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 will begin in February 2024 with a self-paced introductory course, a series of virtual classrooms, and an in-person workshop in May 2024.
This training series is open to the Fish and Wildlife Service Sagebrush Ecosystem Team members, as well as others who manage sagebrush ecosystems. The first three virtual classroom sessions are open to anyone who may be interested.
Virtual Classroom Sessions
A Brief Introduction to Climate Change for Sagebrush Ecosystems
A self-paced, online course through CANVAS designed for sagebrush managers. Course dates: February 14-29, 2024. [Course extended to March 20, 2024.]
Link to video playlist
Sagebrush and Climate Change Overview
Virtual classroom. March 20, 2024, at 10 am Mountain time / 9 am Pacific time. (90 min online)
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. April 4, 2024, at 1 pm Mountain time / 12 pm Pacific time. (90 min online)
Link to session recording
1. Vulnerability Assessments and Adaptative 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. April 30, 2024, at 1 pm Mountain time/ 12 pm Pacific time. (90 min online)
This interactive virtual class will include a primer for three hands-on climate-related decision-support tools: Climate Toolbox, AdaptWest, Land Treatment Exploration Tool. Each demo will include a brief overview of the tool’s purpose and a demonstration showing how a sagebrush manager might use the tools to inform strategies and actions they may take to increase the climate resilience of the sagebrush ecosystem and components. Demos will be followed by a Q&A panel session with all presenters. Register today.
Interpreting Climate Models and Projections
Virtual classroom. May 8, 2024, at 1 pm Mountain time/ 12 pm Pacific time. Register today (90 min online)
In this interactive virtual class, you will learn about the strengths and limitations of climate projections. You’ll then participate in an activity using climate projections in a real-world management challenge. Climate scientists will be available to answer questions about the climate projections and participants will be encouraged to share insights from their own experiences.
In-person Climate Adaptation Workshop
Save the Date: May 21-22, 2024 in Boise, ID
This in-person workshop will bring together all the pieces of our training series from the basics of climate change to on-the-ground example of successful adaptation practices. Participants engaging in the in-person workshop will be presented with additional information about vulnerability assessments, assessing future climate conditions, and identifying adaptation strategies. As part of the experience, participants will walk through an interactive activity developed by experts from the CASCs, FWS, NPS, and USGS that focuses on the climate adaptation planning process and introduces new ways of thinking about the challenges they face.
Register today [Attendance will be limited]
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We will send you emails as additional information comes available for each session.