PS 41-127 - Developing a state of knowledge assessment to bridge climate change science and climate-smart management in the northwest USA

Abstract: Effectively managing for resilient ecosystems in a changing climate requires access to the most up-to-date climate change science and adaptation options. In the last decade, an abundance of climate change projections and research on ecosystem impacts is available, but it often exists at scales or in formats that are not easily accessible, digestible, or applicable for management and planning. This lack of synthesis and integration stymies the incorporation of climate change science in ecosystem management, despite a strong desire for inclusion by many land managers. To address this, we are developing a state of knowledge assessment for climate change impacts and adaptation options for ecosystems in the northwest region (Washington, Oregon, Idaho, and western Montana). We surveyed resource managers that work with the Northwest Climate Adaptation Science Center to assess what information is most needed and how that information should be disseminated. These survey results suggest that managers are most interested in climate change science synthesis within smaller biophysical units, with specific information about climate change impacts to ecosystems and ecosystem processes. There was also a high interest in increasing access to relevant data sources that can be used in additional assessments. Our state of the knowledge assessment will provide the latest climate change projections at the scale of level III Omernik ecoregions, with state of knowledge summaries related to ecosystems (e.g. forest, shrubland, marine) and processes/ stressors (e.g. fire, invasive species). We will also compile relevant data sources for conducting additional assessments at the state, region, and project level. Finally, we will include relevant adaptation case studies to help managers develop best practices in their units of management. This information will be organized in a modular format so that managers can easily select synthesis topics by filtering based on geography, ecosystem, and process, to customize information based on their management needs. This co-produced product will provide scientific support for considering climate change in State Wildlife Action Plans, NEPA documentation, and other land and resource management plans. It will also serve as a model that can be implemented in other regions as a way to bridge the divide between the latest climate change science and ecosystem management.