Climate Change and Climate Adaptation Training for Sagebrush Conservation Practitioners
North American sagebrush ecosystems are a regional priority of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS). The FWS Science Applications Program is working in partnership with multiple USGS Climate Adaptation Science Centers (CASCs), including the South Central CASC, Northwest CASC, North Central CASC, and Southwest CASC, and Boise State University, to develop a training series for sagebrush conservation practitioners. These trainings were held starting in February 2024 with a self-paced introductory course, a series of virtual classrooms, and wrapped up with an in-person workshop in May 2024.
Following is an outline of materials and recordings from this training series for review and continued use by practitioners.
US Fish and Wildlife Press:
2023-2024 Sagebrush Climate Training Report Out
The primary focus for this training is the sagebrush systems of Interior Regions (IR) 1, 6, and 8. However, much of the training is relevant across the sagebrush habitats in the U.S.
Virtual Classroom Sessions
A Brief Introduction to Climate Change for Sagebrush Ecosystems
A self-paced, online climate course designed for sagebrush managers.
Link to video playlist
Sagebrush and Climate Change Overview
Virtual classroom hosted on March 20, 2024
1. Our Changing Climate | Link to slides | Link to recording
2. Impacts on Drought | Link to slides | Link to recording
3. Consequences for Disturbances | Link to slides | Link to recording
4. Implications for Sagebrush Vegetation | Link to slides | Link to recording
Sagebrush-associated Wildlife Vulnerabilities to Climate Change
Virtual classroom hosted on April 4, 2024
Link to the session recording
1. Vulnerability Assessments and Adaptive Capacity | Link to slides
2. Pygmy Rabbits Case Study | Link to slides
3. Sage-grouse Case Study | Link to slides
Introduction to Climate Tools
Virtual classroom hosted on April 30, 2024
1. Using Climate Adaptation Tools | Link to slides | Link to recording
2. The Climate Toolbox | Link to recording
3. Land Treatment Exploration Tool | Link to recording
4. Strategies for Seed Transfer & Assisted Migration | Link to slides | Link to recording
Interpreting Climate Models and Projections
Virtual classroom hosted on May 8, 2024
1. Incorporating Future Climate Projections Into Adaptation Planning | Link to slides | Link to recording
2. Interactive Activity (not recorded)
In-person Climate Adaptation Workshop
This event was held in May 2024. Links to available presentations are below.
Day 1 Presentations:
Sagebrush Conservation Design – Geoffrey Bedrosian
Climate Impacts on Sagebrush Systems – Marin Holdredge
The View from the Ground: What Managers Need Most to be Effective – Colin Dovichin & Bill Sparklin
Sagebrush, Perennial Grasses & Soil Moisture: What Should we Expect? – John Bradford
Climatic Impacts on Wildfire and Cheatgrass – Matt Germino
Fuel Treatments and Fuel Breaks Considering Invasive-Fire-Climate Dynamics – Doug Shinneman
Vulnerability Assessments for Key Sagebrush Species – Lindsey Thurman
Scenario Planning Part 1 – Brian Miller
How to use the Climate Toolbox – Katherine Hegewisch & Imtiaz Rangwala
On the Ground Tools for Decision-Making – Matt Germino
Carbon Movement and Management – Toby Maxwell
Day 2 Presentations:
Landscape Treatments & Seasonal Forecasting – Michelle Jeffries
Scenario Planning Part 2 – Brian Miller
RAD Framework and the FWS RAD Implementation Guide – Mike Hudson
From Strategies to Tactics: Climate Adaptation Workbooks – Maude Dinan
Extreme Events, Compound Events, and Uncertainty – Stephanie Mcafee
On-the-Ground Success Stories – Imtiaz Rangwala
Role Playing Activity: Planning for the Future
Activity Sheets – Emma Kuster
