Wisconsin
Department of Natural
Resources to establish and
implement a partnership for
climate change adaptation

Presents a GHG emissions inventory and forecast, and
outlines policy recommendations for reducing GHG
emissions by sector (energy supply, residential, commercial,
industrial, transportation, land use, agriculture, forestry,
waste management).
This strategy will support the identification of research-based
adaptation actions for Great Lakes coastal wetlands and the
incorporation of these adaptation actions into state and local
resource management plans.
This plan seeks to: (1) integrate adaption to climate change
into public health practice, (2) provide resources to assist
public health agencies in responding to the impacts of
climate change, and (3) incorporate the needs of vulnerable
populations in addressing the health impacts of climate
change.
This MOU provided a framework to establish common goals
between the Michigan Department of Natural Resources and
Environment and the Wisconsin Department of Natural
Resources to jointly pursue research, planning, and
implementation focused on climate change adaptation and
mitigation.

Mitigation in
Michigan

Adaptation for
coastal wetlands in
Michigan

Adaptation for
public health in
Michigan

Adaptation and
mitigation in
Michigan and
Wisconsin

MINNESOTA
Minnesota Pollution
Control Agency
(Ciborowski and
Fenske, 2003)

Minnesota Climate Change
Action Plan: A Framework for
Climate Change Action

Minnesota Climate
Change Advisory

Final Report: A Report to the
Minnesota Legislature

Presents estimates and forecasts of GHG emissions, and a
carbon sequestration inventory. Outlines recommended
actions to reduce GHG emissions and considers existing
state programs that could assist in controlling GHG
emissions.
Presents an inventory of historical (by sector for 2005) and
forecasted GHG emissions (through 2020). Recommends
actions to reduce GHG emissions by sector (residential,

August 2017

Mitigation in
Minnesota

Mitigation in
Minnesota

Page 126

 State/Agency

Action Plan/ Strategy

Group (MCCAG)
(2008)
Minnesota
Department of
Natural Resources,
Wildlife Climate
Change Working
Group (Carstensen
et al., 2008)

Description

Focus

commercial, industrial, energy supply, transportation, land
use, agriculture, forestry, waste management). Considers
the costs and benefits of recommended options.
Climate Change: Preliminary
Assessment for the Section of
Wildlife of the Minnesota
Department of Natural
Resources

Describes expected climate change projections for
Minnesota, effects of climate change on wildlife and
landscapes in Minnesota. Recommends climate change
adaptation and mitigation actions for wildlife in Minnesota.

Mitigation and
adaptation for
wildlife in
Minnesota

ONTARIO

Ontario Ministry of
Natural Resources
(2006)

Climate Change and MNR: A
Program-Level Strategy and
Action Plan

Describes the MNR’s strategies to support the Ontario
government’s commitment to address the impacts
associated with climate change. The strategies are
organized around three themes based on the need to
understand climate change, mitigate the impacts of rapid
climate change, and help Ontario citizens adapt to climate
change.

Ontario Ministry of
the Environment
(2008, 2009, 2010)

1) Climate Change Action
Plan: Creating Our
Sustainable Future. Annual
Report 2007-2008
2) Climate Change Action
Plan: Annual Report 20082009
3) Climate Progress: Ontario’s
Plan for a Cleaner, More
Sustainable Future. Annual
Report 2009-2010

Three annual reports of progress on Ontario’s commitment
to reduce total GHG emissions in the province. Describes
Ontario’s investments in renewable energy, energy
efficiency, and similar initiatives.

Adapting to Climate Change in
Ontario

Presents the expert panel’s strategic goals and
recommendations to inform the development of a climate
change adaptation strategy and action plan for Ontario.

Climate Ready: Ontario's
Adaptation Strategy and Action
Plan 2011-2014

Establishes five broad goals and 37 actions to help prepare
Ontario for expected changes in climate from 2011 to 2014.

Climate Action: Adapting to
Change, Protecting Our Future

Describes Ontario’s changing climate and efforts to respond
with adaptation and mitigation actions.

Expert Panel on
Climate Change
Adaptation (2009)
Ontario Ministry of
the Environment
(2011)
Ontario Ministry of
the Environment
(2011b)

August 2017

Mitigation and
Adaptation in
Ontario (including
ecosystems and
natural resources)

Mitigation in
Ontario

Adaptation in
Ontario (including
the environment)
Adaptation in
Ontario (including
ecosystems)
Mitigation and
adaptation in
Ontario

Page 127

 State/Agency
Ontario Biodiversity
Council, 2011

Action Plan/ Strategy
Ontario’s Biodiversity Strategy,
2011: Renewing Our
Commitment to Protecting What
Sustains Us

Description

Focus

Provides a renewed commitment to safeguard Ontario’s
variety of species and ecosystems and proposes an
ambitious but practical conservation agenda.

Discusses climate
change as a threat
to biodiversity
conservation in
Ontario

WISCONSIN
Wisconsin
Department of
Natural Resources
and Public Service
Commission of
Wisconsin (2008)

Wisconsin’s Strategy for
Reducing Global Warming

Discusses Wisconsin’s share of world GHG emissions and
recommends short- and long-term goals for reducing GHG
emissions in the state.

Mitigation in
Wisconsin

Wisconsin Initiative
on Climate Change
Impacts (WICCI)
(2011)

Wisconsin’s Changing Climate:
Impacts and Adaptation

Summarizes expected climate changes in Wisconsin (by
mid-century) and expected impacts on water resources,
natural habitats, agriculture, coastal regions, society, and the
built environment. Synthesizes the findings of 15 working
groups who contributed content for the report.

Adaptation in
Wisconsin
(including water
resources and
natural habitats)

Northern Institute of
Applied Climate
Science, U.S.
Department of
Agriculture
(Swanston and
Janowiak, 2012)

Forest Adaptation Resources:
Climate Change Tools and
Approaches for Land Managers

Supports partnerships and collaboration, provides scientific
information, and presents a wide selection of adaption
strategies and approaches that are relevant to forest
ecosystems in northern Wisconsin.

Adaptation in
northern Wisconsin
forests

Wisconsin
Department of
Natural Resources

Memorandum of Understanding
(MOU) with the Michigan
Department of Natural
Resources and Environment to
establish and implement a
partnership for climate change
adaptation

This MOU provided a framework to establish common goals
between the Michigan Department of Natural Resources and
Environment and the Wisconsin Department of Natural
Resources to jointly pursue research, planning, and
implementation focused on climate change adaptation and
mitigation.

Adaptation and
mitigation in
Wisconsin and
Michigan

CANADA
Government of
Canada (Lemmen et
al., 2008)

From Impacts to Adaptation:
Canada in a Changing Climate

Describes risks and opportunities presented by climate
change for each Canadian region. Chapter 6 presents
information for Ontario and its subregions in the South,

August 2017

Mitigation and
Adaptation
examples focusing

Page 128

 State/Agency

Action Plan/ Strategy

Description

Focus

Central, and North, including subregional perspectives on
climate sensitivities, impacts, and vulnerabilities.

on human and
managed systems

UNITED STATES
This strategy will provide a unified approach from federal,
state, and tribal partners to reduce the negative effects of
climate change on fish, wildlife, plants, and the natural
systems on which they depend.
This plan includes actions that address the “Resiliency and
Adaptation to Climate Change and Ocean Acidification”
priority objective, one of nine priority objectives identified by
the National Ocean Policy.

U.S. Fish and Wildlife
Service (2012)

National Fish, Wildlife, and
Plants Climate Adaptation
Strategy (draft)

National Ocean
Council (2012)

National Ocean Policy
Implementation Plan

Interagency Climate
Change Adaptation
Task Force (2011)

Final National Action Plan:
Priorities for Managing
Freshwater Resources in a
Changing Climate

Describes challenges presented by climate change in the
management of the Nation’s freshwater resources and
recommends actions for federal agencies to take over the
next several years.

U. S. National Park
Service (2011a)

General Management Plan/
Wilderness Management Plan
for Apostle Islands National
Lakeshore

Long-term management plan for the park that focuses on
sustainability of facilities, services, and park operations in
light of climate change and other challenges.

U.S. National Park
Service (2008a)

Climate Friendly Parks: Apostle
Islands National Lakeshore
Action Plan

Quantifies carbon footprint of the park and establishes goals
and strategies for climate change mitigation, adaptation, and
communication.

National Park
Service (2008b)

Climate Friendly Parks: Pictured
Rocks Lakeshore Action Plan

Quantifies carbon footprint of the park and establishes goals
and strategies for climate change mitigation, adaptation, and
communication.

U.S. National Park
Service (2010)

National Park Service Climate
Change Response Strategy

Establishes goals and objectives for addressing climate
change within the National Park Service through four
components: science, adaptation, mitigation, and
communication.

August 2017

Adaptation of fish,
wildlife, and plants
in the U.S.
Adaptation of
oceans, coasts,
and Great Lakes in
the U.S.
Adaptation of U.S.
freshwater
resources
(including
protection of water
quality and aquatic
ecosystems)
Climate change
impacts affecting
sustainable
operations of park
Mitigation,
adaptation, and
communication at
Apostle Islands
National Lakeshore
Mitigation,
adaptation, and
communication at
Pictured Rocks
National Lakeshore
Adaptation in U.S.
National Parks
(including
ecosystems)

Page 129

 State/Agency

Action Plan/ Strategy

U.S. Forest Service
(2010)

A Climate Change
Response Framework for the
Chequamegon-Nicolet National
Forest

U.S. Forest Service
(Solomon et al.,
2009)

Global Change Research
Strategy

Description

Focus

Brings together the U.S. Forest Service and Northern
Institute of Applied Carbon Science to address the
complexities
of climate change by assessing the science, working with
partners, and providing guidance to better adapt
ecosystems,
mitigate carbon emissions, and incorporate science
and monitoring information into forest management activities.
Presents adaptation and mitigation approaches to sustain
healthy ecosystems through research to: enhance
ecosystem health and sustainability; increase carbon
sequestration; provide decision support tools; and provide
infrastructure, scientific collaboration, and science delivery
(Solomon et al., 2009)

August 2017

Adaptation,
mitigation, and
science
and monitoring at
ChequamegonNicolet National
Forest
Adaptation and
mitigation in U.S.
forests
and grasslands

Page 130

 Appendix C. Climate Change Adaptation Programs in the Lake Superior Basin
State/Provincial and First Nation/Tribal Programs in the Lake Superior Basin
Program Name

Description
MICHIGAN

Focus and Scope

Michigan Climate
Coalition (MCC)

Assists Michigan in responding to climate change through networking and collaboration,
communication and translation, and action and filling in gaps.

Pileus Project

The goal of the Pileus Project is to provide climate information to decision makers in the Great
Lakes region, with a focus on agriculture and tourism. The core research team is located at
Michigan State University.

Minnesota Climate
Change Advisory
Group (MCCAG)
Wildlife Climate
Change Working
Group, Minnesota
Department of Natural
Resources

MINNESOTA
Governor-appointed group comprised of a diverse group of stakeholders. To fulfill its charge, the
MCCAG developed: 1) an inventory and forecast of GHG emissions in Minnesota from 1990 to
2020, 2) a set of policy recommendations to reduce GHG emissions, and 3) recommended GHG
reduction goals and targets.

Information gathering,
outreach, research,
and adaptation in
Michigan
Climate change
decision-making
related to agriculture
and tourism in the
Great Lakes region

Mitigation in
Minnesota

Members of the Division of Fish and Wildlife; prepared Climate Change: Preliminary Assessment
Mitigation and
for the Section of Wildlife of the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (Carstensen et al.,
adaptation for wildlife
2008), which recommends climate change adaptation and mitigation actions for wildlife in
in Minnesota
Minnesota.

Sponsored by the Minnesota and Wisconsin Sea Grants, the climate change extension educator
Climate Change
provides science-based information to Lake Superior communities in Minnesota and Wisconsin
Extension Educator
that are grappling with more intense weather events and deliberating over how a changing
for Western Lake
climate might affect their economies and environments. She also serves as a liaison between
Superior Communities
climate scientists and citizens of the western Lake Superior basin.
ONTARIO
Ontario Centre for
Climate Impacts and Provides climate adaptation outreach and education to enable communities to address local
Adaptation Resources vulnerabilities, risks, and opportunities.
(OCCIAR)
Project organized by federal, provincial, local, and private partners to identify coastal features
Coastal Zone Climate
and processes of the Great Lakes that are likely to be affected by climate change, through
Change and
evaluation of various climate change scenarios, and to create a list of potential adaptation
Adaptation Project
options that can be used by land owners and managers to reduce vulnerability to climate change.

August 2017

Education and
adaptation in the
western Lake Superior
basin

Outreach and
education in Ontario
Adaptation options for
coastal communities in
Ontario

Page 131

 Program Name

Description
Produced a report titled, “Coastal Zone and Climate Change on the Great Lakes” (Environment
Canada, 2005).
Three-year federal/provincial program to help communities adapt to climate change at the local
level. Part of a federal program across Canada designed to share information across regions
Ontario Regional
nationwide. The Ontario Ministry of the Environment is leading a series of projects addressing
Adaptation
climate change impacts in Ontario, such as decreasing fresh water supplies; increasing droughts,
Collaborative
floods and coastal erosion; and changing forestry, fisheries and agricultural resources (Ontario
Ministry of the Environment, 2011).
WISCONSIN
Assesses and anticipates climate change impacts on Wisconsin’s natural resources, ecosystems
Wisconsin Initiative on and regions; evaluates potential effects on industry, agriculture, tourism and other human
Climate Change
activities; and develops and recommends adaptation strategies that can be implemented by
Impacts (WICCI)
various stakeholders. WICCI connects university-based climate modelers with managers and
experts in the field to assess impacts at focused and relevant measures of time and space.
Climate Change
Collaborative project in northern Wisconsin to gather information, perspectives, and expertise
Response Framework from a broad array of partners and provide strategies and approaches for responding to climate
Project
impacts and developing forest adaptation plans.
Sponsored by the Minnesota and Wisconsin Sea Grants, the climate change extension educator
Climate Change
provides science-based information to Lake Superior communities in Minnesota and Wisconsin
Extension Educator
that are grappling with more intense weather events and deliberating over how a changing
for Western Lake
climate might affect their economies and environments. She also serves as a liaison between
Superior Communities
climate scientists and citizens of the western Lake Superior basin.

Focus and Scope

Adaptation in Ontario,
with informationsharing across
Canada

Adaptation in
Wisconsin
Adaptation and
mitigation for forests in
northern Wisconsin
Education and
adaptation in the
western Lake Superior
basin

Federal Climate Programs in the Lake Superior Basin
Program Name
Aboriginal Affairs and
Northern Development
Canada Climate
Change Adaptation
Program
Climate Change
Impacts and Adaptation
Division

Description
CANADA

Focus and Scope

Adaptation in Aboriginal
and northern
communities

Government program that provides support to communities in planning, risk assessment,
priority setting, and implementation of adaptation.

A division of Natural Resources Canada that facilitates sharing of knowledge, tools, and
mechanisms as a means of integrating climate change adaptation into policy and projects
across government and industry.
Federal program aimed at increasing collaboration between government, private sector, and
Regional Adaptation
community organizations across Canada on complicated climate change threats and
Collaboratives Program
adaptation policy.
August 2017

Adaptation,
communication, decision
support in Canada
Adaptation,
communication, and

Page 132

 Program Name

U.S. Global Change
Research Program
(USGCRP)
U.S. Climate Change
Science Program
(CCSP)
U.S. Climate Change
Technology Program
(CCTP)

Great Lakes Regional
Assessment

Interagency Climate
Change Adaptation
Task Force

National Park Service
Climate Change
Response Program
(U.S. National Park
Service, 2010)

Climate Friendly Parks
Program

Description

Focus and Scope
decision support in
Canada

UNITED STATES
Mandated by Congress, the USGCRP coordinates and integrates federal research on
changes in the global environment and their implications for society. The program is required
to conduct an assessment of the impacts of global change in the U.S. every four years
(http://www.globalchange.gov/).
Part of the USGCRP, the CCSP, comprised of various federal agencies, integrates federal
research on climate and global change through published reports on the impacts of climate
change and approaches to adaptation or mitigation.
Part of the USGCRP, the CCTP is a multi-agency research and development program for
technologies that promote adaption and mitigation of climate change
(http://www.climatetechnology.gov/).
A group of stakeholders from the Great Lakes region, coordinated by the USGCRP, who
provide input, guidance, and support for climate change issues in the region. The team
hosted a series of workshops from 1998 to 2002 and in 2000 prepared a report that
summarizes the team’s findings with respect to climate changes, and describes the impacts,
challenges, and opportunities for the Great Lakes region, focusing on the years 2030 and
2090 (Sousounis and Bisanz, 2000).
Comprised of more than 20 federal agencies and executive branch offices co-chaired by
NOAA, the White House Council on Environmental Quality, and the Office of Science and
Technology Policy. Prepared a progress report in 2010 outlining recommended actions in
support of a national climate change adaptation strategy. In October 2011, the task force
released a final national action plan that proposed priorities for managing freshwater
resources in a changing climate (see Appendix B).
Actions are structured around four strategy components: science, adaptation, mitigation, and
communication. Apostle Islands National Lakeshore has instituted an educational program
that includes visitor displays illustrating the impacts of climate change on the park and on the
local Ojibwe population. Through a cooperative agreement with a nonprofit organization,
Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore ensures local awareness of climate change and actions to
address it (Saunders et al., 2011).
A joint partnership between U.S. EPA and the National Park Service. The program is part of
an integrated National Park Service approach to address climate change by implementing
sustainable practices in park operations, including the in the Lake Superior basin. Apostle
Islands National Lakeshore and Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore have completed all of the
program’s required milestones to be recognized as a “Climate Friendly Park.” The milestones
include conducting a Climate Friendly Parks Workshop to develop park-based solutions to
climate change, preparing an inventory of GHG emissions, and developing a Climate Action
Plan to reduce the park’s GHG emissions (U.S. National Park Service, 2011b).
August 2017

Research, education,
communication, and
decision support in the
U.S.
Adaption and mitigation
in the U.S.
Adaption and mitigation
in the U.S.

Adaption in the Great
Lakes region

Adaption in the U.S.

Outreach, adaptation,
mitigation, and research
at U.S. National Parks

Mitigation in U.S.
National Parks

Page 133

 Program Name
U.S. Forest Service’s
Global Change
Research Strategy
Great Lakes Climate
Change Science and
Education Systemic
Network (GLCCSESN)
NOAA Climate
Program Office

Description
Supports the needs of U.S. National Forest System managers and others (Solomon et al.,
2009). Instructs forest managers in land management practices that enhance ecosystem
adaptation to climate change and sequester carbon. Adaptation approaches focus on
maintaining ecosystem health and the services that ecosystems provide, such as a water
supply and habitat for wildlife.
Funded by the National Science Foundation, the GLCCSESN is linking the education,
learning science, and climate science communities with a comprehensive, regional focus.
The GLCCSESN is developing a strategic plan to guide collaboration among its partners for
implementation of educational and climate change science efforts.
Manages NOAA’s competitive research program on climate change and supports NOAA’s
contributions to the USGCRP and the U.S. Interagency Climate Change Adaptation Task
Force.

August 2017

Focus and Scope
Adaptation and
mitigation in U.S.
National Forests and
other forests
Education on climate
change science in the
Great Lakes region
Research and
adaptation in the U.S.

Page 134

 Appendix D. Workshops, Meetings, and Conferences Relevant to Climate Change Adaptation in the Lake Superior Basin
Date/Location

Title

July 18-21, 2016
Ashland, Wisconsin

G-WOW/Guiding for
Tomorrow Workshop

May 9-11, 2017
Saint Paul, MN

National Adaptation Forum

April 4-5, 2017
Keene, NH

Adapting Forested
Watersheds to Climate
Change Workshop

Adapting Your Work to
October 12-12, 2012
Climate Change Fall
Duluth, Minnesota
Symposium

March 13-15, 2012

Climate Adaptation in the
Northwoods: Information,
Tools, and Collaboration

November 7-25,
2011

Online Workshop on Great
Lakes Climate Change for
Informal Educators

Description

Host/Sponsor

The workshop brought together 28 educators and community leaders
from across the county and Canada, including First Nations tribal elders.
The four day workshop involved experiential learning activities
conducted within surrounding tribal communities and the Apostle Islands
National Lakeshore. The goal is to equip participants to develop
culturally relevant climate change educational outreach within their
community that will result in action to address climate change.
The National Adaptation Forum (NAF) is a biennial gathering created by
professionals from the private and public sectors concerned about the
need to respond to and prepare for today’s challenges. The Forum
represents a collective effort to enhance the resilience of the Nation's
communities, resources and economy in the Anthropocene. At the 2017
Forum, GLIFWC gave a presentation on the GLIFWC climate change
program and development of a GLIFWC climate adaptation plan and
vulnerability assessment.
The workshop is designed to aid natural resource managers in
developing and implementing management actions that help
ecosystems respond to climate change. During the workshop, GLIFWC
facilitated breakout sessions and group projects on the Lac Vieux Desert
Lake Walleye restoration with land and resource managers.
The symposium is designed for all types of community groups to learn
how to incorporate climate change impacts into their existing work,
connect with available climate change resources, and network with
others interested in making their work more climate savvy.
The workshop brought together a variety of forest and wildlife managers,
forest planners and administrators, ecologists, conservation
practitioners, and outreach specialists for a region-wide meeting to
consider ways to successfully respond to climate change. Participants
explored case studies from ongoing climate change adaptation efforts,
shared tools and approaches for forest management, discussed goals
and strategies, and engaged in a forum to interact with a growing
network for northern forest climate adaptation.

G-WOW

National Adaptation
Forum

Northern Institute of
Applied Climate
Science

Freshwater Future
and EcoAdapt

The Nature
Conservancy and
the U.S. Forest
Service

NSF-funded Great
This workshop provided a wide variety of resources on climate change
Lakes Climate
science and education, as well as interactive and facilitated online
Change Science
reflective conversations about climate change issues in the Great Lakes.
and Education
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 Date/Location

Title

Description

Host/Sponsor

(http://www.coexploration.or
g/CCEP-GL/)
GLISA Half-Day Symposium
on Climate Change and
Variability in the Great
Lakes Region
(http://glisa.umich.edu/about
/events/symposium_2011.p
hp)

It was targeted especially to middle school and high school teachers and
informal institution educators.
This symposium introduced the Great Lakes community to GLISA’s
current work and research on climate variability and change in the
region. Speakers from the GLISA Core Team discussed its Climate Data
November 3, 2011
Programs, Analysis of Regional Reports, and Stakeholder Network
Ann Arbor, MI
Analysis. Researchers funded through the GLISA annual Grants
Competition summarized their projects and initial findings, and Kathy
Jacobs of the National Climate Assessment gave the keynote address.
This collaborative workshop aimed to build climate planning capacity by
presenting the latest climate science, allowing participants to discuss
Planning for Climate
climate issues, providing information about climate planning processes
Impacts in the Western Lake and strategies, and giving examples of available planning tools and
September 22, 2011
Superior Region
resources. The workshop also offered an introduction to climate
Duluth, Minnesota
(http://www.seagrant.umn.e vulnerability assessment. The workshop addressed climate issues
du/news/2011/09/22)
affecting land use, public health, stormwater, emergency preparedness,
and natural resource management issues in the western Lake Superior
region.

September 12-14,
2011
Ann Arbor, MI

Coastal Habitat
Conservation in a Changing
Climate: Strategies and
Tools for the Great Lakes
Region

This workshop identified and discussed tools and strategies to assess
vulnerability and develop actions for climate smart conservation of
freshwater coastal habitats in the U.S. Great Lakes region (e.g., MI, WI,
MN, IN, IL, OH, PA, NY).

This conference featured recent changes to Michigan's wetland
regulatory program, wetland monitoring and assessment, other current
issues in wetland science and policy, and a special symposium on
wetland management as a response to climate change.
This summit engaged Great Lakes Tribal Nations on climate change
Great Lakes Tribal Climate indicators and resiliency strategies. The purpose of the summit was to
August 23-25, 2011 Change Summit
share ongoing research projects, provide information related to carbon
Keshena, Wisconsin (http://tribalp2.org/events/co sequestration, provide a forum to share climate change projections and
nferences.php)
experiences, and begin discussing a climate change research agenda
for Great Lake Tribal Nations.
This conference provided a forum for ocean and coastal management
July 17-21, 2011
Coastal Zone 2011
professionals to discuss issues such as the impacts of coastal
Chicago, Illinois
Conference
development and new threats, including those related to invasive
August 30 –
September 2, 2011
Traverse City, MI

Michigan Wetlands
Association Annual
Conference
(http://www.miwetlands.org/)

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Systemic Network
(GLCCSESN) team
Great Lakes
Integrated Sciences
and Assessments
(GLISA)

Lake Superior
National Estuarine
Research Reserve
and NOAA’s Ohio
Coastal Training
Program, along with
local and regional
partners
NOAA Climate
Program Office,
Office of Habitat
Conservation, and
Great Lakes
Regional
Collaboration Team
Michigan Wetlands
Association
College of
Menominee Nation
Sustainable
Development
Institute
The Nature
Conservancy, U.S.
Department of

 Date/Location

Title

Description

Host/Sponsor

(http://www.doi.gov/initiative species, global climate change, and other human-induced hazards that
s/CZ11/index.htm)
require new approaches to ocean and coastal resource management.
One theme of the 2011 conference was “Planning for Resilient Coasts,
Great Lakes, and Ecosystems.” The international symposium has been
held biennially since 1978.

February-March
2011
Kingston, London,
and Hamilton,
Ontario

October 5-7, 2010
Duluth, Minnesota

July 15, 2010
Chicago, Illinois

April 27-28, 2010
Madison, WI

Three 1-day capacity building workshops were held to help Ontario
Conservation Authorities (CA) address the challenges associated with
Moving Forward on
climate change and to move forward on adaptation. The focus was on
Adaptation: the Climate
adaptation, vulnerability assessments, and climate impacts on water
Change Adaptation
resources in Ontario. For CA staff and directors, these workshops were
Workshop Series
organized to: raise awareness of climate change and its implications to
(http://www.climateontario.c CA business; provide an update on provincial perspectives and
a/w_CA.php)
initiatives; provide opportunity for CAs to share current CA climate
change initiatives; and discuss challenges and approaches for
incorporating adaptation and mitigation into CA programs.
Thirty workshop participants applied the Scenario Planning framework to
two case studies in the Great Lakes and Atlantic Coast bio-regions.
National Park Service
Participants used major climate drivers, such as warming temperatures,
Climate Change Scenarios
changing precipitation patterns, and sea level rise to identify highly
Training Program: Great
consequential and uncertain impacts like altered vegetation patterns,
Lakes and Atlantic Coast
increased temperature and salinity in wetland, coastal, and shoreline
Workshop
environments to create narratives that can guide management options
under several possible futures.
This meeting provided an opportunity for senior members of the Obama
Administration to exchange climate change information with local and
Public Meeting of the U.S.
regional representatives, address questions and concerns about climate
Interagency Climate Change change impacts, and describe U.S. federal climate change adaptation
Adaptation Task Force
planning efforts underway. The focus was on climate change adaptation
(http://www.tvworldwide.com in the Great Lakes region. Speakers discussed the range of climate
/events/ICCATF/100715/)
change impacts expected for the Great Lakes region and the growing
need for adaptation strategies to ensure healthy economies and
ecosystems.
As part of the Climate Change Response Framework Project in northern
Wisconsin, the workshop sought to identify management approaches
Science Applications and
that can enhance the ability of ecosystems in northern Wisconsin to
Needs Workshop
cope with climate change and consider how National Forests and other
lands might be used to test new approaches.
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Interior, Illinois
Department of
Natural Resources,
NOAA, U.S. Army
Corps of Engineers,
and U.S. EPA

OCCIAR,
Conservation
Ontario

U.S. National Park
Service

U.S. EPA and the
Department of
Housing and Urban
Development

U.S. Forest Service,
Northern Institute of
Applied Climate
Science

 Date/Location
February 24-25,
2010
Rhinelander, WI

Title
Shared Landscapes
Initiative Workshop

Impact of Climate Change
on the Great Lakes
Ecosystem: A NOAA
Science Needs Assessment
July 29-31, 2008
Workshop to Meet Emerging
Ann Arbor, Michigan
Challenges
(http://www.glerl.noaa.gov/ft
p/publications/tech_reports/
glerl-147/tm-147.pdf)

June 27, 2008
Flint, Michigan

Preparing for Climate
Change in the Great Lakes
Region

Making a Great Lake
October 29-31, 2007 Superior
Duluth, Minnesota
(http://www.seagrant.umn.e
du/superior2007/)

July 18-19, 2007
Munising, Michigan

Pictured Rocks National
Lakeshore Climate Friendly
Park Workshop

Description

Host/Sponsor

As part of the Climate Change Response Framework Project in northern
Wisconsin, the workshop sought to increase awareness and discussion
of the potential ecological and land management pressures associated
with climate change in northern Wisconsin.

U.S. Forest Service,
Northern Institute of
Applied Climate
Science

NOAA, Cooperative
Institute for
Limnology and
The purpose of this workshop was to identify and prioritize research
needs that would drive the development of a NOAA research strategy to Ecosystems
Research, and the
address the impact of climate change on Great Lakes coastal
Great Lakes Sea
ecosystems.
Grant Network
Workshop objectives were to identify policy changes that will enable
Great Lakes communities to adapt to climate change and protect major
ecosystems and to identify strategies for implementing those policy
changes. Workshop participants identified guiding principles, priority
issues, focus areas, and implementation approaches to guide climate
change adaptation efforts. Participants recommended focusing efforts on
water resource management issues, as they will have a significant
impact on restoring and promoting ecosystem resiliency. A summary
report is available at
http://www.miseagrant.umich.edu/downloads/climate/Climate_Workshop
_Report.pdf.
Over 440 scientists, government officials, natural resource managers,
and educators from over 70 towns and cities across the U.S. and
Canada participated in this conference. The conference presentations
focused on 12 priorities for Lake Superior, including fisheries and
aquatic ecology, habitat conservation and species management,
invasive species, and toxic pollutants. There was a separate session on
climate change impacts on Lake Superior. Presentation topics included
developing vulnerability and adaptation strategies, specific climate
change impacts on Lake Superior, and climate change education.
Public workshop to develop a Climate Friendly Parks Action Plan for
Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore.

August 2017

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Mott Foundation,
Joyce Foundation,
Kresge Foundation,
Great Lakes Fishery
Trust, and Michigan
Sea Grant

Organized by U.S.
EPA, Lake Superior
Binational Program,
and Great Lakes
Sea Grant Network
with numerous
sponsors
U.S. National Park
Service and U.S.
EPA

 Date/Location

Title

Apostle Islands National
Lakeshore Climate Friendly
Park Workshop
Climate Change in the Great
Lakes Region: Starting a
March 13Public Discussion
September 24, 2007
(http://seagrant.wisc.edu/cli
Wisconsin
matechange/HOME/tabid/36
/Default.aspx)
July 16-17, 2007
Ashland, Wisconsin

Description

Host/Sponsor

Public workshop to develop a Climate Friendly Parks Action Plan for
Apostle Islands National Lakeshore.
This seminar series explored what climate change will mean for the
Great Lakes region, with a focus on Wisconsin. Experts presented the
current state of knowledge on what is known, what is predicted, and
what can be done to adapt to a changing climate. The presentations
highlighted how climate change could affect property, water resources,
fisheries, and public health in the Great Lakes basin.

August 2017

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U.S. National Park
Service and U.S.
EPA
University of
Wisconsin Sea
Grant Institute, the
Wisconsin Coastal
Management
Program, and NOAA