The Northern Institute of Applied Climate Science (NIACS) develops synthesis products, fosters communication, and pursues science in climate change and carbon cycling and management.

The Northern Institute of Applied Climate Science (NIACS) has been designed as a collaborative effort among the Forest Service, universities, conservation organizations, and forest industry to provide information on managing forests for climate change adaptation and enhanced carbon sequestration. As a regional, multi-institutional entity, NIACS builds partnerships, facilitates research, and synthesizes information to bridge the gap between carbon and climate science research and the information and management needs of natural resource professionals, woodland owners, policymakers, and members of the public.

The mission of NIACS is to provide applied ecological, economic, social, and cultural information that can be used in climate adaptation and forest carbon management

2019 Award Winners

National Climate Adaptation Leadership Award: Tribal

Dibaginjigaadeg Anishinaabe Ezhitwaad - A Tribal Climate Adaptation Menu received the 2019 Climate Adaptation Leadership Award for Natural Resources in the “Tribal” category, recognizing the role of the Menu in working to create a stronger connection between indigenous values and climate adaptation planning. The Tribal Climate Adaptation Menu was designed to be used with the NIACS Adaptation Workbook and was developed by a diverse group of collaborators representing tribal, academic, intertribal, and federal entities in Minnesota, Wisconsin and Michigan. NIACS is proud to be part of this effort.

National Climate Adaptation Leadership Award: State government

The Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR) Climate Change Adaptation and Mitigation Plan received the 2019 Climate Adaptation Leadership Award for Natural Resources in the “State or Local Government” category. The DCNR was recognized for its intense effort to conduct vulnerability analyses, develop adaptation strategies, and create mitigation recommendations for all aspects of its work, and NIACS is happy to have been involved in this plan.

Society of American Foresters CO/WY: Citizenship Award

Dr. Linda Nagel, Professor, Department Head of the Forest and Rangeland Stewardship at Colorado State, and NIACS member, was awarded with the Society of American Foresters (SAF) Colorado/Wyoming Citizenship Award at the annual meeting for the state chapter in April. Linda was recognized for her advancement of the forestry profession through her dedication to exploring climate-adaptive forest management solutions for ecosystems within Colorado and across North America and for her service to the local community.