<div dir="ltr"><div class="gmail_quote"><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0.0001pt"><span style="font-family:Arial,sans-serif;background-image:initial;background-repeat:initial">Several items of interest on climate change
science and collaborations. </span>Most of this information was gleaned from the FWS External Affairs and the FWS Office of Science Applications.<span style="font-family:Arial,sans-serif"><br></span><span style="font-family:Arial,sans-serif"><br></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0.0001pt"><span style="font-family:Arial,sans-serif">COLLABORATIONS</span></p>

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0.0001pt"><span style="font-family:Arial,sans-serif">The <a href="http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001NVwSbPyxk33gJQjK96_7PQ-UsSDBanIQv1xZOse8boJxfuiP7gmzkswrigIpTqlDHNIVWullwM8kTGJIXfLRACwGvfHBjbmPtKdvfn404b42wXRK2Kgdb-Hm_egJpNOEjAueFdlN5MxzYq5sT1FmlaW5_J7QHhFBd4nPs-mUn4GXtf6fhOm-TbWUptQeOiVeN-XSuAraTNJLa_JTrM6hwHd6ntuFgvTCN1pN0jupQpVX2RwZI87tVMoh6XPt5VxiAmqIFNqkx2xv7R6ll6gvZa4r9hC4UBDIaSaAQE8_wVW00ignrFI96sGhdTxN-HVM2bGGZz5Qa_P4H2l9jfIR8OJ42MSNRjwK6QuAx2qGx68=&c=iUQIDjsbrk7_XFvOHfHlTlHCdraVpaQ6J-bmeb8qYPzWn2PBzXfomw==&ch=jPAjiZ2CfYiVTPlSlyBAwEICoRJx_h6qVjBtV4Cc-f-2rhOTIf2-HQ==" target="_blank"><span style="color:windowtext">American Society of Adaptation
Professionals</span></a> (ASAP) connects leading professionals from a
variety of sectors working to increase climate resilience across the United
States. Initially created in 2011, and formally launched in 2013, ASAP provides
a platform and forum for climate adaptation leaders to interact, participate in
cutting edge research, develop guidance for adaptation, and collaborate with
their colleagues across the country. The society builds off the strengths
of its members and focuses on connecting adaptation professionals across the
United States.  Membership is free for 2014.</span></p>

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<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0.0001pt"><span style="font-family:Arial,sans-serif">The <a href="http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001NVwSbPyxk33gJQjK96_7PQ-UsSDBanIQv1xZOse8boJxfuiP7gmzkswrigIpTqlD1WRgcTKlXNV_EzLqP4MMD1ZJ4DVU0K2O1gYhLachkVhQ1Q1WjnTLxoXYZ0V03kNjlGtvAvyjeKNjf8yglHq5oa9o6-0NE7R4UaMfKz-xjho_szaeoAH8dM8NDvaAKUstH1qKUQQXl3DDjIafaA88GWWC7j8YDd2gkWloSvuULGuz3fc6ZgAnhy6jsiQiNg8IjAAilsWEFWyfUKxEzrtoGm_kkul2UUiNO3k1rO8em9jECqop2iBvzb4bKhbOps7qpXjDWv7TVHTsy1dx4xQF3ONXLs81hcou4uWpHK6J7aQ=&c=iUQIDjsbrk7_XFvOHfHlTlHCdraVpaQ6J-bmeb8qYPzWn2PBzXfomw==&ch=jPAjiZ2CfYiVTPlSlyBAwEICoRJx_h6qVjBtV4Cc-f-2rhOTIf2-HQ==" target="_blank"><span style="color:windowtext">Northern Institute of Applied
Climate Science (NIACS)</span></a> is a regional, multi-institutional
collaborative among the Forest Service, universities, and forest
industry that builds partnerships, facilitates research, and translates
the results of scientific research on climate change into information
that land owners and managers, policymakers, and members of the public can
use. The NIACS' Climate Change Response Framework provides an
integrated set of tools, partnerships, and actions to support
climate-informed conservation and forest management. Initiated by the
US Forest Service Northern Research Station and Eastern Region, the
framework stretches across ownership boundaries to invite participation of
forestlands owned and managed by private individuals, forest industry, and
tribes, as well as state, local, and federal agencies. There are currently six
regional projects in 19 northeastern states, as summarized here: <<a href="http://www.nrs.fs.fed.us/niacs/climate/framework/" target="_blank"><span style="color:windowtext">www.nrs.fs.fed.us/niacs/climate/framework/</span></a>></span></p>

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0.0001pt"><span style="font-family:Arial,sans-serif">Each regional project interweaves four components: science
and management partnerships, vulnerability assessments, adaptation resources,
and demo<span style="background-image:initial;background-repeat:initial">nstration projects. More
information: <<a href="http://www.forestadaptation.org/" target="_blank"><span style="color:windowtext">www.forestadaptation.org/</span></a>></span></span></p>

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0.0001pt"><span style="font-family:Arial,sans-serif"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0.0001pt"><span style="font-family:Arial,sans-serif">PUBLICATIONS</span></p>

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0.0001pt"><span style="font-family:Arial,sans-serif;background-image:initial;background-repeat:initial">The <a href="http://www.wildlifeadaptationstrategy.gov/strategy.php" target="_blank"><span style="color:windowtext">National Fish, Wildlife and Plants Climate Adaptation
Strategy</span></a> is a unified nationwide effort—reflecting shared
principles and science-based practices—for addressing the threats of a changing
climate on fish, wildlife, plants, and the natural systems upon which they
depend.  The Joint Implementation Working Group released its first
progress report on September 22.  <i><a href="http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001NVwSbPyxk33gJQjK96_7PQ-UsSDBanIQv1xZOse8boJxfuiP7gmzkswrigIpTqlDM_CQhgOum6Fomus95u6zOrbFaA60DtFOtw4HsCvevWbJheW8jClHzaz3TVVHTl3ei_8jftbrEAfhkWqGxVC07xCiMIBtk7gqQvyAO5in0HtIbaR22j84FSlJ2AALlpqh7UuJIwMiewoqk90jJKISr-ENB4SQaFfEqx_JiqaIR-6FBATQI6JaNWJsyn95TfM6oL4BEPsFTR4gvFigcxXycSctEbqscH7Aq_Ym7ojdWfRxbZXMd43LzcM6bXlH1Brz5SZtQt8xG-jDddJc5JhIMuvxG6Uw-_Z9X9t_DeKYVNfMczdL4z5LPu2PmmwIhvnXv1K8YMtvm_Q=&c=iUQIDjsbrk7_XFvOHfHlTlHCdraVpaQ6J-bmeb8qYPzWn2PBzXfomw==&ch=jPAjiZ2CfYiVTPlSlyBAwEICoRJx_h6qVjBtV4Cc-f-2rhOTIf2-HQ==" target="_blank"><span style="color:windowtext">Taking Action</span></a> </i>(September
2014) describes 50 projects that demonstration implementation of the
actions recommended by the Strategy, includes many more projects arranged by
State. Several projects focus on plant conservation activities ebing undertaken by
Plant Conservation Alliance federal members, including BLM, US Forest Service,
US Geological Survey.</span><span style="font-family:Arial,sans-serif"></span></p>

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<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0.0001pt"><span style="font-family:Arial,sans-serif;background-image:initial;background-repeat:initial">The third <a href="http://nca2014.globalchange.gov/" target="_blank"><span style="color:windowtext">National Climate Assessment</span></a> (May 2014) summarizes
the impacts of climate change on the United States, now and in the
future.  A team of more than 300 experts guided by a 60-member Federal
Advisory Committee produced the report, which was extensively reviewed by the
public and experts, including federal agencies and a panel of the National
Academy of Sciences.  Plants figure prominently in some sections, though
there are instances of animal-biased valuation (such as the Case Study under
Ecosystems of the 2011 Las Conchas, New Mexico Fire).  Key messages of
importance to the work of the Plant Conservation Alliance include:</span><span style="font-family:'Times New Roman',serif"></span></p>

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<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt 0.5in"><span style="font-family:Arial,sans-serif;background-image:initial;background-repeat:initial">Key Message: Opportunities to Build Resilience (</span><span style="font-family:'Times New Roman',serif"><a href="http://nca2014.globalchange.gov/highlights/regions/great-plains" target="_blank"><span style="font-family:Arial,sans-serif;color:windowtext">Great
Plains</span></a></span><span style="font-family:Arial,sans-serif">)</span><span style="font-family:'Times New Roman',serif"></span></p>

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt 0.5in"><span style="font-family:Arial,sans-serif;background-image:initial;background-repeat:initial">The magnitude of expected changes will exceed those
experienced in the last century. Existing adaptation and planning efforts are
inadequate to respond to these projected impacts.</span><span style="font-family:'Times New Roman',serif"></span></p>

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt 0.5in"><span style="font-family:Arial,sans-serif;background-image:initial;background-repeat:initial"> </span><span style="font-family:'Times New Roman',serif"></span></p>

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt 0.5in"><span style="font-family:Arial,sans-serif;background-image:initial;background-repeat:initial">Key Message: Increased Wildfire (</span><span style="font-family:'Times New Roman',serif"><a href="http://nca2014.globalchange.gov/highlights/regions/southwest" target="_blank"><span style="font-family:Arial,sans-serif;color:windowtext">Southwest</span></a></span><span style="font-family:Arial,sans-serif">)</span><span style="font-family:'Times New Roman',serif"></span></p>

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt 0.5in"><span style="font-family:Arial,sans-serif;background-image:initial;background-repeat:initial">Increased warming, drought, and insect outbreaks, all caused
by or linked to climate change, have increased wildfires and impacts to people
and ecosystems in the Southwest. Fire models project more wildfire and
increased risks to communities across extensive areas.</span><span style="font-family:'Times New Roman',serif"></span></p>

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<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0.0001pt"><span style="font-family:Arial,sans-serif;background-image:initial;background-repeat:initial"><a href="http://www.fws.gov/home/climatechange/pdf/Guide-to-Vulnerability-Assessment%20Methods-Version-2-0.pdf" target="_blank"><span style="color:windowtext">Climate Change Vulnerability
Assessment for Natural Resources Management: Toolbox of Methods with Case
Studies</span></a> (version 2) Johnson, 2014 - The purpose of this
document is to provide a non-comprehensive survey of some of the principal CCVA
methods in use today for: (1) species; (2) habitats; (3) places (protected
areas, watersheds, landscapes); (4) ecosystem processes; (5) ecosystem
services; (6) water resources; and (7) coastal resources. Case study examples
are presented for as many of the methods as possible. </span><span style="font-family:Arial,sans-serif">This
toolbox does not provide an evaluation of the pros and cons of methods, but
simply provides a description of each method and case study to provide the
reader with sufficient </span><span style="font-family:'Times New Roman',serif"></span></p>

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0.0001pt"><span style="font-family:Arial,sans-serif">information to: (1) decide if further investigation of a
tool or case study is warranted; and (2) find additional resources about
that tool/case study. </span><span style="font-family:'Times New Roman',serif"></span></p>

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0.0001pt"><br></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0.0001pt"><span style="font-family:Arial,sans-serif">Patricia S. De Angelis, Ph.D.</span><br></p>

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0.0001pt"><span style="font-family:Arial,sans-serif">Botanist, US Fish & Wildlife Service-Division of
Scientific Authority</span></p>

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0.0001pt"><span style="font-family:Arial,sans-serif">Chair, Plant Conservation Alliance-Medicinal Plant
Working Group</span></p></div></div>