NW CASC Research Fellowship Program: Training Early-Career Scientists in Developing Decision-Relevant Science

Aquatic Resources

In the Northwest, increasing temperatures and changing precipitation patterns are expected to dramatically affect natural water supply, water demand and water quality. Increased winter rainfall and decreased winter snowpack, along with changes in the timing of snowmelt and glacial melt, are expected to alter seasonal streamflow. These factors are expected to cause higher winter stream flows and lower summer stream flows in many rivers, as well as higher summer stream temperatures. These changes will create challenges for many Northwest ecosystems, fish, wildlife and human communities. NW CASC Fellows’ Research on Aquatic Resources:

• Receding Alpine Glaciers and Threatened Fish Habitat: Identifying Mount Rainier’s Critical     Cold-Water Zones and Protecting Native Fish Populations in a Changing Climate
• Using Remote Sensing to Assess the Impact of Snow Algae on Snow Melt and Water Availability in the North Cascades
• Wetter Winters and Drier Summers: The Effects of River Flow Extremes on Algae and Aquatic Plant Growth in a Degraded River
• How Will Seasonal Streamflow in Coastal, Rain-Dominated Watersheds Respond to Changes in Precipitation Under Climate Change?
• Using Predictive Modeling to Stay One Step Ahead of Aquatic Invaders in Mountain Streams
• Increasing Data Availability for Water Management in Southwest Idaho
• How will Climate Change Affect Peak Flows in the Stillaguamish River?
• Which Ecological Restoration Strategies for Recovering Salmon Habitat in the Scott Valley Agricultural Floodplain are Most Resilient to Climate Change?
• How can Floodplain Restoration Enhance Streamflow and Salmon Habitat in the Stillaguamish River?
• Understanding the Impact of Climate Change on Nitrogen Sources and Water Quality in Rivers of Western Washington
• Investigating the effects of elevated seawater temperature and ocean acidification on surf smelt embryo and larvae energy demands
• How does Interbreeding between Non-native Rainbow Trout and Native Westslope Cutthroat Trout Affect Seasonal Growth Rates and Survival in Three Different Streams in Northwestern Montana?
• Modeling Climate Impacts on Hydrology and Stream Temperatures
• Estimating Climate Risks to River Flows Using Water Isotopes
• Understanding how Eelgrass Can Reduce Ocean Acidification Impacts
  
   

At-Risk Species & Habitats

The ranges of many plants and animals in the Northwest are expected to shift substantially as changes in temperature and precipitation alter habitat suitability. NW CASC prioritizes addressing climate-related threats to “at-risk” species, which include federally listed threatened or endangered species, species of special or greatest conservation concern (as designated by state fish and wildlife departments), and rare species, as they are especially sensitive to changes in temperature and habitat. NW CASC Fellows’ Research on At-Risk Species and Ecosystems:

• Restoring Pinto Abalone by Improving Hatchery Outputs and Identifying Ideal Restoration Sites
• Can Recreation Management be Used to Reduce Climate Impacts on Native Plants? Addressing Monitoring Gaps for Recreation Trails in Southwestern Idaho
• Climate Impacts on Nectar Resources of the Endangered Fender’s Blue Butterfly  
• How do Habitat, Climate and Competition Affect the Survival, Growth and Movement of Young Spring Chinook Salmon in the Wenatchee River Basin?
• Is Climate Change Increasing Predation on Hoary Marmots in North Cascades National Park?
• Genetic Management of Isolated Westslope Cutthroat Trout Populations in a Changing Climate
• Alpine Stonefly Physiology and Local Adaptation: How can we Manage for Imperiled Species at High Elevations?
• Olympia Oyster Restoration: Habitat Suitability and Climate Considerations
• How Can Thermal Refuge Habitats Support Coldwater Fishes in a Changing Climate? 
• How will Climate Change Affect Disease Vulnerability in Northwest Amphibians?
• Are Engineered Log Jams Effective at Improving Freshwater Salmon Habitat in a Changing Climate?
• Detecting Population Changes in Wolverines and Other Snow-Loving Carnivores in the Cascades Using Wildlife Cameras
• Understanding Climate Impacts on the Declining Cascades Frog
• Targeting Beaver Reintroductions to Address Climate Impacts
• Modeling Climate Impacts on the Range and Status of Canada Lynx
  
   

Forest Ecosystems

Increasing temperatures, declining snow accumulation and changes in soil moisture are likely to alter the growth and distribution of Northwest tree species. Increased forest mortality is also expected as a result of increasing drought stress, insect pests, diseases and wildfire. As is the case for much of the western United States, projected increases in frequency and extent of wildfires are of particular concern. NW CASC Fellows’ Research on Forest Ecosystems:

• Decline of the Western Red Cedar: Using Tree Rings to Understand Mortality Patterns and Identify Drought-Resilient Populations Under Climate Change
• Developing Cultural Fire Regime Models to Inform Landscape-Scale Wildfire and Climate Adaptation Strategies in Northern California
• Can Thinning in Previously Logged Forests Encourage Old-Growth Forest Characteristics While Buffering Impacts of Climate Change? 
• How are Trees in the Pacific Northwest Responding to High-Severity Fires Under Climate Change?
• Developing Climate-based Seed Planting Zones for the Pacific Northwest to Help Trees Adapt to Climate Change
• Examining the Connections Between Northern Spotted Owls, Wildfire and Forest Resilience in a Changing Climate
• Is Climate Warming Altering the Severity and Frequency of Forest Insect Outbreaks in the Northwest?
• Understanding how Increasing Wildfires Under Climate Change Affect Tree Regrowth and Water Availability in Forests
• Engineering User-Friendly Forest-Climate Technologies for Underserved Forest Owners
• Understanding Climate Impacts on Conifer Seedling Survival
  
   

Shrubland Ecosystems

Arid and semi-arid shrublands cover millions of acres of land in the Northwest and, through livestock grazing and farming, contribute billions of dollars to the regional economy. They also provide habitat for many valued Northwest species, such as greater sage grouse, pronghorn and elk. Shrublands are vulnerable to broad-scale ecosystem changes resulting from disturbances such as fire and the expansion of invasive species. Climate warming is already changing the dynamics of these ecosystems and making them more susceptible to fire-prone, invasive species such as cheatgrass. NW CASC Fellows’ Research on Shrubland Ecosystems:

• How will a Changing Climate Affect the Landscape-scale Competition between Perennial Grass, Exotic Annual Grass and Sagebrush after Fire?
• Modeling Sagebrush Steppe Response to Future Climate Change
  
   

Human Dimensions

In addition to determining how climate change impacts natural and cultural resources, understanding human dimensions of climate adaptation is also key to ensuring that managers have the right tools to address their adaptation challenges. NW CASC Fellows’ Research on Human Dimensions:

• Using Local Knowledge of Rangelands to Inform Flexible Management Practices in a Changing Climate
• Where should we Invest in Forest Climate Adaptation? Incorporating Public Attitudes and Ecological Priorities to Inform Management of Washington’s Forested Parks
• Understanding Climate Change Impacts on the Nutrition and Cultural Benefits of the Makah Tribe’s Traditional Seafood Species