The SAP 4.4 has been prepared by a team of experts from academia, governmental and nongovernmental organizations, and the private sector in response to the mandate of the U.S. Climate Change Science Program's Strategic Plan (2003). This report examines (1) the combined effects on ecosystems of climate changes and non-climate stressors, and consequent implications for achieving specific management goals; (2) adaptation approaches that reduce the risk of negative impacts on management goals; and (3) ways to overcome barriers or take advantage of opportunities to improve the likelihood of successful adaptation implementation. Through the provision of this information, the desired outcome of this report is an enhanced adaptive capacity to respond to future changes in climate.