2nd Quarter Accomplishments of the Northern Forests Climate Hub

Highlights from our work in the second quarter of fiscal year 2024 (January - March).

Rooted in Research Webinar Series

Climate change is affecting ecosystems and society in new and unexpected ways, and extreme events are expected to become more commonplace. Low-probability, high-impact events, termed “Wild Cards,” have shaped natural resources management in often underestimated ways. These events pose new challenges for forestry and natural resource management that may require new, adaptive ways of thinking to address them. The USDA Climate Hubs (Northeast, Northern Forests), the USDA Forest Service Northern Research Station, and the Northern Institute of Applied Climate Science hosted a webinar series on the wild card concept, showcasing the best available science on extreme events and highlighting land management perspectives and actionable steps for anticipating the effects of extreme weather. Find recordings from the Adapting to Extreme Weather “Wild Cards”: A Rooted in Research Webinar Series at the USDA Forest Service Northern Research Station website.

Adaptation Planning and Practices for Wildlife Management

Climate change can disrupt wildlife species in various ways, from altering critical habitats to affecting the timing of food availability or migration patterns. Wildlife professionals seek practical guidance and support as they consider how best to manage these complex interactions. The USDA Northern Forests Climate Hub and Northern Institute of Applied Climate Science hosted a 3-day Adaptation Planning and Practices workshop for wildlife managers from the Michigan Department of Natural Resources. Multiple teams considered the needs of focal species such as American marten, snowshoe hare, and cerulean warblers in various management areas across Michigan’s northern Lower Peninsula. Participants followed the Adaptation Workbook process to express their management goals, consider climate change impacts, and develop real-world adaptation actions to implement on state lands. Browse climate adaptation strategies for wildlife.

Increasing Carbon Literacy

Carbon is a growing topic of interest for forested land owners, stewards, and managers. The Northern Forests Climate Hub (NFCH) and Northern Institute of Applied Climate Science (NIACS) are providing training, support, and resources to federal, state, and tribal natural resources agencies to share relevant science to support management activities that provide benefits for climate adaptation and carbon mitigation. This winter and spring, NFCH and NIACS are coordinating several engagements to increase the capacity of land management agencies to engage in carbon stewardship. A three-part series provided carbon literacy and communication training to National Forest specialists in the USDA FS Eastern Region. Additionally, a four-part webinar series with the USDA FS State, Private and Tribal Forestry, and Michigan State University’s Forest Climate’s Carbon Program entitled "State and Tribal Capacity Building on Forest Carbon" informed and supported staff working in state and tribal agencies.

Questions? Contact the USDA Northern Forests Climate Hub staff