June 23, 2025
The Midwest Climate Adaptation Science Center (MW CASC) is pleased to announce four newly-funded research projects. Each project addresses a critical climate adaptation challenge in the Midwest, such as the spread of invasive species, shifting weather patterns, and increasing temperatures. Through these projects, the MW CASC will provide relevant, actionable science to federal, state, and tribal governments throughout the region, enhancing their capacity to respond to climate-related threats.
Fiscal Year 2025 Projects
The Combined Impacts of Climate Change and Intensive Agriculture on Manoomin/Psiη (Wild Rice), a Culturally Critical Resource and Relative for Indigenous Communities
Led by G.-H. Crystal Ng, University of Minnesota-Twin Cities
Manoomin (wild rice), a vital plant to Indigenous cultures in the Upper Midwest, is profoundly important to Tribal sovereignty. Wild rice has faced significant decline over the past century, particularly in the face of climate and land use change; this decline is especially noteworthy in northwestern Minnesota. In partnership with the White Earth Nation, this project examines changes in water quality and quantity to determine the effects of climate and land use change on wild rice. The results will inform cost-effective monitoring and identify wild rice locations that are particularly vulnerable to future change.
Assessment of Habitat Restoration and Adaptation Successes and Opportunities in the Mississippi River’s National Park Post-Emerald Ash Borer Infestation
Led by Marcella Windmuller-Campione, University of Minnesota-Twin Cities
The future of Minnesota’s forests is uncertain, due to invasive species like Emerald Ash Borer (EAB), warmer temperatures, more severe weather, and increased flooding. Managers are working diligently to ensure the longevity of healthy forests, but given the severity of these threats, it is unknown which management strategies will be successful. Given limited resources and the longevity of restoration decisions, data on survival is essential for efficient, effective forest management. This project will evaluate the success of proactive, climate-informed restoration to increase the resilience of Mississippi National River and Recreation Area to EAB. The results will identify high priority restoration sites and management strategies to reduce invasive species and maintain high-quality forests.
Restoring for Resilience: An Exploration of Past Restoration Efforts in the Great Lakes
Led by Wesley Bickford, USGS Great Lakes Science Center
Climate change threatens the ability to achieve our goals for ecosystem restoration; moreover, in response to climate-facilitated invasive species, additional resources may be required to maintain these priority ecosystems. This research will examine recent Great Lakes Restoration Initiative projects-focusing on whether they set climate-informed goals, faced climate-related challenges, and achieved their ecological outcomes. The study will engage federal, state, and tribal partners through standardized surveys to assess the incorporation of climate-informed planning and management into Great Lakes coastal wetland restoration project. This assessment will identify best practices in project selection, design, and management to enhance restoration success rates, reducing the management burden and protecting the public interest.
Provide Region-Level Support for National Parks to Complete Climate Change Adaptation Planning
Led by Mariel Jones, USGS Midwest Climate Adaptation Science Center
Climate change and natural hazards are increasingly affecting National Parks Service (NPS) infrastructure, including bridges, trails, culverts, and roads. Severe storms and extreme flooding not only damage park assets, but also risk public safety, impair recreational opportunities, and diminish public enjoyment of these public lands. While limited assessments exist, comprehensive or local park assessments require considerable data, time, expertise, and financial resources— beyond the current capacity of NPS. This project will evaluate weather hazards, including heavy rainfall and heat waves, and assess the vulnerability of park infrastructure, in the Midwest region, including an assessment of future flood risk to culverts. In collaboration with NPS managers, provide information, analysis, and technical assistance to park managers to identify specific climate hazards, evaluate the risk to individual park assets, and make informed decisions in the maintenance or replacement of critical park infrastructure.
The MW CASC continues to advance science that supports adaptation strategies across the Midwest by addressing pressing challenges and fostering collaboration. Learn more about these projects – and hear directly from the lead researchers – on this MW CASC Science Seminar.