What do Climate Change and Invasive Species Mean for Native Trout in Montana?

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A  Westslope cutthroat trout and two bull trout in the North Fork of the Flathead River, Montana.
Source: Jonny Armstrong, USGS

Freshwater species in the Northwest are coping with a lot these days. Not only is climate change altering streamflows and increasing water temperatures, but another challenge is at play – native species are competing with invasive species who may be benefitting from some of the changes that a warming climate brings.

Though climate change and invasive species pose major threats to native biodiversity, little is known about the complex ways in which they interact to cause further stress to native species. To address this knowledge gap, former NW CASC fellow Donovan Bell and NW CASC researchers Dr. Clint Muhlfeld and Dr. Ryan Kovach, along with colleagues, used long-term monitoring data from a diverse range of freshwater ecosystems across the northern Rocky Mountains of Montana to examine how two iconic Northwest fish species – bull trout and cutthroat trout – have been affected by climate change and invasive trout species in the past, and how they’ll likely be affected into the future.

Trout are a group of coldwater fishes that have developed species-specific adaptations to water temperature and flow, making them especially sensitive to changes in their environments. Throughout much of the last century, invasive brook trout, brown trout and rainbow trout were introduced for sportfishing across the interior west and have proven to negatively affect native trout populations through competition, predation and hybridization.

In this study, researchers used almost 22,000 surveys from the last 30 years to quantify the effects of climate change on the past and future distributions of native bull trout and cutthroat trout and these three invasive trout species. This study is unique in that it used empirical data – data based on observation or experience – to model the combined effects of climate change and invasive species over a large geography and across a large time scale (species distribution models like those used in this study are common, though efforts to validate model results with past data are rare).

Native Westslope cutthroat trout swim in the north fork of the Flathead River in northwestern Montana.
Source: Jonny Armstrong, USGS

The results of this study showed region-wide declines in both bull trout and cutthroat trout over the last three decades and continued declines of both species into the future, driven by a combination of climate-induced reductions in habitat and expansions of invasive species. Though this isn’t necessarily surprising, what is surprising is that the factors responsible for the declines of these two species are quite different. This study showed that declines in bull trout are mostly related to habitat changes like decreasing summer streamflow and increasing stream temperatures — not invasive species. Conversely, declines in cutthroat trout are strongly tied to interactions with invasive species, especially rainbow trout. Climate-induced changes in cutthroat trout habitat play a smaller role than they do for bull trout.

For invasive brown trout and rainbow, however, climate change is creating more favorable conditions that may allow them to thrive into the future. Though they will be negatively impacted by reduced streamflow, other climate-induced habitat changes – including increased water temperature – will allow them to occupy more habitat into the future than if climate change wasn’t occurring. Invasive brook trout will not fare as well in a warming climate and will likely face declines as stream temperatures increase.

Profile of the North Fork of the Flathead River, Montana.
Source: Jonny Armstrong, USGS

This study shows how climate change can affect ecologically similar, co-occurring species through distinct pathways. In the case of native bull trout and cutthroat trout, they will require tailored management and climate adaptation strategies to help them cope with the differing threats they face. For example, efforts to protect cutthroat trout into the future may be more successful if focused on suppressing and removing invasive species, whereas conserving bull trout may be more effective if focused on protecting and restoring cold-water habitats across landscapes.

The findings of this study have significant implications for how we manage native species under climate change. Acknowledging species-specific sensitivities to climate change and its interactions with other stressors, like invasive species, will be critical for effective climate adaptation planning now and in the future.

This paper has been picked up by many news outlets since its publication in December 2021. Read the paper here and check out a Washington Post article about this NW CASC-funded research.

Faces of Adaptation: Meet Joe Casola

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Dr. Joe Casola, a new member of the NW CASC’s Advisory Committee, serves as the Western Regional Climate Service Director at the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Association’s (NOAA) National Centers for Environmental Information (NCEI). In his position, Dr. Casola seeks to understand how decision makers in the region are using climate information and how NOAA can best address the ever-growing needs for climate data and services.

Joe’s past work includes serving as Deputy Director of the University of Washington Climate Impacts Group (CIG) and Director of Science and Impacts at the Center for Climate and Energy Solutions in Arlington, Virginia. He has also worked at the National Academy of Sciences and in the private sector at ICF, a consulting firm. He holds a PhD in Atmospheric Sciences from the University of Washington.

 

What led you to work in the field of climate adaptation?

As a graduate student, I had the privilege to take courses from Climate Impacts Group luminaries Ed Miles, Amy Snover and Nate Mantua. From these courses, I was able to work directly with CIG on its 2005 assessment of impacts for Washington State. What I learned during those courses and the assessment project became important components of my dissertation work and inspired me to pursue job opportunities that aimed to advance climate-informed decision making.

What does your day-to-day work look like?

Like everyone right now, I spend a LOT of time on Zoom. Most days, I am speaking with people all across the West, trying to understand what current observations, seasonal forecasts and future climate projections tell us about climate risks. As you can imagine, these discussions tend to focus on flooding, drought, fire and extreme heat. From these conversations, I try to identify ways that NOAA can improve its communication about climate risks both internally and externally; opportunities where applied research could answer questions that decision makers have; and ways to support communities and businesses trying to prepare for climate hazards.

How does your organization support climate resilience in the Northwest?

The part of NOAA where I work — the National Centers for Environmental Information — acts as a data steward for many observations of historical climate (e.g., temperature, precipitation) that are foundational to research and communications that support climate adaptation. We are also heavily involved in drought monitoring and work closely with our partners at the National Integrated Drought Information System, state agencies and other federal agencies. NCEI also supports the state climate offices, as well as the Western Regional Climate Center, which are all important resources for climate data and services.

What is your favorite thing about your work?

I greatly appreciate the network of brilliant people that are working on climate adaptation. There is a ton of expertise, passion and dedication among the groups doing adaptation. The individuals I get to interact with are truly inspiring, and I learn something new every day!

New Chapter for NW CASC University Director Amy Snover

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Dr. Amy Snover, University Director of the Northwest Climate Adaptation Science Center (NW CASC) and Director of the University of Washington Climate Impacts Group, is retiring on June 15, 2022. Amy has led the NW CASC since 2017 and has worked for the Climate Impacts Group for more than 20 years, serving as the Director for nearly a decade.

In her time as University Director of the NW CASC, Amy led the development of its Research Fellowship Program, which provides support for early career researchers and training in the principles of actionable science. She has built strong relationships across the CASC network and has played a leading role in organizing biannual visits with the CASC university directors to lobby Congress for continued support of the CASC program. Amy’s leadership and dedication to the NW CASC mission has contributed to a robust program that is advancing climate adaptation across the Northwest.

“I’ll leave the NW CASC in good hands, as Deputy University Director, Dr. Meade Krosby, assumes the role of University Director. Meade and I have been working closely over the past five years to create the NW CASC Consortium programs you see today, and will work together to ensure a smooth transition over the coming months. I will be excited to see the Center flourish under the leadership of her and Dr. Nicole DeCrappeo (USGS Director), with its cohesive staff and leadership team and strong institutional support and partnerships.”

Amy’s work and expertise is highly regarded on the regional and national scale. For her innovative efforts to help ensure a climate-resilient world for all, Amy was recognized as a White House Champion of Change for Climate Education and Literacy in 2015. She has led the development of several major synthesis reports on the impacts of climate change, used by policymakers, scientists, resource managers and many others.

One of many qualities that has made Amy an exceptional leader is her commitment to technical excellence. Through her leadership and example, she has inspired the team to produce rigorous science that is both useful and used.

Amy is leaving to spend more time with her husband, Chip, who retired several years ago.

As a team, we are so excited for this next chapter in Amy’s life, and wish her (and Chip!) many incredible adventures in their retirement. We extend a heartfelt thank-you for the  energy and expertise Amy has dedicated to helping the Northwest prepare for the impacts of climate change, and to each of her staff and partners. Amy, we will miss your collaborative spirit, tenacious inquiry and passion for the incredible beauty of the Northwest.

Meade Krosby, currently the Deputy Director for the Northwest Climate Adaptation Science Center, will be taking over for Amy as the University Director for the Northwest Science Center.

Amy will work closely with leadership at the Climate Impacts Group and Ben Packard, executive director of EarthLab (CIG’s home at the University of Washington) as we conduct a full, open search to find a new director for the Climate Impacts Group. We aim to hire a new director by September 2022. More details, including a full job description, will be shared on the Climate Impacts Group website soon.

2022-23 NW CASC Research Fellowship Application Period Ends March 14th

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The deadline to submit proposals for NW CASC’s 2022-23 Research Fellowship Program is coming up on Monday, March 14, 2022. This program supports research related to climate adaptation in Northwest natural and cultural resource management and training in the principles and practices of developing decision-relevant science during the 2022-2023 academic year.

Learn More

A New House Bill is a Step Towards Signing CASCs into Law

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As climate-related challenges unfold with increasing speed and impact, the Climate Adaptation Science Centers (CASCs) are hard at work delivering science to help our nation’s fish, wildlife, water, land and people adapt to the changing climate. A new bill – the Climate Adaptation Science Centers Act – seeks to establish the CASCs into law, which would create consistency, continuity and growth of the program for the long term.

Why is legislation needed?

The Climate Adaptation Science Center network is housed within the U.S. Geological Survey and is made up of the National CASC and nine Regional CASCs that serve every state, territory and U.S. affiliated Pacific Islands. Established under a Secretarial Order in 2009, the CASCs were developed to link decision-relevant science with the practical needs of managers and policymakers tasked with helping our natural and cultural resources adapt to climate change. However, Secretarial orders are not law and can be rescinded by any following Secretary of the Interior. As a result, the Northwest CASC and our counterparts around the country face uncertainty about the program’s duration, funding processes and priorities.

Recognizing these challenges, Congressman Grijalva of Arizona, Chair of the House Natural Resources Committee, recently introduced the Climate Adaptation Science Centers Act. If passed, this new legislation will help ensure that the Northwest region, and the nation, have the knowledge and capacity to meet increasing challenges brought by climate change.

What is the Climate Adaptation Science Centers Act?

The most important function of this bill (H.R.6654) is to establish the CASCs in law, codifying the National and Regional Climate Adaptation Science Centers within the USGS. With authorization in place, future Administrations could not change or remove the regional CASCs and what they do.

What would it mean for the CASCs?

The stability provided by the CASC Act would ensure that the NW CASC can sustain trusting relationships with our partners over time, and continue to fund science on climate change impacts and adaptation actions that meets real-world needs. Specifically, the Act would:

  • Reinstate the Federal Advisory Committee to better coordinate and inform science across the regional CASCs, ensuring the agency is forward-looking, strategic and informed by important perspectives.
  • Authorize appropriations, which could help provide long-term stability of funding for the CASC network.
  • Increase flexibility to conduct new research, provide education, mentor students and work with other agencies and institutions.
  • Create consistent and timely grant processing.

By formalizing and building on the existing CASC program, the CASC Act will improve the consistency, continuity and growth of the NW CASC for the long term, maximizing the federal-university partnership essential for meeting the growing needs for high-quality, actionable science and training the next generation of climate adaptation scientists and resource managers.

What’s next for this bill?

Chair Grijalva held a hearing to introduce the bill within the committee on February 17, 2022. The bill must first be passed by both the House and Senate before it is considered by the President. Though the bill still has a long way to go, we are hopeful that increasing recognition of the pressing need for climate adaptation and the CASCs’ impressive work over the last 13 years will carry this bill forward.

Watch the recorded hearing

Faces of Adaptation: Meet Paul Heimowitz

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U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s (USFWS) Paul Heimowitz serves as the Invasive Species Coordinator for the Ecological Services Program in the Portland regional office. In his role, Paul is involved in invasive species management at a range of scales — from working with specific field offices to leading projects across the region. For example, Paul has been working with NW CASC and EcoAdapt to launch and lead the Pacific Northwest Regional Invasive Species and Climate Change Network, established to help natural resource managers and biologists incorporate climate change science into invasive species management. 

Paul grew up in Tucson and got his undergraduate degree in Ecology and Evolutionary Biology at the University of Arizona. Seeking more water and less heat, he moved to the Northwest for grad school, receiving a master’s in Marine Resources Management at Oregon State University. Paul began his conservation career working on oil spill prevention and response with the state of Washington, followed by a position with Oregon Sea Grant, which shifted his focus to biological invasions. In 2003, he began his tenure with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. Paul lives with his partner Jan in southwest Portland. In his off-work time, he enjoys hiking, cycling and performing improv comedy.

What led you to work in the field of climate adaptation?

It’s funny – until now, I didn’t really think of myself working in the “field” of climate adaptation. But in the last few years, it’s definitely become a significant emphasis of my job. That shift stemmed from the growing recognition of the nexus between climate change and invasive species management, and it has fueled my desire to get involved in other regional climate adaptation efforts. 

What does your day-to-day work look like?

Well, during these pandemic days, it looks like a parade of video calls! I’m fortunate to have a lot of variety on my plate. For example, yesterday I spent time helping a field office with a local invasive species problem and then participated in a national team meeting about how USFWS uses biotechnology. I have two major projects associated with climate adaptation. The first is helping support growth of the Northwest Regional Invasive Species and Climate Change network; I’m really excited by the interest it has spurred. I’m also leading a regional effort to develop new USFWS decision-support tools for conservation introductions: moving species outside their native ranges to prevent extinction in the wild.

How does your organization support climate resilience in the Northwest?

Arguably, our entire mission of conserving fish and wildlife and their habitats has the potential to make them more resilient to our changing climate. But I’m encouraged by how we’re being more intentional to directly address climate impacts. Most recently, our region is looking at concrete steps — from carbon footprint reduction to modeling species’ ecological trajectories — that we can take during 2022 to begin implementing the recently released national USFWS Climate Change Action Program.

What is your favorite thing about your work?

I love the chance to work with and learn from an awesome group of people, but I’m also grateful to have a job aligned with my passion for fish and wildlife conservation. I’m a nature nut, and am thrilled to know that pretty much every work day will provide me the opportunity to focus on, and hopefully benefit, the amazing plants and animals that occupy our region.

Local Artist, Climate Impacts Group Collaborate to Share Vision for Climate-Resilient Future

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Ever wonder what a climate-resilient future might look like? How the communities, wildlife and landscapes might compare to what we see in the Pacific Northwest now? Local artist Claire Sianna Seaman and the University of Washington Climate Impacts Group, host of the NW CASC, are helping us envision this future with a painting depicting climate resilience in the Pacific Northwest region.

Now Accepting Proposals: NW CASC 2022-23 Research Fellowship Program

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The NW CASC is now accepting proposals for its 2022-23 Research Fellowship Program through March 14, 2022. This program supports research related to climate adaptation in Northwest natural and cultural resource management and training in the principles and practices of developing decision-relevant science during the 2022-2023 academic year.

ORISE Fellowship Opportunity with the NW CASC!

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The U.S. Geological Survey is currently accepting applications for an ORISE Fellowship with the NW CASC! This fellowship will focus on synthesizing research results from NW CASC-funded projects from 2017 through present and creating a series of “state of science” reports on topics identified in the NW CASC Science Agenda for 2018-2023. This is a one-year, full-time position based in Corvallis, Oregon, with a possibility of telework and a possible extension for two additional years. Master’s or doctoral degree required. Application deadline is January 31, 2022. Learn more.