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• Nomination of Caryn A. Wagner, Hearing Before the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs, United States Senate, of the One Hundred Eleventh Congress, First Session, Nomination of Caryn A. Wagner to be Under Secretary for Intelligence and Analysis, U.S. Department of Homeland Security, December 3, 2009

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  From the opening statement of Joseph I. Lieberman: "Good morning and welcome to this hearing at which we will consider the nomination of Caryn Wagner to be Under Secretary for Intelligence and Analysis at the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). Although Ms. Wagner's nomination has been referred by the Senate to the Select Committee on Intelligence, S. Res. 445 gives committees with jurisdiction over the departments where nominees will serve the right to also hold hearings and interviews on the nomination-- a right that we assert today. We do so because the development of the Intelligence and Analysis Directorate (I&A) has been a high priority for this Committee since the passage of the Homeland Security Act in 2002. When the Act was being debated on the Senate floor, I said the provision that established the Information Analysis and Infrastructure Protection Directorate 'goes to the heart of the weaknesses that have been exposed in our Nation's homeland defenses since September 11, 2001--and that is, the lack of information sharing related to terrorist activities between intelligence, law enforcement, and other agencies.' […].The two most obvious, it seems to me, areas in which the I&A Directorate can add value is in the integration, coordination, and expression--sharing--of the intelligence brought forth anyway by components of the Department of Homeland Security, including, for instance, Customs and Border Protection or the Transportation Security Administration or Immigration and Customs Enforcement or the Coast Guard. That was required under the 9/11 Act, and I think it is still a very important function." Statements, letters, and materials submitted for the record include those of the following: Joseph I. Lieberman, Susan M. Collins, Paul G. Kirk, and Caryn A. Wagner.

  United States. Government Printing Office

  2010
• U.S.-Mexico Security Cooperation: Next Steps for the Merida Initiative, Joint Hearing Before the Subcommittee on Border, Maritime, and Global Counterterrorism of the Committee on Homeland Security, House of Representatives and the Subcommittee on the Western Hemisphere of the Committee on Foreign Affairs, House of Representatives, One Hundred Eleventh Congress, Second Session, May 27, 2010

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  From the opening statement of Henry Cuellar: "The subcommittee will come to order. The Committee on Homeland Security Subcommittee on Border, Maritime, and Global Counterterrorism and the Committee on Foreign Affairs, Subcommittee on the Western Hemisphere, are meeting today to receive testimony on the 'U.S.-Mexico Security Cooperation: Next Steps for the Me´rida Initiative.' I would like to thank my friend and colleague, Chairman Eliot Engel, who will be here in a few minutes, and the Members of the House Committee on Foreign Affairs, Subcommittee on the Western Hemisphere, for agreeing to hold this joint hearing today. The issues before us are of great concern to both subcommittees, and I anticipate a thoughtful and productive discussion. I would also like to welcome the new Ranking Member of the Subcommittee on Border, Maritime, and Global Counterterrorism, my friend, Candice Miller of Michigan. We now have the southern and northern border represented. Both of us represent districts along the Nation's board, and I know we have several issues of mutual interest. I would also look forward to working with her in the next weeks and months ahead on some of the issues facing both the north and the southern border." Statements, letters, and materials submitted for the record include those of the following: Henry Cuellar, Eliot L. Engel, Connie Mack, Candice S. Miller, Bennie G. Thompson, Roberta Jacobson, Mariko Silver, Alonzo Pena, Allen Gina, John D. Negroponte, Shannon K. O'Neil and Bill McDonald.

  United States. Government Printing Office

  2010
• Discussion Draft of the Indian Energy Promotion and Parity Act of 2010, Hearing Before the Committee on Indian Affairs, United States Senate, One Hundred Eleventh Congress, Second Session, April 22, 2010

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  From the opening statement of Jon Tester: "We are conducting this hearing to abolish the obstacles to Indian energy development. I am sitting in for the Chairman, Senator Dorgan, that is obvious, and I will put forth to you some of the ideas that he has in his opening statement. Over the past two years, the Committee investigated these obstacles. There have been two hearings, a concept paper that was released proposing solutions, and the Committee staff has held a series of roundtables throughout Indian Country. We have a good idea of what the obstacles are. They are outdated laws that create a bureaucratic maze, a lack of infrastructure, a lack of financing for Indian energy projects. Based on the comments of the tribes and their industry partners, Senator Dorgan released a draft Indian Energy Promotion and Parity Act of 2010 on March 12th. The draft bill is our launching point for this hearing, along with additional draft provisions that Vice Chairman Barrasso released. Let me get right to the point of today's hearing. Indian tribes have vast energy resources that could provide substantial economic development for their communities, while increasing this Country's energy independence. The need for economic development in Indian communities is urgent and obvious. Many struggle with 49 percent unemployment and poverty rates that the rest of America wouldn't tolerate for a moment." Statements, letters, and materials submitted for the record include those of the following: John Barrasso, Byron L. Dorgan, Al Franken, Mike Johanns, Lisa Murkowski, Jon Tester, Mark Udall, Ralph Anderson, Matthew J. Box, Joe Garcia, Michael Marchand and Peter Stricker.

  United States. Government Printing Office

  2010
• Indian Energy and Energy Efficiency, Hearing Before the Committee on Indian Affairs, United States Senate, One Hundred Eleventh Congress, First Session, October 22, 2009

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  From the opening statement of Byron L. Dorgan: "This hearing is about Indian Energy and Indian Energy Efficiency. Today's hearing follows up on an Indian energy hearing that we held on May 1st, 2008. And at that hearing, the Committee received testimony on the obstacles that Indian tribes face in developing energy resources. We are now focused on trying to find solutions to those problems. Following the May 1st hearing, the Committee met with tribes from across Indian Country on energy issues, worked with the Administration to try to improve implementation of Indian programs, and now we are holding this hearing today." Statements, letters, and materials submitted for the record include those of the following: John Barrasso, Byron L. Dorgan, Al Franken, Mike Johanns, Lisa Murkowski, Mark Udall, Maria Cantwell, James Roan Gray, Stave Herrera, Marcus Levings and Ralph Sampson.

  United States. Government Printing Office

  2010
• Examining Bureau of Indian Affairs and Tribal Police Recruitment, Training, Hiring, and Retention, Hearing Before the Committee on Indian Affairs, United States Senate, One Hundred Eleventh Congress, Second Session, March 18, 2010

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  From the opening statement of Tim Johnson: "The Committee meets today to examine the hiring and training practices for tribal and Bureau of Indian Affairs police officers. Over the past two years, this Committee's oversight hearings have confirmed that many Indian reservations are suffering longstanding crises of violence. One of the primary reasons this violence continues is because of the lack of police officers to stop it. According to the BIA, less than 3,000 officers patrol more than 56 million acres of Indian lands. According to the BIA, we need an additional 2,800 officers just to meet the average staffing levels of comparable non-Indian communities. In the Great Plains region, we have large Indian reservations with populations spread across vast areas of land. For instance in South Dakota, the Cheyenne River Indian Reservation is roughly the size of Connecticut. On the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation from the tribal casino on the west end to the community of Wanblee on the east end is 120 miles. These vast distances often take their toll on officers and equipment." Statements, letters, and materials submitted for the record include those of the following: Al Franken, John Barrasso, Tim Johnson, Jon Tester, Gary Gaikowski, Wizipan Garriott, Myra Pearson, Ivan D. Posey, Joseph Wright and Michael O. Finley.

  United States. Government Printing Office

  2010
• Assessment of Climate Change and the Vulnerability of Wildlife in the Sky Islands of the Southwest

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  "We evaluated the historical and projected trends in climate and vegetation relevant to the Coronado National Forest in southeast Arizona, USA. We then applied this information in an assessment of the vulnerability of 30 species of terrestrial vertebrates on the Coronado National Forest to the potential effects of future climate change. We used a pilot version of a decision-support tool developed by the U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Rocky Mountain Research Station that produces scores that represent relative measures of vulnerability to climate change as related to habitat, physiology, phenology, and biotic interactions. Over the next ~100 years, increased temperature and aridity are projected for the region, as well as a reduction in forested areas. All 30 species were considered vulnerable with respect to at least some criteria comprising the decision-support tool. The elegant trogon ('Trogon elegans') and Tarahumara frog ('Rana tarahumarae') were tied for the largest vulnerability score. The Slevin's bunchgrass lizard ('Sceloporus slevini') had the smallest vulnerability score. While species varied in their expected responses to climate change, most appeared to be vulnerable relative to one or more expected negative impacts to their habitat, such as an overall reduction in suitable habitat. The assessment results can be used by USFS [U.S. Forest Service] managers in climate change adaptation planning for these species and their habitats by helping to identify goals for adaptation planning."

  United States. Department of Agriculture; United States. Forest Service; Rocky Mountain Research Station (Fort Collins, Colo.)

  Coe, Sharon J.; Finch, Deborah M.; Friggens, Megan M.

  2012-04
• Principles and Practices for the Restoration of Ponderosa Pine and Dry Mixed-Conifer Forests of the Colorado Front Range

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  "Wildfires have become larger and more severe over the past several decades on Colorado's Front Range, catalyzing greater investments in forest management intended to mitigate wildfire risks. The complex ecological, social, and political context of the Front Range, however, makes forest management challenging, especially where multiple management goals including forest restoration exist. In this report, we present a science-based framework for managers to develop place-based approaches to forest restoration of Front Range ponderosa pine and dry mixed-conifer forests. We first present ecological information describing how Front Range forest structure and composition are shaped at multiple scales by interactions among topography, natural disturbances such as fire, and forest developmental processes. This information serves as a foundation for identifying priority areas for treatment and designing restoration projects across scales. Treatment guidelines generally reduce forest densities and surface and crown fuels, enhance spatial heterogeneity across scales, and retain drought- and fire-tolerant species, old trees, and structures important for wildlife. Implementation of these guidelines is expected to enhance forest resilience to disturbance and climate change, as well as sustain important ecosystem services. Finally, this report emphasizes the importance of adaptive management and learning through monitoring and experimentation to address uncertainties inherent in the restoration process."

  United States. Department of Agriculture; United States. Forest Service; Rocky Mountain Research Station (Fort Collins, Colo.)

  Addington, Robert N.; Aplet, Gregory H.; Battaglia, Mike A. . . .

  2018-01
• Vulnerability of Species to Climate Change in the Southwest: Terrestrial Species of the Middle Rio Grande

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  "We used a vulnerability scoring system to assess the vulnerability of 117 vertebrate species that occur in the Middle Rio Grande Bosque (MRGB) to expected climate change. The purpose of this project was to guide wildlife managers on options and considerations for climate change adaptation. The 117 species occur regularly in the MRGB during the breeding season, winter, or year-round. In general, future climate scenarios predict warmer temperatures with an altered precipitation regime that will likely lead to reduced water levels in the MRGB. This assessment points to several key issues relating to future habitat changes and individual species physiology that are expected to affect species survival under climate change. Decreased availability of mesic sites is expected to directly impact many amphibian and reptile populations and is expected to have indirect affects for birds and mammals primarily through changes in habitat availability. We predicted that phenological changes will negatively impact many species within all taxonomic groups through altered timing of weather events and river flow. Riparian-dependent species received some of the highest vulnerability scores. Species already at the southern limit of their distributional range were also predicted to be more likely to be vulnerable to climate change. The assessment also identified important data gaps. Management for species conservation under future climate conditions will require increased research and monitoring, greater integration of landscape-scale approaches, consideration of future land-use scenarios, and increased understanding of the consequences of species' interactions. We review the specific implications of climate change for wildlife in the MRGB in order to identify intervention points and approaches that may achieve management goals."

  United States. Department of Agriculture; United States. Forest Service; Rocky Mountain Research Station (Fort Collins, Colo.)

  Friggens, Megan M.; Finch, Deborah M.; Bagne, Karen Elizabeth . . .

  2013-07
• Climate Change Vulnerability and Adaptation in the Intermountain Region, Part 2

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  "The Intermountain Adaptation Partnership (IAP) identified climate change issues relevant to resource management on Federal lands in Nevada, Utah, southern Idaho, eastern California and western Wyoming, and developed solutions intended to minimize negative effects of climate change and facilitate transition of diverse ecosystems to a warmer climate. [...] The earliest and most profound effects of climate change are expected for water resources, the result of declining snowpacks causing higher peak winter streamflows, lower summer flows, and higher stream temperatures. These changes will in turn reduce fish habitat for cold-water fish species, negatively affect riparian vegetation and wildlife, damage roads and other infrastructure, and reduce reliable water supplies for communities. Increased frequency and magnitude of disturbances (drought, insect outbreaks, wildfire) will reduce the area of mature forest, affect wildlife populations (some positively, some negatively), damage infrastructure and cultural resources, degrade the quality of municipal water supplies, and reduce carbon sequestration. Climate change effects on recreation, a major economic driver in the IAP region, will be positive for warm-weather activities and negative for snow-based activities. IAP participants developed adaptation options that can be implemented in planning, project management, monitoring, and restoration as climate-smart responses to altered resource conditions."

  United States. Department of Agriculture; United States. Forest Service; Rocky Mountain Research Station (Fort Collins, Colo.)

  Halofsky, Jessica E.; Peterson, David L.; Ho, Joanne J. . . .

  2018-04
• Climate Change Vulnerability and Adaptation in the Northern Rocky Mountains, Part 2

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  "The Northern Rockies Adaptation Partnership (NRAP) identified climate change issues relevant to resource management in the Northern Rockies (USA) region, and developed solutions intended to minimize negative effects of climate change and facilitate transition of diverse ecosystems to a warmer climate. The NRAP region covers 183 million acres, spanning northern Idaho, Montana, northwestern Wyoming, North Dakota, and northern South Dakota, and includes 15 national forests and 3 national parks across the U.S. Forest Service Northern Region and adjacent Greater Yellowstone Area. U.S. Forest Service scientists, resource managers, and stakeholders worked together over 2 years to conduct a state-of-science climate change vulnerability assessment and develop adaptation options for national forests and national parks in the Northern Rockies region. The vulnerability assessment emphasized key resource areas--water, fisheries, wildlife, forest and rangeland vegetation and disturbance, recreation, cultural heritage, and ecosystem services--regarded as the most important for local ecosystems and communities. Resource managers used the assessment to develop a detailed list of ways to address climate change vulnerabilities through management actions. The large number of adaptation strategies and tactics, many of which are a component of current management practice, provide a pathway for slowing the rate of deleterious change in resource conditions."

  United States. Department of Agriculture; United States. Forest Service; Rocky Mountain Research Station (Fort Collins, Colo.)

  2018-03
• Climate Change Vulnerability Assessment of Aquatic and Terrestrial Ecosystems in the U.S. Forest Service Rocky Mountain Region

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  "Vulnerability assessments are important tools to assist in climate adaptation planning. Six priority ecosystems were identified in the USDA Forest Service, Rocky Mountain Region: alpine turf and dwarf-shrubland; aquatic, riparian, and wetland ecosystems in glaciated valleys; subalpine spruce-fir; low-gradient mountain stream reaches; ponderosa pine; and Great Plains streams and riparian areas. Vulnerability to nonclimate and climate stressors for these priority ecosystems is assessed. Criteria used to assess vulnerability include ecosystem traits related to the sensitivity and adaptive capacity of the ecosystem. We engaged scientists through an expert review to vet the vulnerability rankings and confidence in the assessment. Aquatic ecosystems were the most vulnerable priority ecosystem, and alpine ecosystems had higher vulnerability than lower elevation terrestrial ecosystems. The narrative for each priority ecosystem describes the nature of the vulnerability to climate change."

  United States. Department of Agriculture; United States. Forest Service; Rocky Mountain Research Station (Fort Collins, Colo.)

  Rice, Janine R.; Joyce, Linda A.; Regan, Claudia M. . . .

  2018-06
• Climate Change Vulnerability and Adaptation in the Intermountain Region, Part 1

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  "The Intermountain Adaptation Partnership (IAP) identified climate change issues relevant to resource management on Federal lands in Nevada, Utah, southern Idaho, eastern California, and western Wyoming, and developed solutions intended to minimize negative effects of climate change and facilitate transition of diverse ecosystems to a warmer climate. [...] The earliest and most profound effects of climate change are expected for water resources, the result of declining snowpacks causing higher peak winter streamflows, lower summer flows, and higher stream temperatures. These changes will in turn reduce fish habitat for cold-water fish species, negatively affect riparian vegetation and wildlife, damage roads and other infrastructure, and reduce reliable water supplies for communities. Increased frequency and magnitude of disturbances (drought, insect outbreaks, wildfire) will reduce the area of mature forest, affect wildlife populations (some positively, some negatively), damage infrastructure and cultural resources, degrade the quality of municipal water supplies, and reduce carbon sequestration. Climate change effects on recreation, a major economic driver in the IAP region, will be positive for warm-weather activities and negative for snow-based activities. IAP participants developed adaptation options that can be implemented in planning, project management, monitoring, and restoration as climate-smart responses to altered resource conditions."

  United States. Department of Agriculture; United States. Forest Service; Rocky Mountain Research Station (Fort Collins, Colo.)

  Halofsky, Jessica E.; Peterson, David L.; Ho, Joanne J. . . .

  2018-04
• Review and Recommendations for Climate Change Vulnerability Assessment Approaches with Examples from the Southwest

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  "Climate change creates new challenges for resource managers and decision-makers with broad and often complex effects that make it difficult to accurately predict and design management actions to minimize undesirable impacts. We review pertinent information regarding methods and approaches used to conduct climate change vulnerability assessments to reveal assumptions and appropriate application of results. Secondly, we provide managers with an updated summary of knowledge regarding vulnerability of species and habitats to climate change in the American Southwest. Overall, vulnerability assessments provided valuable information on climate change effects and possible management actions but were far from a comprehensive picture for the future of the Southwest. Scales, targets, and assessment approaches varied widely and focused on only a subset of resources. We recommend land managers critically examine methods when using assessment results; select scale, methods, and targets carefully when planning new assessments; and communicate assessment needs to researchers of climate change response."

  United States. Department of Agriculture; United States. Forest Service; Rocky Mountain Research Station (Fort Collins, Colo.)

  Friggens, Megan M.; Bagne, Karen Elizabeth; Finch, Deborah M. . . .

  2013-09
• Vulnerability of Species to Climate Change in the Southwest: Threatened, Endangered, and at-Risk Species at Fort Huachuca, Arizona

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  "Future climate change is anticipated to result in ecosystem changes, and consequently, many species are expected to become increasingly vulnerable to extinction. This scenario is of particular concern for threatened, endangered, and at-risk species (TER-S) or other rare species. The response of species to climate change is uncertain and will be the outcome of complex interactions and processes. Nevertheless, a simple flexible strategy is needed to help integrate climate change into management planning and actions. This assessment uses SAVS [System for Assessing Vulnerability of Species], a vulnerability scoring tool based on ecological principles, to rank individual species of interest within the Fort Huachuca region according to predicted climate change responses and associated population declines balanced with responses expected to incur resilience or population increases. Further, specific areas of vulnerability, research needs, and management implications are identified for each species. Based solely on predicted response to climate change, northern Mexican gartersnake and southwestern willow flycatcher are the most vulnerable to population declines. Results also suggest that climate change will make management of some TER-S more difficult. Several critical management areas are identified that can mitigate negative impacts to benefit multiple species, including fire and fuels, invasive species, natural and artificial waters, and landscape-scale planning. Management planning should be in place that will assist species impacted by extreme events such as prolonged drought, severe wildfires, and intense flooding. The assessment process was also used to identify areas where climate change may present opportunities, as opposed to challenges, for management of TER-S."

  United States. Department of Agriculture; United States. Forest Service; Rocky Mountain Research Station (Fort Collins, Colo.)

  Bagne, Karen Elizabeth; Finch, Deborah M.

  2013-06
• Climate Change on the Shoshone National Forest, Wyoming: A Synthesis of Past Climate, Climate Projections, and Ecosystem Implications

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  "The Shoshone National Forest (Shoshone) covers 2.4 million acres of mountainous topography in northwest Wyoming and is a vital ecosystem that provides clean water, wildlife habitat, timber, grazing, recreational opportunities, and aesthetic value. The Shoshone has experienced and adapted to changes in climate for many millennia, and is currently experiencing a warming trend that is expected to accelerate in the next century. Climate change directly and indirectly affects the Shoshone's high-elevation, mountainous terrain that supports unique and sometimes rare ecological components. Several vulnerable and very responsive resources and processes on the Shoshone could interact to produce unforeseeable or undesirable ecosystem changes, highlighting the need to identify potential resource vulnerabilities and develop adaptation pathways and flexibility in resource management options. The objective of this report is to synthesize the current understanding of the paleo and historical climate of the Shoshone as a reference point, determine what future climates may look like, and what the effects of future climate may be on natural resources. This information allows for the identification of vulnerabilities and information gaps, thereby aiding the development of adaptation tools and strategies."

  United States. Department of Agriculture; United States. Forest Service; Rocky Mountain Research Station (Fort Collins, Colo.)

  Rice, Janine R.; Tredennick, Andrew; Joyce, Linda A.

  2012-01
• Assessment of Watershed Vulnerability to Climate Change for the Uinta-Wasatch-cache and Ashley National Forests, Utah

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  "Watersheds on the Uinta-Wasatch-Cache and Ashley National Forests provide many ecosystem services, and climate change poses a risk to these services. We developed a watershed vulnerability assessment to provide scientific information for land managers facing the challenge of managing these watersheds. Literature-based information and expert elicitation is used to define components of watershed sensitivity and exposure to climate change. We also define the capacity of watershed function, habitats, and biota to adapt to the expected changes. Watershed vulnerability is scored high for the Wasatch Mountain Range and moderate to high for the Uinta Mountains. These watersheds are driven by a snow-dominated hydrologic regime, and they have a high sensitivity to the projected increases in drought, heat, and flooding. More evaporation, snowpack loss, and earlier snowmelt are expected to shift the timing of runoff earlier and lower streamflow. The loss of snowpack is projected to be especially pronounced in the Wasatch Range. The effects from climate change can be compounded by the non-climate stressors of fire and land uses. Adaptation to these changes is enhanced when watersheds are in good functioning condition. Management actions can serve as an iterative process that builds resilience and can assist transitions to new states under a changing climate."

  United States. Department of Agriculture; United States. Forest Service; Rocky Mountain Research Station (Fort Collins, Colo.)

  Rice, Janine R.; Bardsley, Tim; Gomben, Pete . . .

  2017-06
• Vulnerability of Species to Climate Change in the Southwest: Threatened, Endangered, and at-Risk Species at the Barry M. Goldwater Range, Arizona

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  "Future climate change is anticipated to result in ecosystem changes, and consequently, many species are expected to become increasingly vulnerable to extinction. This scenario is of particular concern for threatened, endangered, and at-risk species (TER-S) or other rare species. The response of species to climate change is uncertain and will be the outcome of complex interactions and processes. Nevertheless, a simple flexible strategy is needed to help integrate climate change into management planning and actions. This assessment uses SAVS [System for Assessing Vulnerability of Species], an assessment tool based on ecological principals, to rank individual species of interest within the eastern portion of the Barry M. Goldwater Range, Arizona, according to predicted climate change responses and associated population declines balanced with responses expected to incur resilience or population increases. Further, specific areas of vulnerability, research needs, and management implications are identified for each species in detailed species accounts. Based solely on predicted response to climate change, Sonoran pronghorn ('Antilocapra americana sonoriensis') and desert tortoise ('Gopherus morafkai') are the most vulnerable to population declines. Results also suggest that climate change will make management of some TER-S species more difficult. Several critical management areas are identified that can mitigate negative impacts to benefit multiple species, including fire and fuels, invasive species, natural and artificial waters, and landscape-scale planning. Management planning should be in place that will assist species impacted by extreme events such as prolonged drought, severe wildfires, and/or intense flooding. The assessment process was also used to identify areas where climate change may present opportunities, as opposed to challenges, for species management."

  United States. Department of Agriculture; United States. Forest Service; Rocky Mountain Research Station (Fort Collins, Colo.)

  Bagne, Karen Elizabeth; Finch, Deborah M.

  2012-08
• Assessment of Aspen Ecosystem Vulnerability to Climate Change for the Uinta-Wasatch-Cache and Ashley National Forests, Utah

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  "Aspen ecosystems are valued because they add biodiversity and ecological value to the landscape. They provide rich and productive habitats and increase aesthetic value. Climate change poses the risk of altering and disrupting these ecosystems, and it may worsen the effects of non-climate stressors. To provide scientific information for land managers facing the challenge of helping aspen ecosystems adapt to climate change, we developed an aspen vulnerability assessment on the Uinta-Wasatch-Cache and Ashley National Forests. Literature-based information and expert elicitation are used to define (a) components of sensitivity and exposure to climate change and (b) the capacity of these ecosystems to adapt to expected changes. Aspen ecosystems benefit from fire and quickly reproduce. Yet, aspen trees are susceptible to drought and heat that is projected to become more frequent and intense in the future. Some aspen-associated plant and animal species may benefit from the expected changes in disturbance regimes and stand structure, while others may experience population reductions or stress as a result of drought and heat. Overall, vulnerability is defined as moderate because although persistence of aspen ecosystems is likely, a dynamic spatial and temporal response to climate change is expected."

  United States. Department of Agriculture; United States. Forest Service; Rocky Mountain Research Station (Fort Collins, Colo.)

  Rice, Janine R.; Bardsley, Tim; Gomben, Pete . . .

  2017-08
• Where's the Beef? Predicting the Effects of Climate Change on Cattle Production in Western U.S. Rangelands

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  "Cattle production capacity on western rangelands is potentially vulnerable to climate change through impacts on the amount of forage, changes in vegetation type, heat stress, and year-to-year forage variability. The researchers in this study projected climate change effects to rangelands through 2100 and compared them to a present-day baseline to estimate vulnerability of cattle operations. The analysis predicted: 1. an increase in forage quantity in northern regions; 2. a move from woody dominance toward grassier vegetation types overall but with considerable variability between areas; 3. a substantial increase in the number of heat-stress days across all regions beginning as early as 2020-2030; and 4. higher year-to-year variability of forage quantity for most regions. All four factors combined to predict declining grazing capacity in southwestern regions. In northern and interior regions of the West, the benefits of increased forage are mostly offset by increases in heat stress and forage variability. The predicted increased vulnerability of cattle production in the Southwest provides strong impetus for adaptation by livestock producers and public land managers in anticipation of these changes. This study can be used by range managers to begin to think about long-term planning and communication with stakeholders (such as grazing permit holders) about what kinds of conditions to expect in the future."

  United States. Department of Agriculture; United States. Forest Service; Rocky Mountain Research Station (Fort Collins, Colo.)

  2017-09
• System for Assessing Vulnerability of Species (SAVS) to Climate Change

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  "Sustained conservation of species requires integration of future climate change effects, but few tools exist to assist managers. The System for Assessing Vulnerability of Species (SAVS) identifies the relative vulnerability or resilience of vertebrate species to climate change. Designed for managers, the SAVS is an easily applied tool that uses a questionnaire of 22 predictive criteria to create vulnerability scores. The user scores species' attributes relating to potential vulnerability or resilience associated with projections for their region. Six scores are produced: an overall score denoting level of vulnerability or resilience, four categorical scores (habitat, physiology, phenology, and biotic interactions) indicating source of vulnerability, and an uncertainty score, which reflects user confidence in the predicted response. The SAVS provides a framework for integrating new information into the climate change assessment process."

  United States. Department of Agriculture; United States. Forest Service; Rocky Mountain Research Station (Fort Collins, Colo.)

  Bagne, Karen Elizabeth; Friggens, Megan M.; Finch, Deborah M.

  2011-06
• Vulnerability of Cattle Production to Climate Change on U.S. Rangelands

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  "We examined multiple climate change effects on cattle production for U.S. rangelands to estimate relative change and identify sources of vulnerability among seven regions. Climate change effects to 2100 were projected from published models for four elements: forage quantity, vegetation type trajectory, heat stress, and forage variability. Departure of projections from a baseline (2001-2010) was used to estimate vulnerability. Projections show: (1) an increase in forage quantity in northerly regions, (2) a move toward grassier vegetation types overall but with considerable spatial heterogeneity, (3) a rapid increase in the number of heat-stress days across all regions, and (4) higher forage variability for most regions. Results are robust across multiple elements for declining production in southerly and western regions. In northern and interior regions, the benefits of increased net primary productivity or more grassy vegetation are mostly tempered by increases in heat stress and forage variability. Because projected directions of change differed, use of projections for only one element will limit our ability to anticipate impacts and manage for sustained cattle production."

  United States. Department of Agriculture; United States. Forest Service; Rocky Mountain Research Station (Fort Collins, Colo.)

  Reeves, Matt C.; Bagne, Karen Elizabeth

  2016-05
• Improving the Role of Vulnerability Assessments in Decision Support for Effective Climate Adaptation

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  "Vulnerability assessments (VA) have been proposed as an initial step in a process to develop and implement adaptation management for climate change in forest ecosystems. Scientific understanding of the effects of climate change is an ever-accumulating knowledge base. Synthesizing information from this knowledge base in the context of our understanding of ecosystem responses to natural/historical climate can be challenging. Little attention has focused on how information gathered in the vulnerability assessment phase actively facilitates the implementation of adaptation actions, that is, how and whether VA outputs actually are being used in resource projects. Given that financial and staffing resources remain critical barriers for natural resource managers, the assessment of vulnerability needs to be an effective and efficient process. We explore the success of VAs in motivating implementation of adaptation practices and offer recommendations on the development of future vulnerability assessments in natural resource management. Implementation of adaptation options may be more closely related to the extent that the VA and associated processes provided an opportunity for social learning."

  United States. Department of Agriculture; United States. Forest Service; Rocky Mountain Research Station (Fort Collins, Colo.)

  Joyce, Linda A.; Millar, Constance I.

  2014
• Warming and Warnings: Assessing Climate Change Vulnerability in the Rocky Mountain Region

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  "The Rocky Mountain Research Station recently published a general technical report addressing climate change vulnerability in the Rocky Mountain Region. This report, entitled Climate Change Vulnerability Assessment of Aquatic and Terrestrial Ecosystems in the US Forest Service Rocky Mountain Region, focuses on six ecosystems. Scientists evaluated each ecosystem based on several factors, including their current extent, exposure to climate change, sensitivity and adaptability to climate change, the ability of the ecosystem to shift geographically, and non-climate stressors such as recreational use, air pollution and infrastructure development. Of the six categories, all were seen as vulnerable to climate change, although the level of vulnerability varied. The three aquatic systems evaluated (Great Plains streams and riparian areas; aquatic, riparian and wetland ecosystems in glaciated valleys, and low-gradient mountain stream reaches) were rated as the most vulnerable: 'highly vulnerable.' One terrestrial ecosystem (alpine turf and dwarf-shrublands) was also rated as having high vulnerability to climate change. Finally, two ecosystems were classified as moderately vulnerable to climate change (ponderosa pine woodlands and savannas and subalpine spruce-fir forests). The report, which is summarized in this companion document, provides detailed insights on vulnerability to climate change along with interactions with non-climate stressors for each ecosystem type."

  United States. Department of Agriculture; United States. Forest Service; Rocky Mountain Research Station (Fort Collins, Colo.)

  2018-07
• Climate Change, Crowd-Sourcing, and Conserving Aquatic Biotas in the Rocky Mountains This Century

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  "Climate change is causing rapid changes to stream habitats across the Rocky Mountains and Pacific Northwest as warmer air temperatures and changes in precipitation increase stream temperatures, alter stream hydrology, and increase the extent and magnitude of natural disturbances related to droughts and wildfires. These changes are affecting trout, salmon, and other fish populations, many of which are already subject to substantial non-climate stressors. Fish habitats at lower elevations--near the downstream edges of species distributions--are particularly vulnerable. However, three Rocky Mountain Research scientists are conducting research and developing applied management tools that harness the power of crowd-sourcing to generate information and create opportunities for collaboration and resource allocation decisions that may help to conserve some of the aquatic biotas currently at risk. This is enabling adaptation to move forward at a scale and pace more appropriate to the challenges posed by climate change."

  United States. Department of Agriculture; United States. Forest Service; Rocky Mountain Research Station (Fort Collins, Colo.)

  2014-07
• Climate Change Vulnerability and Adaptation in the Northern Rocky Mountains, Part 1

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  "The Northern Rockies Adaptation Partnership (NRAP) identified climate change issues relevant to resource management in the Northern Rockies (USA) region, and developed solutions intended to minimize negative effects of climate change and facilitate transition of diverse ecosystems to a warmer climate. The NRAP region covers 183 million acres, spanning northern Idaho, Montana, northwestern Wyoming, North Dakota, and northern South Dakota, and includes 15 national forests and 3 national parks across the U.S. Forest Service Northern Region and adjacent Greater Yellowstone Area. U.S. Forest Service scientists, resource managers, and stakeholders worked together over 2 years to conduct a state-of-science climate change vulnerability assessment and develop adaptation options for national forests and national parks in the Northern Rockies region. The vulnerability assessment emphasized water, fisheries, wildlife, forest and rangeland vegetation and disturbance, recreation, cultural heritage, and ecosystem services which are regarded as key resource areas for local ecosystems and communities. Resource managers used the assessment to develop a detailed list of ways to address climate change vulnerabilities through management actions. The large number of adaptation strategies and tactics, many of which are a component of current management practice, provide a pathway for slowing the rate of deleterious change in resource conditions."

  United States. Department of Agriculture; United States. Forest Service; Rocky Mountain Research Station (Fort Collins, Colo.)

  Halofsky, Jessica E.; Peterson, David L.; Dante-Wood, S. Karen . . .

  2018-03
• Congressional Budget Office Cost Estimate: H.R. 2345: National Suicide Hotline Improvement Act of 2018

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  "H.R. 2345 would require the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to coordinate with the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) and the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) within the Department of Health and Human Services to study and report on the feasibility of designating a N11 dialing code as a national suicide prevention and mental health crises hotline system."

  United States. Congressional Budget Office

  2018-07-20
• H. Rept. 116-190: DHS Acquisition Reform Act of 2019, Report to Accompany H.R. 3413, Including Cost Estimate of the Congressional Budget Office, August 30, 2019

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  From the Purpose and Summary: "The purpose of H.R. 3413, the 'DHS Acquisition Reform Act of 2019,' is to provide certain acquisition authorities for the Under Secretary of Management (USM) of the Department of Homeland Security. Specifically, H.R. 3413 designates the USM as the Department's Chief Acquisition Officer responsible for approving, pausing, modifying, or canceling major acquisition programs, as needed. The bill authorizes the USM to lead the Department's acquisition oversight body, the Acquisition Review Board, which oversees major acquisition programs, as well as establish acquisition policies to which all Department components shall comply."

  United States. Government Publishing Office

  2019-08-30
• Prescription Opioids: Patient Options for Safe and Effective Disposal of Unused Opioids, Report to Congressional Committees

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  From the GAO [Government Accountability Office] Highlights: "In 2017, an estimated 11.1 million Americans misused a prescription pain reliever, which included opioids. This misuse contributes to opioid abuse and death, which has quintupled from 1999 to 2017; about 17,000 people died from prescription opioid overdoses in 2017. Government agencies and stakeholders have attempted to address the potential for misuse and abuse by facilitating safe disposal of unused prescription opioids and other drugs. The SUPPORT [Substance Use-Disorder Prevention that Promotes Opioid Recovery and Treatment] for Patients and Communities Act enacted in 2018 included a provision for GAO to review patient disposal of unused opioids, among other things. This report examines (1) federally recommended and other available methods patients may use to dispose of unused prescription opioids, and (2) what is known about patients' use of these methods."

  United States. Government Accountability Office

  2019-09
• Arrears Owed by the United States to the United Nations and Other International Organizations

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  From the Report Outline: "This report covers October 1, 2018, through March 31, 2019. The amounts of arrears included in the report are as of January 1, 2019. [...] This report includes information about international organizations to which the United States makes an annual assessed contribution of $1 million or more through the Contributions to International Organizations (CIO) account, as well as through the Contributions for International Peacekeeping Activities account, which provides funds for UN peacekeeping expenses. The report also includes information on organizations that receive annual assessed contributions that are less than $1 million, if late U.S. payment or arrears triggered sanctions or affected U.S. influence at the organizations."

  United States. Department of State

  2019-06-04
• H. Rept. 116-194: Joint Task Force to Combat Opioid Trafficking Act of 2019, Report to Accompany H.R. 3722, Including Cost Estimate of the Congressional Budget Office, August 30, 2019

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  From the Purpose and Summary: "H.R. 3722, the 'Joint Task Force to Combat Opioid Trafficking Act of 2019' provides the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) with authorization to establish a Joint Task Force (JTF) to enhance the integration of DHS's border security operations to detect, interdict, disrupt, and prevent narcotics, such as fentanyl and other synthetic opioids, from entering the United States."

  United States. Government Publishing Office

  2019-08-30