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Northwoods
New website features the Climate Change Response Framework
NIACS designed the new website, www.climateframework.org, to enhance collaboration and communication across three regional Climate Change Response Framework projects. Covering millions of acres in eight states, these Framework projects bring together partners from many agencies and organizations to respond to climate change. The website was designed specifically with these partnerships in mind. The Partners pages of the website are continuously being updated, and if you would like your organization to be included please contact Maria Janowiak or Stephen Handler.
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Michigan
Local climate change adaptation plans in Michigan's Upper Peninsula
 The Superior Watershed Partnership and Land Trust (SWP) in Marquette, MI, is leading two related efforts to encourage climate-ready planning in the Upper Peninsula. In 2011 SWP was one of 6 organizations from around the country to be accepted into the "Climate Solutions University" program, organized by the Model Forest Policy Program. This process assisted SWP in developing a climate adaptation plan that addresses forest resources, water resources, and the local economy. The plan focuses on Alger County and includes Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore, portions of the Hiawatha National Forest, state forests, and several communities.
Additionally, SWP is drafting a larger adaption plan for the entire Lake Superior watershed in the Upper Peninsula. This regional plan will focus more on short-term recommendations geared toward preparing communities and watersheds for the effects of climate change. Both plans are scheduled to be released later in 2012. Contact SWP for more information. ______________________________________________________ |
Minnesota
Minnesota DNR launches vulnerability assessment for key habitats
 The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources recently kicked off a new project that will assess the climate-related vulnerability of key habitats throughout the state. At an initial meeting on February 8, the DNR assembled a wide team of experts from within the agency and from other organizations to devise an assessment process for three broad habitat types: forests, open lands, and aquatic systems. The process will make use of systems mapping techniques to examine key ecosystem drivers and consequences of climate change. This habitat vulnerability assessment will complement an on-going forest ecosystem vulnerability assessment being led by NIACS and other partners of the Northwoods Framework in Minnesota. Contact Brian Nerbonne to learn more. ________________________________________________________
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Northwoods
Trust for Public Land highlights Northwoods partnerships
The Trust for Public Land's Land & People profiles innovative examples of conservation efforts occurring nationwide. The 'Weather Wise' story in the most recent issue highlights several of TPL's conservation activities in the Northwoods. Many TPL partnerships, including those with NIACS and the Forest Service, are important in helping to address climate change and other threats to the forests of the Northwoods. Visit the Northwoods Initiative page to learn more about their efforts in this part of the country. _________________________________________________ |
