U.S. Climate Resilience Toolkit

Recreation and Tourism

Rising temperatures will result in less snow and shorter seasons for snow-dependent recreation activities, such as skiing or snowmobiling.
Lower summer streamflows, earlier peak runoff, and warmer stream temperatures are likely to alter fishing quality, timing, and species distributions.
Warmer temperatures are expected to expand the peak visitation season in Northern Great Plains parks, with more visitors expected in the spring and fall compared to past use levels.

Warmer and generally wetter conditions coupled with elevated atmospheric CO₂ will impact seasonal water availability, and plant phenology and physiological responses.
Wildfire, pathogens, and human disturbances will diminish habitat quality in all ecosystems.
Adaptation will require a better understanding of plausible ecological responses to climate change and other stressors, and increased flexibility in decision making.

Agriculture is an integral component of the economy, history, and culture of the Northern Great Plains.
Rising temperatures and changes in extreme weather events are having negative impacts on some agricultural systems in parts of the region.
A longer frost-free period could benefit agriculture in some ways; for example, by extending the grazing season or enabling new crop varieties. However, it could also increase pests, weeds, and invasive species.

Effective water management is essential for people, crops and livestock, ecosystems, and the energy industry.
Small changes in annual precipitation have large effects downstream.
Increased climate variability may result in more extreme events.
Projections include future changes in precipitation patterns, warmer temperatures, and the potential for more extreme rainfall events.