This fall, the Department of the Interior and U.S. Geological Survey announced the formation of the Midwest Climate Adaptation Science Center (CASC), a consortium of higher education and natural resource institutions dedicated to partnering to produce actionable, regionally relevant science that helps sustain natural and cultural resources in the face of climate change.

In this informative gathering, partners and friends of the consortium Chris Caldwell, Interim President, College of Menominee Nation; Katrina Kessler*, Commissioner, Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA); and Mike Schmitt, Extension Associate Dean, University of Minnesota, will share their understanding of climate change adaptation, including hopes and expectations for the future. A moderated Q&A conversation with panelists and Susan Galatowitsch, Professor, College of Food, Agricultural and Natural Resources Sciences (CFANS), will dive further into the CASC and ways to collaborate together.

Join us in this discussion about adaptation in the Midwest region, including ongoing work, additional research and education needed, and how the new CASC can build knowledge and capacity to help meet our region’s adaptation needs.  

*Frank Kohlasch, Climate Director, Minnesota Pollution Control Agency, will be filling in for Commissioner Kessler.

Registration is requested through Eventbrite in order to receive a secure Zoom Webinar link. 

Audience questions can be submitted prior to the event within registration or during the event. A recording will be available post-event.

If you have any logistical questions/requests or are looking for a call-in option, please contact ioneevents@umn.edu for assistance.

Timeline:

12:00 p.m. Welcome Introduction by Jessica Hellmann, IonE Director
12:10 p.m. Featured Panelist Presentations

• Chris Caldwell, Interim President, College of Menominee Nation; 
• Katrina Kessler*, Commissioner, Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA); and
  *Frank Kohlasch, Climate Director, Minnesota Pollution Control Agency, will be filling in for Commissioner Kessler.
  
• Mike Schmitt, Extension Associate Dean, University of Minnesota, 

12:30 p.m. Panelists Q&A with Susan Galatowitsch, Professor, College of Food, Agricultural and Natural Resources Sciences (CFANS)

1:00 p.m. Event End

ABOUT THE MIDWEST CASC:

The mission of the Midwest Climate Adaptation Science Center (MW CASC) is to deliver science to help wildlife, ecosystems, and people adapt to a changing climate. The MW CASC conducts climate adaptation research and provides learning and sharing opportunities for researchers, students, and natural resource practitioners, to help adapt the effect of a changing climate. The Center focuses on issues such as heavy rainfall and drought, loss of winter, altered hydrological regimes, novel terrestrial landscapes, and evaluating adaptation techniques. The CASC engages the Department of Interior, States, Tribal governments, and others to ensure information and tools can be applied to decisions in Minnesota, Wisconsin, Michigan, Missouri, Iowa, Illinois, Indiana, and Ohio.

The CASC is composed of USGS staff, including a USGS CASC Director (Olivia LeDee), and a consortium of non-Federal organizations led by a University CASC Director (Jessica Hellmann). The MW CASC consortium members are: the Great Lakes Indian Fish and Wildlife Consortium, the College of Menominee Nation, Indiana University, the University of Illinois, Michigan State University, the University of Wisconsin, and the University of Minnesota (host).