Toward a sustainable grassland ecosystem worldwide

Authors: Kramer, Lauren; PETERSON, COURTNEY - Colorado State University

Submitted to: Innovation Magazine
Publication Type: Abstract Only
Publication Acceptance Date: 7/17/2022
Publication Date: 5/30/2022
Citation: Kramer, L.R., Peterson, C. 2022. Toward a sustainable grassland ecosystem worldwide. Innovation Magazine. Abstract.

Interpretive Summary: As climate challenges arise, decision-makers and resource managers are implemeting more climate adaptation planning into their work. The USDA Southwest Climate Hub and the Northern Institute of Appied Climate Science and other partners have been working to introduce adaptation planning tools to resource managers via the Climate Change Response Framework (CCRF), Adaptation Workbook process and sector-specefic Adaptation Menus. This presentation covers the Adaptation Workbook Process and how the tool has been adapted to the Southwest.

Technical Abstract: Land management agencies and organizations are under increasing pressure to integrate climate change considerations into planning and implementation activities. The USDA Southwest Climate Hub, Northern Institute of Applied Climate Science (NIACS), and our partners have been working to tailor climate adaptation tools to meet the diverse needs of resource managers working collaboratively across multiple spatial scales through the Climate Change Response Framework (CCRF). This framework provides usable information and resources regarding climate change science and adaptation and facilitates application of this information through on-the-ground management to achieve local goals and objectives. The CCRF combines a multi-step process known as the Adaptation Workbook and is paired with “menus” of adaptation strategies and approaches to help land managers design and implement site-specific climate change adaptation actions. Initially the tool focused on forested ecosystems; however, collaborators quickly became interested in developing topic-specific menus for their systems of interest. Starting with forests in 2012, these tools are now being used by natural resource professionals who manage an array of ecosystems and approach management with varied goals and values, focusing on forested watersheds, urban forests, wetlands, wildlife habitat, recreation areas, coastal ecosystems, carbon stewardship, fire adaptation, arid grasslands, agriculture and tribal perspectives. These menus can be modified to fit different sector-specific planning needs, while using a common decision-support process. This presentation will cover the components of the Adaptation Workbook and highlight an example of the how the Adaptation Workbook Process has been applied in the southwest.