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

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Recent Publications

Wicked problems in practice: Responding to ecological transformation in wilderness

This paper moves theory into practice by using wicked problem framing and four illustrative cases to explore how the RAD framework can help untangle the wicked problem of addressing unprecedented ecological transformation in wilderness. 

Harvest increase and culling as tools for managing chronic wasting disease in white-tailed deer

Through simulation modeling, this paper explores factors that impact the effectiveness of chronic wasting disease (CWD) management in Indiana and Illinois, and suggests that embracing strategies that accept and direct changes caused by CWD may help produce a white-tailed deer population that stakeholders value.

Upcoming Events

Webinar: The USGS National Climate Adaptation Science Center holds a quarterly webinar series on the RAD (Resist-Accept-Direct) framework in collaboration with the National Conservation Training Center. This series focuses on examples of RAD implementation and reflects on practical applications of RAD concepts. The next webinar on "RAD and Scenario Planning" will feature USGS Ecologist Brian Miller, NPS Planning Specialist Wylie Carr, Colorado Parks & Wildlife Climate Resilience Policy Lead Angela Boag, and Utah State University Assistant Professor Kyra Clark-Wolf. Thursday, October 22 at 3pm ET. Register>>

RADventures: Case Studies

The Florida Keys

During a two-day workshop in 2024, the USFWS, Florida Fish and Wildlife Commission, The Nature Conservancy, and other partner organizations used the RAD framework to evaluate existing management strategies and explore pathways to enhance the long‑term resilience of state and federally protected species in the Florida Keys. Learn More>>

Meet a RADish

Meet Tony Ciocco "Chako"

"RAD provides a way to articulate 'accept' or 'direct' as legitimate management choices rather than viewing management exclusively as a pass or fail effort to 'resist'." Tony Ciocco, a Mvskoke ecologist and ethnobiologist, is especially interested in how RAD intersects with Indigenous cultural frameworks for understanding and responding to ecological change. Read the interview>>

RADictionary

🌱RADaptation:(noun): A fusion of RAD principles with adaptation planning, emphasizing the processes and strategies used to adapt management practices in response to change. That’s so RAD!

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

Access the Archive: Explore previous issues of the bulletin. 

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.

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