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Science Highlights

The Mystery of Browning Lakes and the Collective Effort to Save Brook Trout 

Adirondack lakes have become the epicenter of a mysterious browning phenomenon. With browning lakes reshaping coldwater habitats in the Adirondacks, Northeast CASC researchers pair science with management to identify actionable strategies to enhance the resilience of native brook trout populations. In a new video, Northeast CASC-supported researchers describe how they are working collaboratively to help safeguard the fisheries, ecosystems, and biodiversity of Adirondack lakes. Learn more>>

A New Framework to Minimize Costs and Maximize Benefits of Biodiversity in Land Restoration 

A new National CASC-supported framework aims to help land managers prioritize sites for restoration by evaluating biodiversity benefits, species' historical and future habitats, climate projections, and habitat preferences to optimize limited conservation resources while supporting ecosystem resilience. This cost-benefit approach to restoration provides a flexible option for land managers to get the best bang for limited conservation dollars. Learn more>>

Northwest CASC Science Supports Land Management Decisions Around Vegetation Change 

Northwest CASC-supported research used climate-analog modeling to explore the future of vegetation change in the western U.S. Researchers found that about one-third of the western U.S. is highly vulnerable to ecological transformation by the middle of the 21st century, and subalpine forest and alpine ecosystems are most at risk of declining by mid-21st century. A web-based tool and accompanying data story break down findings into key takeaways and can help land managers understand management options in a given area. Learn more>>

Integrating Climate Change Refugia Into Grassland Management 

American grasslands provide critical biodiversity and ecosystem services, from cattle grazing to waterfowl hunting to carbon storage. Grasslands in the Midwest and North Central U.S. are projected to be exposed to high rates of extreme temperatures. Using declining grassland birds as a case study, Midwest CASC researchers explore how the concepts of climate refugia—areas that provide relatively buffered conditions for species that are facing negative climate impacts—may aid in the conservation and management of climate-vulnerable grassland species. Learn more>>

Connecting Indigenous Pacific Island and Alaska Native Communities 

A recent StoryMap highlights a Pacific Islands CASC-funded project on climate impacts on migratory bird phenology, connecting Indigenous Pacific Island and Alaska Native communities. In both regions, birds play key roles in tracking seasons, weather, navigation, and food resources, yet shifting seasonal patterns are affecting ecosystems and communities. USGS researchers and partners documented Indigenous approaches to observing changes in bird migration on Molokaʻi and in Southcentral Alaska, bringing together knowledge holders and scientists to better understand environmental change. Learn more>>

Southwest CASC Podcast on Wildfire and Post-Fire Recovery 

This month’s episode of the "Come Rain or Shine" podcast, a product of the Southwest CASC and New Mexico State University, is focused on wildfire and post-fire recovery and highlights recent Southwest CASC research. Dr. Camille Stevens-Rumann from Colorado State University discusses how fire regimes in the western U.S. are changing, what drives extreme wildfire events, and how the presence of a specific type of tree can help mitigate fire risk. Listen here>>

New iRISCC Newsletter and Listserv 

The international Regional Invasive Species and Climate Change (iRISCC) Management network now has a monthly newsletter and listserv. Sign up to receive updates on what management and researcher colleagues are doing about cheatgrass, forest pests, coastal invaders, and other invasive species in the face of increasing temperatures, drought, extreme events, and more. Sign up>>

Events and Opportunities

Apply Now! Southwest CASC Fellowship Program 

The Southwest CASC Natural Resources Workforce Development Fellowship provides graduate students with training and practice in developing use-inspired and actionable science to inform natural resource management decisions. The science theme for the 2026-2027 cohort is “cloud seeding.” The Fellowship is open to graduate students enrolled in research-based thesis or dissertation-granting programs at the seven Southwest CASC consortium institutions. Applications are due April 10, 2026. Learn more>> 

Midwest CASC Panel Discussion: Operationalizing Managed Relocation 

Join the Midwest CASC for a virtual discussion on managed relocation. A panel of experts will discuss managed relocation as an example of innovation in adaptation strategy and explore key considerations for operationalizing managed relocation from both theoretical and on-the-ground perspectives.

April 14 at 3:30pm ET. Learn more>> 

Southeast CASC Seminar: Long-Term Engagement to Develop Strategies to Inform Climate Adaptation Decisions in Puerto Rico 

Since 2014, the Southeast CASC has supported efforts to provide actionable information to conserve and recover endangered and at-risk amphibians in Puerto Rico. This work lays the foundation to help decision makers select when and where to implement two adaptation strategies: managed translocations and identifying climate-resilient habitats to help recover and prevent further species endangerment.

April 15 at 1pm ET. Learn more>> 

National CASC Webinar: Adaptive Management & RAD 

The RAD (Resist-Accept-Direct) framework helps managers navigate transforming ecosystems by defining a broad decision space that includes not only resisting ecological trajectories, but also consciously accepting such change and/or directing trajectories towards preferred new conditions. This webinar will feature a panel of experts who will discuss how combining RAD with Adaptive Management can support conservation and natural resource management. The webinar will focus on real-world examples of operationalizing RAD Adaptive Management and future opportunities for implementation. 

April 22 at 3pm ET. Learn more>> 

Northeast CASC Webinar: Adaptation Planning with the Climate Action Tool 

Join the Northeast CASC for a webinar exploring the Climate Action Tool. The  webinar will cover examples and case studies that show how colleagues and neighbors in the region are incorporating climate science into their goals, strategies, tactics, and day-to-day actions. Participants will learn about climate impacts, resources for planning and adaptation, and vulnerability assessments for regional species of conservation concern in the Northeast region.

April 23 at 12pm ET. Learn more>>

News From the Community

USGS Webinar: Implications of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza to Ecosystem Health 

NOAA Office for Coastal Management Highlights Impact Stories 

The NOAA Office for Coastal Management has compiled a repository of impact stories of projects carried out by NOAA grants. Over 252 articles lay out takeaways from these projects and feature pictures and links to more information. Learn more>> 

National Invasive Species Awareness Week Recordings 

The North American Invasive Species Management Association has put together a playlist of all of the sessions that happened during National Invasive Species Awareness Week. The webinar series features important insights from leading experts and includes a recording highlighting USGS research on invasive species. Learn more>> 

Who We Are

The National and Regional Climate Adaptation Science Centers partner with natural and cultural resource managers to provide science that helps fish, wildlife, ecosystems, and the communities they support adapt to a changing climate. This newsletter spotlights CASC science and relevant content from the CASC community of partners.

Learn more about our work at www.usgs.gov/casc. Have questions? Contact us at casc@usgs.gov