US Geological Survey - science for a changing world

RAD News Bulletin: April 2026

U.S. Geological Survey sent this bulletin at 06/24/2026 01:00 PM EDT

Traingle with the letters R, A, D in each corner

The Resist-Accept-Direct (RAD) Framework is a tool that helps resource managers make informed strategies for responding to socio-ecological changes.

RADvertisements

Recent Publications

From Vulnerability to Resilience: The Grand Portage Band’s Climate Adaptation Plan and Trout Lake Fisheries Assisted Migration Case Study (p.24-40).

Scientists at the Aldo Leopold Wilderness Research Institute have been leading interagency, social-ecological research exploring ecological transformation and the application of the RAD framework in federally designated wilderness. The project includes four case studies—one for each wilderness administering agency. Explore the case study reports:

Upcoming Events

Webinar: The USGS National Climate Adaptation Science Center is pleased to announce a quarterly webinar series on the RAD (Resist-Accept-Direct) framework in collaboration with National Conservation Training Center. This series focuses on examples of RAD implementation and reflects on practical applications of RAD concepts. The next webinar on “Adaptive Management & RAD” will feature Ellie Brown (USGS), Katherine Siegel (University of Colorado Boulder), Bob Newman (University of North Dakota), and Ken Williams (retired, USGS). It will take place on April 22nd at 3 pm ET. Register>>

Webinar: “RAD Decisions in Rad Landscapes: Black Ridge Canyons Wilderness” hosted by the North Central Climate Adaptation Science Center webinar series will be presented by Kira Hefty (Plumas National Forest, USFS) and Jaclyn Fox Rushing (Aldo Leopold Wilderness Research Institute, USFS) on Thursday, May 7th at 1pm ET. Register>> 

RADventures: Case Studies

Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge, Maryland

Explore the application of RAD at Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge, a protected area in tidal Maryland experiencing rates of sea level rise that are almost twice the global average. Learn More>>

Meet a RADish

Meet John Morton, Vice President of the Alaska Wildlife Alliance and retired Supervisory Biologist at Kenai National Wildlife Refuge

"I have often said that the beauty of RAD is that it forces you to take an action verb, and the follow-up question to it is 'accept until when?' or 'direct until when?'"

While working on the Kenai Peninsula, John Morton realized that traditional wildlife management approaches were no longer sufficient in the face of shifting treelines, drying wetlands, receding glaciers, and warming waters. Read the interview>>

RADictionary

🌱RADaptive management (noun): Combining adaptive management principles with the RAD framework to form a comprehensive approach to managing for system transformations. The process of implementing RAD principles into existing management strategies, transforming how ecosystems are managed. Management with a RAD twist!

About the Newsletter: This newsletter features news from federal and non-federal scientists and managers exploring and implementing the RAD framework. Learn more about RAD: https://www.usgs.gov/rad

Share Your Content! Have RAD content to share? Submit your RADvertisements, RADventures, and RADish profiles and we'll review and consider for inclusion in the next issue.

Questions? Contact Us: Abigail Lynch (ajlynch@usgs.gov)

Update your subscriptions, modify your password or email address, or stop subscriptions at any time on your Subscriber Preferences Page. You will need to use your email address to log in. If you have questions or problems with the subscription service, please visit subscriberhelp.govdelivery.com.

This service is provided to you at no charge by U.S. Geological Survey.