The southeast Prairie Pothole Region (SEPPR) is an important habitat in the northern Great Plains with millions of wetlands used by waterfowl, pheasants, deer, and many unique species that cannot be found elsewhere in the regional landscape. The region is highly sensitive to variations in climate, and it is projected to face climate changes in the future.

NC CASC Climate Science Lead, Imtiaz Rangwala, and his work for the Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) on species status assessment was included in Climate Toolbox’s Case Studies on their website. The case study shows how Imtiaz uses the Climate Toolbox to gather data in order to help FWS assess the potential impact of future climate on different species.

NC CASC University Director, Jennifer Balch, and Consortium Partner, Phil Higuera at the University of Montana, co-authored an article that was featured in The Conversation on June 30th. The article, “Skip the fireworks this record-dry 4th of July, over 150 wildfire scientists urge the US West,” discussed record-dry levels and extreme fire danger that the US West currently faces and the dangers of fireworks on the 4th of July.

NC CASC University Director, Jennifer Balch, wrote an op-ed that was featured in The Hill before the 4th of July. The piece urges people to avoid fireworks for July 4th celebrations this year in the Western US, due to the unprecedented drought and looming wildfire season.

A new project under PI Chelsea Nagy will focus on integrating the research and management of invasive species, climate change, and fire.

Check out the list of recent publications that were supported by the NC CASC.