{"id":21418,"date":"2026-03-30T19:54:06","date_gmt":"2026-03-30T19:54:06","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/esa.org\/esablog\/?p=21418"},"modified":"2026-03-30T19:54:07","modified_gmt":"2026-03-30T19:54:07","slug":"public-comment-now-open-for-the-nature-record-draft-assessment","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/esa.org\/esablog\/2026\/03\/30\/public-comment-now-open-for-the-nature-record-draft-assessment\/","title":{"rendered":"Public Comment Now Open for The Nature Record Draft Assessment"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p class=\"has-background-color has-primary-background-color has-text-color has-background has-link-color wp-elements-fd219962cf267a1c463a2bccf11dae36 wp-block-paragraph\">The draft assessment of <em><a href=\"https:\/\/naturerecord.org\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">The Nature Record<\/a><\/em> (previously known as United by Nature) \u2014 the first comprehensive, independent, evidence-based assessment of the state of nature in the United States \u2014 is now available for public review.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">From <strong>March 2 through May 31<\/strong>, anyone can review the draft assessment and share input through <a href=\"https:\/\/naturerecord.org\/comment\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">the public comment portal<\/a> or by participating in virtual or in-person <a href=\"https:\/\/naturerecord.org\/events\" data-type=\"link\" data-id=\"https:\/\/naturerecord.org\/events\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">engagement events<\/a> hosted across the country.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">What is <em>The Nature Record<\/em>?<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The Nature Record<em> <\/em>examines the status, trends and future of nature in the United States, and how changes in nature are shaping our lives, communities, and economy. Nature influences the air we breathe, the water we drink, the homes we build, the stability of our climate, the health of our brains and bodies, and the strength of our local economies. Even for those who don\u2019t focus on\u00a0 environmental issues every day, these connections are constant and deeply woven into daily life.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The Nature Record is an independent team of nearly 200 leading scientists, researchers, experts, and practitioners. Their work is rooted in science, guided by communities, and enriched by public participation. Together, they\u2019re creating a clear, accessible picture of nature across the nation and the role it plays in everything from local economies to public health and community resilience.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">How to participate<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The Nature Record team invites individuals, organizations, and communities to review the draft Assessment and share their perspectives. You can engage in several ways:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Submit comments<\/strong> through <a href=\"https:\/\/naturerecord.org\/comment\" data-type=\"link\" data-id=\"https:\/\/naturerecord.org\/comment\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">the online public comment portal<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Participate in virtual engagement events<\/strong> featuring Assessment authors<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Attend in\u2011person events<\/strong> hosted in communities across the United States<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The draft assessment, event listings, and more information are available on <a href=\"https:\/\/naturerecord.org\/\" data-type=\"link\" data-id=\"https:\/\/naturerecord.org\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">The Nature Record website<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity is-style-dots\">\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Attend an upcoming event or tune into a webinar to learn more from <em>Nature Record<\/em> authors about the Assessment contents:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-media-text is-stacked-on-mobile\" style=\"grid-template-columns:21% auto\"><figure class=\"wp-block-media-text__media\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"681\" src=\"https:\/\/esa.org\/esablog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/90\/2019\/12\/Haleakalasilversword-1024x681.jpg\" alt=\"A Hawaiian silversword plant\" class=\"wp-image-16057 size-full img-fluid\" srcset=\"https:\/\/esa.org\/esablog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/90\/2019\/12\/Haleakalasilversword-1024x681.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/esa.org\/esablog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/90\/2019\/12\/Haleakalasilversword-300x199.jpg 300w, https:\/\/esa.org\/esablog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/90\/2019\/12\/Haleakalasilversword-768x511.jpg 768w, https:\/\/esa.org\/esablog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/90\/2019\/12\/Haleakalasilversword-1536x1021.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/esa.org\/esablog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/90\/2019\/12\/Haleakalasilversword-2048x1362.jpg 2048w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure><div class=\"wp-block-media-text__content\">\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading has-small-font-size\">April 1 | 12 \u2013 1:30 PM PT<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-small-font-size wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Webinar: How Do Changes in Nature Shape Our Lives (Part 1)?<\/strong><br><em>Virtual<\/em><br><a href=\"https:\/\/scbnorthamerica.org\/index.php\/the-nature-record-public-engagement-series\/#toggle-id-5\" data-type=\"link\" data-id=\"https:\/\/scbnorthamerica.org\/index.php\/the-nature-record-public-engagement-series\/#toggle-id-5\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Learn more &amp; register<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:5px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-media-text is-stacked-on-mobile\" style=\"grid-template-columns:21% auto\"><figure class=\"wp-block-media-text__media\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"681\" src=\"https:\/\/esa.org\/esablog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/90\/2020\/02\/Puku_KNP-scaled-1-1024x681.jpeg\" alt=\"Deer in a misty landscape\" class=\"wp-image-16502 size-full img-fluid\" srcset=\"https:\/\/esa.org\/esablog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/90\/2020\/02\/Puku_KNP-scaled-1-1024x681.jpeg 1024w, https:\/\/esa.org\/esablog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/90\/2020\/02\/Puku_KNP-scaled-1-300x199.jpeg 300w, https:\/\/esa.org\/esablog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/90\/2020\/02\/Puku_KNP-scaled-1-768x511.jpeg 768w, https:\/\/esa.org\/esablog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/90\/2020\/02\/Puku_KNP-scaled-1-1536x1021.jpeg 1536w, https:\/\/esa.org\/esablog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/90\/2020\/02\/Puku_KNP-scaled-1-2048x1362.jpeg 2048w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure><div class=\"wp-block-media-text__content\">\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading has-small-font-size\">April 15 | 12 \u2013 1:30 PM PT<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-small-font-size wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Webinar: How Do Changes in Nature Shape Our Lives (Part 2)?<\/strong><br><em>Virtual<\/em><br><a href=\"https:\/\/scbnorthamerica.org\/index.php\/the-nature-record-public-engagement-series\/#toggle-id-6\" data-type=\"link\" data-id=\"https:\/\/scbnorthamerica.org\/index.php\/the-nature-record-public-engagement-series\/#toggle-id-5\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Learn more &amp; register<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:5px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-media-text is-stacked-on-mobile\" style=\"grid-template-columns:21% auto\"><figure class=\"wp-block-media-text__media\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" src=\"https:\/\/esa.org\/esablog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/90\/2019\/11\/DYL_7085-CROP-Copy-1024x683.jpg\" alt=\"Three bats\" class=\"wp-image-15894 size-full img-fluid\" srcset=\"https:\/\/esa.org\/esablog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/90\/2019\/11\/DYL_7085-CROP-Copy-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/esa.org\/esablog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/90\/2019\/11\/DYL_7085-CROP-Copy-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/esa.org\/esablog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/90\/2019\/11\/DYL_7085-CROP-Copy-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/esa.org\/esablog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/90\/2019\/11\/DYL_7085-CROP-Copy-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/esa.org\/esablog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/90\/2019\/11\/DYL_7085-CROP-Copy-2048x1366.jpg 2048w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure><div class=\"wp-block-media-text__content\">\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading has-small-font-size\">April 22 | Dallas, TX<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-small-font-size wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>EarthX 2026<\/strong><br><em>Hilton Anatole<\/em><br><a href=\"https:\/\/earthx.org\/earthx2026\/\" data-type=\"link\" data-id=\"https:\/\/scbnorthamerica.org\/index.php\/the-nature-record-public-engagement-series\/#toggle-id-5\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Learn more<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:5px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-media-text is-stacked-on-mobile\" style=\"grid-template-columns:21% auto\"><figure class=\"wp-block-media-text__media\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" src=\"https:\/\/esa.org\/esablog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/90\/2018\/12\/IMG_0460-1-1024x683.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-14596 size-full img-fluid\" srcset=\"https:\/\/esa.org\/esablog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/90\/2018\/12\/IMG_0460-1-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/esa.org\/esablog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/90\/2018\/12\/IMG_0460-1-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/esa.org\/esablog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/90\/2018\/12\/IMG_0460-1-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/esa.org\/esablog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/90\/2018\/12\/IMG_0460-1-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/esa.org\/esablog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/90\/2018\/12\/IMG_0460-1-2048x1365.jpg 2048w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure><div class=\"wp-block-media-text__content\">\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading has-small-font-size\">April 26 | Bismarck, ND<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-small-font-size wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Public Engagement Event<\/strong><br><em>North Dakota\u2019s Gateway to Science<\/em><br><a href=\"https:\/\/gatewaytoscience.org\/event\/the-nature-record-assessment\/\" data-type=\"link\" data-id=\"https:\/\/scbnorthamerica.org\/index.php\/the-nature-record-public-engagement-series\/#toggle-id-5\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Learn more<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:5px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-media-text is-stacked-on-mobile\" style=\"grid-template-columns:21% auto\"><figure class=\"wp-block-media-text__media\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"682\" src=\"https:\/\/esa.org\/esablog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/90\/2017\/06\/17241547250_12da250249_o-1-1024x682.jpg\" alt=\"View from Cascade-Siskiyou National Monument - Pilot Rock. Credit: Bob Wick\/BLM CC BY 2.0\" class=\"wp-image-13108 size-full img-fluid\" srcset=\"https:\/\/esa.org\/esablog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/90\/2017\/06\/17241547250_12da250249_o-1-1024x682.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/esa.org\/esablog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/90\/2017\/06\/17241547250_12da250249_o-1-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/esa.org\/esablog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/90\/2017\/06\/17241547250_12da250249_o-1-768x511.jpg 768w, https:\/\/esa.org\/esablog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/90\/2017\/06\/17241547250_12da250249_o-1-1536x1023.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/esa.org\/esablog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/90\/2017\/06\/17241547250_12da250249_o-1.jpg 2000w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure><div class=\"wp-block-media-text__content\">\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading has-small-font-size\">April 29 | 12 \u2013 1:30 PM PT<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-small-font-size wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Webinar: Taking Action to Improve Nature for All<\/strong><br><em>Virtual<\/em><br><a href=\"https:\/\/scbnorthamerica.org\/index.php\/the-nature-record-public-engagement-series\/#toggle-id-7\" data-type=\"link\" data-id=\"https:\/\/scbnorthamerica.org\/index.php\/the-nature-record-public-engagement-series\/#toggle-id-5\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Learn more &amp; register<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:5px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-media-text is-stacked-on-mobile\" style=\"grid-template-columns:21% auto\"><figure class=\"wp-block-media-text__media\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"680\" src=\"https:\/\/esa.org\/esablog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/90\/2017\/04\/2017_03-FF-Green-Donana-flamingos-RRO9291-1024x680.jpg\" alt=\"A flock of greater flamingos in the Do\u00f1ana wetlands, where up to 30,000 are recorded, making them a major ecotourism attraction. Do\u00f1ana is Europe\u2019s most important wetland for waterfowl. Credit: Rub\u00e9n Rodr\u00edguez, EBD-CSIC\" class=\"wp-image-12760 size-full img-fluid\" srcset=\"https:\/\/esa.org\/esablog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/90\/2017\/04\/2017_03-FF-Green-Donana-flamingos-RRO9291-1024x680.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/esa.org\/esablog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/90\/2017\/04\/2017_03-FF-Green-Donana-flamingos-RRO9291-300x199.jpg 300w, https:\/\/esa.org\/esablog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/90\/2017\/04\/2017_03-FF-Green-Donana-flamingos-RRO9291-768x510.jpg 768w, https:\/\/esa.org\/esablog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/90\/2017\/04\/2017_03-FF-Green-Donana-flamingos-RRO9291-1536x1020.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/esa.org\/esablog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/90\/2017\/04\/2017_03-FF-Green-Donana-flamingos-RRO9291-2048x1360.jpg 2048w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure><div class=\"wp-block-media-text__content\">\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading has-small-font-size\">May 7 | Tupper Lake, NY<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-small-font-size wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Public Engagement Event<\/strong><br><em>The W!ld Center<\/em><br><a href=\"https:\/\/www.wildcenter.org\/events\/naturerecord\/\" data-type=\"link\" data-id=\"https:\/\/scbnorthamerica.org\/index.php\/the-nature-record-public-engagement-series\/#toggle-id-5\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Learn more<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:5px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-media-text is-stacked-on-mobile\" style=\"grid-template-columns:21% auto\"><figure class=\"wp-block-media-text__media\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"681\" src=\"https:\/\/esa.org\/esablog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/90\/2017\/03\/Lubchenco_Sustainability-Award-2.jpg\" alt=\"ESA Past-president Jane Lubchenco assists with coral transplants in Florida on April 20, 2010. Dr. Lubchenco returned to Oregon State University after serving as under secretary of commerce for oceans and atmosphere and National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) administrator from 2009-2013 Credit: NOAA.\" class=\"wp-image-12661 size-full img-fluid\" srcset=\"https:\/\/esa.org\/esablog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/90\/2017\/03\/Lubchenco_Sustainability-Award-2.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/esa.org\/esablog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/90\/2017\/03\/Lubchenco_Sustainability-Award-2-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/esa.org\/esablog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/90\/2017\/03\/Lubchenco_Sustainability-Award-2-768x511.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure><div class=\"wp-block-media-text__content\">\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading has-small-font-size\">May 14 | San Diego, CA<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-small-font-size wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Public Engagement Event<\/strong><br><em>San Diego Natural History Museum<\/em><br><a href=\"https:\/\/www.sdnat.org\/\" data-type=\"link\" data-id=\"https:\/\/scbnorthamerica.org\/index.php\/the-nature-record-public-engagement-series\/#toggle-id-5\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Learn more<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:5px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-media-text is-stacked-on-mobile\" style=\"grid-template-columns:21% auto\"><figure class=\"wp-block-media-text__media\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" src=\"https:\/\/esa.org\/esablog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/90\/2017\/02\/18908812150_618701f10f_k-1024x683.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12444 size-full img-fluid\" srcset=\"https:\/\/esa.org\/esablog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/90\/2017\/02\/18908812150_618701f10f_k-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/esa.org\/esablog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/90\/2017\/02\/18908812150_618701f10f_k-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/esa.org\/esablog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/90\/2017\/02\/18908812150_618701f10f_k-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/esa.org\/esablog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/90\/2017\/02\/18908812150_618701f10f_k-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/esa.org\/esablog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/90\/2017\/02\/18908812150_618701f10f_k.jpg 2048w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure><div class=\"wp-block-media-text__content\">\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading has-small-font-size\">July 12 | Milwaukee, WI<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-small-font-size wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>2026 North American Congress for Conservation &amp; Restoration<\/strong><br><em>The Baird Center<\/em><br><a href=\"https:\/\/scbnorthamerica.org\/index.php\/naccr-2026\/\" data-type=\"link\" data-id=\"https:\/\/scbnorthamerica.org\/index.php\/the-nature-record-public-engagement-series\/#toggle-id-5\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Learn more<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Explore the Nature Record draft assessment and share your input.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":26,"featured_media":21419,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[10],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-21418","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-ecology-in-policy"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/esa.org\/esablog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/21418","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/esa.org\/esablog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/esa.org\/esablog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/esa.org\/esablog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/26"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/esa.org\/esablog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=21418"}],"version-history":[{"count":27,"href":"https:\/\/esa.org\/esablog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/21418\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":21474,"href":"https:\/\/esa.org\/esablog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/21418\/revisions\/21474"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/esa.org\/esablog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/21419"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/esa.org\/esablog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=21418"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/esa.org\/esablog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=21418"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/esa.org\/esablog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=21418"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}