Science Speaks: Chilton Tippin

Hear from Chilton Tippin and his RCAP (Rapid Climate Assessment Program) project focused on climate change impacts at the Canyons of the Ancients National Monument.

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Responding to climate change in U.S. designated wilderness poses a wicked problem for wilderness managers. The Aldo Leopold Research Institute (ALWRI) and research partners conducted comparative case study research across the U.S. to better understand the implications of climate-driven ecological transformation in wilderness and how the Resist–Accept–Direct framework can help wilderness managers approach climate adaptation. The RAD decisions in rad landscapes project investigated climate driven ecological transformation and the utility of a RAD-informed adaptive management process across four interagency, wilderness case studies in the USA. This presentation shares results and lessons-learned from the Black Ridge Canyons Wilderness (BRCW) of southwest Colorado, where climate change is impacting habitat conditions for native amphibians and exacerbating adverse interactions between native and invasive amphibian species. Scientists from ALWRI, the U.S. Geological Survey, North Central CASC, Colorado Mesa University, and Bureau of Land Management (BLM) conducted research to illuminate the potential ecological consequences of climate change for ephemeral riparian communities as well as managers’ perceived ability to respond to ecological change. Additionally, scientists at AWLRI facilitated a 2-day workshop which engaged BLM staff and their partners in an adaptive management process to clarify values and desired conditions, generate decision alternatives under the RAD framework, and evaluate the potential social, legal, and ecological implications of various decision alternatives for native amphibian communities within the BRCW. The overarching goal of this case study was to provide BLM staff and their partners with knowledge and tools to support intentional and transparent decision-making for ephemeral riparian communities in the BRCW through climate change-driven ecological transformation. 

Bringing Clarity and Order to the Climate Adaptation Toolkit

Climate adaptation science has matured rapidly over the past two decades. In that time, scientists, agencies and practitioners have developed an impressive array of planning processes and guides, decision tools and conceptual models. From scenario planning to response modeling, from adaptation menus to the resist-accept-direct (RAD) framework, the toolbox has expanded in powerful ways.

Adapting to Changing Snowpack: Implications for Water in the Western United States

Winter in Colorado this year offered a compelling reminder that climate change is already reshaping hydrologic patterns across the western United States.

The Colorado Natural Heritage Program Partners' Meeting

On March 31st, the Colorado Natural Heritage Program at Colorado State University brought together partners and participants to explore how statewide biodiversity data are being transformed into actionable conservation.

Science Speaks! New NC CASC Video Series

Science Speaks is a new short-form video series from the North Central Climate Adaptation Science Center that highlights the people and science driving real-world climate solutions. Through their own voices, scientists share how research becomes action on the ground.

Western Water Assessment Wildfire Lecture: April 2, 2026

The Western Water Assessment invites researchers, postdoctoral scholars, and graduate students with interests in wildfire to attend an upcoming invited research talk by Matthew Hamilton, Associate Professor at the University of Wyoming, on April 2.
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