NW CASC Connections Newsletter
NW CASC Connections is designed to help keep you — a member of the community working to advance climate adaptation in and beyond the Northwest — in the loop by connecting you to the latest NW CASC science, tools, opportunities and events from across our region.
May 2025
Invasive species are an ongoing focus of the NW CASC’s efforts to fund and facilitate actionable science, and they’re also the focus of our May newsletter! We share a new management brief from the Northwest Regional Invasive Species and Climate Change Network on the invasive European green crab and learn about new research addressing interacting invasive species in the Columbia River Basin. Plus, we highlight the largest species of Pacific Salmon. Can you guess which one it is?
March
2025
Our March newsletter uncovers surprises in the Upper Klamath Basin, talking with NW CASC-supported researcher Jonny Armstrong to disentangle how disease, invasives, and warming waters are affecting redband trout. We also learn about the Cascade red fox, a rare, high-elevation subspecies of red fox. Since little is known about the Cascade red fox due to its scarcity and elusive nature, NW CASC-supported researchers are conducting a study in which they use GPS tracking collars to better understand Cascade red fox abundance, survival, habitat use and movements.
January 2025
In this first issue of the new year, we highlight the update of NatureServe’s widely-used Climate Change Vulnerability Index, providing natural resource managers with a rapid and cost-effective way to evaluate species’ relative vulnerability to climate change in specific geographies. This update is the result of a collaboration between NatureServe and scientists from the Northwest and Midwest CASCs. We also meet Dr. Eva Colberg, research scientist at the NW CASC, and learn about a charismatic group of low-growing, pillow-shaped alpine wildflowers typically found in high-elevation landscapes.
November 2024
Our November issue introduces our new cohorts of Research Fellows and Faculty Fellows. Both the Research Fellowship and Faculty Fellowship Programs aim to expand the community of Northwest researchers equipped to effectively co-produce actionable climate adaptation science. We also learn about our “Uniquely Northwest” feature species, the Columbia spotted frog, and the NW CASC Research Fellow exploring where beaver-based restoration may have the biggest impact for this vulnerable amphibian species.
August 2024
The NW CASC Connections August issue highlights a recent webinar, in which NW CASC-supported researchers from the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife and the University of Washington share findings from their project, Integrating Economics and Ecology to Inform Climate-Ready Invasive Species Management in Pacific Northwest Rivers. We also meet Paris Edwards, Climate Change Adaptation and Resilience Program Lead at the Oregon Department of Transportation!
June 2024
In this issue, we dive into a new, NW CASC-supported study that explores relationships between future fire size and patterns of burn severity to understand ecological effects for the region. We also announce that Amelia Marchand, NW CASC’s Interim Senior Tribal Climate Resilience Liaison through the Affiliated Tribes of Northwest Indians, has been appointed to a 4-year term on the Advisory Council on Historic Preservation by President Biden!
April 2024
Our April issue covers a new, NW CASC-supported study that describes the types of information, coordination and values needed to manage post-fire vegetation shifts ethically and effectively as they become more common in the face of climate change. This issue also introduces Patrick Freeland, the new Senior Tribal Climate Resilience Liaison for the Affiliated Tribes of Northwest Indians. Plus, we learn about why eelgrass, a common seagrass in the Northwest, is a superhero of nearshore ecosystems.
February 2024
In our first issue of the new year, rather than featuring one science spotlight about our NW CASC research, we shared three recent stories from our partners about NW CASC-supported work, including the Swinomish Indian Tribal Community’s clam garden project, new research on evaluating drivers and impacts of forest fires in Western Cascadia, and a story from the Pacific Birds Habitat Joint Venture about their participation in our recent deep dive on coastal squeeze. We also hear from National Park Service advisor and ecologist Alison Ainsworth and learn one way to identify the colossal coast Douglas-fir.
December 2023
To wrap up 2023, our December issue looks at a new brochure about the Nisqually River Delta, which was co-developed by the Nisqually Indian Tribe, NW CASC researcher, and colleagues to help visitors learn about the area’s cultural history and the benefits the delta provides to wildlife and people. This issue also shares resources including new NW CASC Tribal Climate Resilience Liaison flyers and an online Tribal engagement training series and introduces Sarah Fesenmyer, a member of the NW CASC Advisory Committee and Fish & Wildlife Supervisor at the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation Northwest regional office.
October 2023
Our October issue is full of exciting introductions! Meet our 2023-24 cohort of NW CASC Research Fellows and learn about their backgrounds and NW CASC-funded research projects, and as well as our new Assistant Regional Administrator (formerly referred to as the federal deputy director), Leona Svancara. Leona joins the NW CASC from Idaho Department of Fish and Game, where she spent the past 17 years as a spatial ecologist. We also share the suite of products from our 2023 Deep Dive, Rising Seas and the Coastal Squeeze: Managing Inland Migration of Coastal Habitats in Response to Sea Level Rise.
August 2023
In our August issue, we learn about a study in which NW CASC researchers used drones to collect tissue samples in Northwest trees to better understand how restoration practices influence the ways that trees use water. They found that in addition to improving forest structure and plant diversity, the restoration practices are increasing the amount of water available to large and mature trees. We also hear from Kylie Avery, NW CASC Assistant Tribal Climate Resilience Liaison through the Affiliated Tribes of Northwest Indians, and learn about a new paper exploring the process of becoming an actionable scientist.
June 2023
Our June issue explores a NW CASC study to test approaches for mapping snow algae distribution in the North Cascades using special cameras attached to unmanned aerial vehicles. This study highlights advances in collecting snow algae data to support strategies for managing and preserving our water resources in a warming climate. We also hear from NW CASC Advisory Committee member Upekala Wijayratne about her role as forest ecologist with the U.S. Forest Service, and learn about the redband trout — a subspecies of rainbow trout found in high-desert streams of the interior Northwest.
April 2023
In this issue, we hear from NW CASC Tribal Climate Resilience Liaisons Amelia Marchand and Kylie Avery about the recent Southwest Tribal Climate Camp, designed to bring together Indigenous peoples on the issues of water, food security and climate change impacts in the Northwest and Southwest regions. We also meet Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife climate change coordinator Harriet Morgan, and learn about an endemic, aquatic salamander that makes its home in the cold streams and waterfall splash zones of the Cascades’ western slopes.
February 2023
In this issue, learn about what NW CASC researchers are doing to shed light on factors that support resilience of Northwest serotinous tree species. Meet Emily Fusco, the new coordinator for the NW CASC and U.S. Fish and Wildlife-supported Northwest Regional Invasive Species and Climate Change (NW RISCC) Network. Plus, learn about a new paper focused on how historically settler-led conservation initiatives can pivot toward Indigenous leadership, and meet the small, mountain-dwelling mammal that is an important indicator of climate change.
December 2022
Our December issue describes the NW CASC-supported TerrAdapt tool, which provides regional land managers in Washington and British Columbia with up-to-date information on habitat conditions for at-risk species like wolverines. It also introduces our new Climate Adaptation Postdoctoral Scholar, Adam Price, who is conducting research to better understand streamflow permanence across the Northwest. Plus, hear the buzz about the Hunt’s bumblebee and how NW CASC research is supporting supporting pollinator conservation!
October 2022
Meet our 2022-23 Research Fellows and learn about their projects in our October issue! Additionally, check out a new portfolio of projects administered by the federal side of the NW CASC’s federal-university partnership. These projects focus on managing invasive species, disease and shrubland ecosystems under future climate scenarios, as well as managing climate-driven, post-fire ecological transformation. Hear from our new Tribal Liaison, Amelia Marchand, and learn which Northwest conifer is not evergreen.
August 2022
In our August issue, we highlight a NW CASC study exploring how climate-induced ocean warming and acidification is affecting surf smelt, an understudied forage fish in the North Pacific ocean ecosystem. We hear from our climate adaptation postdoctoral fellow Tyler Hoecker about his research on where and why forests are vulnerable to fire-driven transformations and we meet the smallest rabbit in North America — the Columbia Basin pygmy rabbit — who makes its home in Washington’s sagebrush landscapes.
June 2022
Our June newsletter highlights work by NW CASC researchers and collaborators to develop a new attribute-based framework for evaluating adaptive capacity that can be applied to any species or system, along with guidelines to help natural resource managers use this framework in their conservation planning and decision-making. In this issue, we also talk with new NW CASC University Director Dr. Meade Krosby and learn about the Western snowy plover.
April 2022
This issue dives into a new NW CASC study about how climate change and invasive species are interacting to affect native trout species in Montana. We also announce the upcoming retirement of our University Director Dr. Amy Snover and what it means for the NW CASC going forward. Additionally, we meet NOAA’s Joe Casola, a new member of our Advisory Committee and learn about the native littleneck clam.
February 2022
Our first 2022 newsletter discusses a new bill – the Climate Adaptation Science Centers Act – which seeks to establish the CASCs into law and create continuity and growth of the program for the long term. We also talk with U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s invasive species coordinator Paul Heimowitz, who helped launch the Northwest Regional Invasive Species and Climate Change Network. Plus, we look at NW CASC research to protect Northwest kelp forests.
December 2021
We wrap up the year by sharing the results from our annual Deep Dive into an emerging climate risk. This year’s Deep Dive brought together Northwest communities, natural resource managers and scientists to review what is known about streamflow permanence in a changing climate and to identify needs for understanding and responding to changes in stream permanence. Plus, hear about NW CASC Postdoctoral Fellow Mary Ann Rozance’s exciting new position.
October 2021
In our October newsletter, we welcome our 2021-22 fellows, who will conduct research ranging from understanding climate stressors on Salish Sea kelp to centering Indigenous perspectives in floodplain management. We also hear from Chas Jones, Coral Avery and Tribal and U.S. Forest Service partners about a field visit in Northern California focused on sharing perspectives around cultural burning. Lastly, we talk with our Advisory Committee member Kelly Coates.
August 2021
This month, we spotlight NW CASC research on why some whitebark pine trees are surviving climate-induced mountain pine beetle attacks while others are not. The answer – genetic diversity – may unlock secrets for managing this important tree species under climate change. We also talk with longtime NW CASC Advisory Committee member Lynn Helbrecht about her role as climate change coordinator for Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife.
June 2021
Our June issue highlights a current NW CASC project addressing the need for integrated stream and species data and improved access to streamflow data. We also hear from NW CASC Advisory Committee member Linda Anderson-Carnahan about her long career with the Environmental Protection Agency. Plus, meet the forest-dwelling salamanders that rely on the cool, moist environments that downed wood provides in Northwest forests.
April 2021
In this issue of NW CASC connections, we unpack NW CASC research evaluating a controversial strategy called “fish rescue”. Though it has potential to help fish like salmon cope with seasonal stream drying, it has been largely unexplored as a climate adaptation strategy, until now. We also interview U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Science Coordinator John Tull, whose work in the Great Basin and other desert ecosystems spans more than two decades.
February 2021
Did you know that beavers play an important role in climate adaptation and restoring degraded streams? Our February issue looks at a new NW CASC study offering a framework for evaluating the efficacy of beaver-related restoration. We also hear from USDA Northwest Climate Hub and U.S. Forest Service’s Jessica Halofsky. Plus, learn about the tiny, alpine insect in high-mountain Northwest streams and research to understand its vulnerability to climate change.
December 2020
In our December issue, we highlight new NW CASC research showing that in the western US, a drought pattern that alternates between the Northern Rockies and Southwest every few years plays an important role in setting the pace for forest recovery after fire. Also, meet U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service’s Mike Hudson, and learn about NW CASC research focused on understanding how motorized trails in Southwestern Idaho are affecting a special Northwest plant.
October 2020
Our October issue dives into NW CASC research on tidal forests and how researchers are adapting to challenges conducting research in our current COVID reality. We also introduce the NW CASC’s 2020-21 Research Fellows and Eliza Ghitis, climate change scientist for the Northwest Indian Fisheries Commission and NW CASC Advisory Committee member. Plus, find out how a nectar calendar can help an endangered Northwest butterfly adapt to change.
August 2020
This issue focuses on the new Pacific Northwest Regional Invasive Species and Climate Change (PNW RISCC) Network, helping natural resource managers and biologists incorporate climate change science into invasive species management. We also look a NW CASC study on how climate change is affecting huckleberry in the Northwest. Plus, meet Coral Avery, Bureau of Indian Affairs Pathways Program Intern!
June 2020
Our June Special Issue features new science from across the CASC network on climate change refugia — areas relatively buffered from climate change over time — which can protect species in the short-term and buy time for species and ecosystems to adapt. We also introduce Sean Finn, Science Coordinator for the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s Science Applications Program, and his work infusing science into conservation decision-making across landscapes.
April 2020
This issue dives into two exciting research projects from the NW CASC — a state-of-the-science synthesis on climate change effects on invasive species in the Northwest and new research on Canada lynx occupancy in Washington. Also, meet Davia Palmeri, the Conservation Policy Coordinator for the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife and learn about how she helps the Department prepare for and respond to crosscutting conservation issues.
February 2020
Our February issue highlights a new NW CASC state-of-the-science synthesis that explores how Northwest forests may respond to the combined effects of climate and fire activity. Meet Ronda Strauch, Seattle City Light’s Climate Change Research and Adaptation Advisor. Plus, learn about the white bark pine. It might be scrubby and misshapen, but this important tree provides critical habitat and food for wildlife and is facing threats under climate change.
December 2019
This issue looks at a NW CASC state-of-the-science synthesis on ecological drought, or periods of water stress that impact species, habitats, ecosystems and the services they provide. This research assesses climate adaptation actions that address ecological drought in priority ecosystems of the Northwest. We also introduce Chas Jones, the NW CASC Tribal Resilience Liaison through the Affiliated Tribes of Northwest Indians.
October 2019
Welcome to NW CASC Connections! In our first issue, we explore what drought means for Northwest streams that provide critical habitat for our region’s fish and wildlife. NW CASC-funded researchers developed new streamflow permanence information at regional scales that account for year-to-year variations in climatic conditions. Plus, meet our 2019-2020 Fellows and learn about the special bird that relies on sagebrush-steppe ecosystems in the Northwest.