Federal agencies with responsibility for natural resource management are mandated to consider climate change in planning and projects, and to begin preparing for the effects of climate change. Federal agencies are making significant progress in climate change adaptation, although lack of financial resources has slowed implementation of climate-focused activities. Currently, most agencies have broad-scale strategic plans that describe approaches and priorities for climate change in general and for adaptation in particular. Although adequate scientific databases, analytical tools, and decision support aids are generally available to assist with adaptation, on-the-ground projects and plans relevant to resource management have been implemented unevenly across agencies. Mainstreaming of climate-smart practices in agencies has been slow to develop, probably because it has not been required at local to regional scales and because systems of accountability are rare. At the management-unit scale, much of the progress to date has occurred where motivated resource managers and scientists have collaborated to develop climate change vulnerability assessments and adaptation options. These science-management partnerships provide a model for how adaptation can move forward across large landscapes, and can be emulated by others who want to begin the process. Because sustainable resource management typically encompasses restoration and building of resilience in ecosystems, agencies can build on existing practices, adjusting them as necessary to address risks posed by a changing climate. Progress can be accelerated through increased cooperation between management-based and science-based agencies and through collaboration with other organizations in the public and private sectors.