SW CASC Funded Science Projects

Below is a list of all Southwest Climate Adaptation Science Center (SW CASC) funded projects, dating back to our inception in 2011. Please note that all official project information, including final reports, data and other project assets, are available on the CASC Project Explorer.

Stay tuned - 2026 projects coming soon!

2025 Projects

Whiskeytown National Recreation Area following the 2018 Carr Fire

Spread of Invasive Vegetation under Climate Change in the National Parks of the Klamath Region

Lete chicks near blooming succulents

Enhancing Community and Wildlife Resilience to Sea‐Level Rise and Infrastructure Development in the San Pablo Baylands

Ruins at Wupatki National Monument

Assessing the Vulnerability of Cultural Resources to Rainfall-driven Erosion in the Deadman Wash and Wupatki Wash Drainages of Wupatki National Monument, Arizona

Indian paintbrush flowers bloom near Rio Chama, New Mexico.

Shifting frontiers: understanding species’ abundance range shifts for informed conservation strategies

Gulf Coast Tick on vegetation

Biotic and Abiotic Drivers of the Prevalence of the Gulf Coast Tick and an Associated Vector Borne Disease in Arizona

2024

Spurring Innovation in Adaptation to Altered Fire Regimes in the Sonoran Desert

Translating Science to Action in Southern California’s Montane Forests

Accelerating Science to Action Partnerships (ASAP): Implementing science-driven adaptation strategies in the 2-3-2 Landscape

Supporting Effective Fire Risk Management Through Research: A Collaboration Between the Southwest Climate Adaptation Science Center and the Joint Fire Science Program

Southwest Climate Adaptation Science Center Consortium- Hosted by University of Arizona (2024-2029)

Wild Mustang horses running in a meadow in the Nevada desert.

Co-producing Robust Estimates of Feral Horses on Tribal Lands

Mule deer investigating a game camera in Madison Valley, Montana

Evaluating Corridor Conservation as a Drought Resiliency Strategy for Mule Deer Across a Gradient in Human Development

Sheep grazing in a meadow

Building Climate-Resilient Rangelands Amidst Fire, Grazing, and Ecological Invasion in California

Giant sequoia seedlings growing

Increasing Giant Sequoia Reforestation Success after Catastrophic Wildfire Using Soil and Microbial Indicators

Lower Klamath River flowing with trees on the bank

After the Dams: Fire Impacts and Restoration Opportunities for a Culturally Important Klamath River Willow

The Colorado River in the foreground with the Corona Arches of Utah in the background.d

Adding Fuel to the Fire: Determining Vegetation-Specific Drought Timescales That Enhance Fuel Flammability and Fire Potential

Great Salt Lake

Mapping Community Experiences and Concerns Related to Drying Lakes in Arid Climates

2023

A desert landscape with grass in the foreground and mountains in the background.

Cultivating Water Resilience with Indigenous Peoples in Arid Lands

The headwaters of the Colorado and Gunnison Rivers

How do Atmospheric Rivers and Downslope Winds Affect Wildfire Risk and Water Resources in the Arid Southwest?

San Luis Reservoir surrounded by grassy hills

Rendering High-Resolution Hydro-Climatic Data for Southern California

Aspen trees with yellow leaves

Assessing Post-Fire Aspen Seedling Success on the Colorado Plateau

The Blue River with shrubs and hills

Mapping Riparian Vegetation Response to Climate Change on the San Carlos Apache Reservation and Upper Gila River Watershed to Inform Restoration Priorities: 1935 to Present (Phase 2)

A monarch butterfly

Reducing Wildfire Risk While Maintaining Critical Monarch Habitat Along the California Coast

A wildfire burning through grass beneath trees

Future of Fire Phase II: Learning by Doing with Cultural Fire Practitioners

A forest in Sierra Nevada with yellow leaves on trees and snowy mountains

How Do Critical Life History Stages Limit Plant Adaptation to Changing Climate? The Role of Seedling and Sapling Survivorship in Ecosystem Resilience

Colorado River dry delta in California

Automating Custom Climate Reports to Support Natural Resource Management in the Southwest

Lake Mead with low water levels

Understanding the Effects of Seasonal Precipitation Changes on Hydrology and Ecosystems in the Colorado River Basin

California mountains

Modeling Large Fires in Response to Potential Tipping Points in Fuel Dryness

An elk in the forest

Developing a Next-Generation Climate Change Vulnerability Index in Support of Climate-Informed Natural-Resource Management

2022

Lake Mead riverbank, showing several feet of white stone where water levels used to reach

Future of the Colorado River (Phase 2): Reservoir Operation to Balance Water Supply and River Ecosystems in the Grand Canyon

Smoke filled ponderosa pine forest with active prescribed fire

From Refugia to Resilience: Wildfires, Changing Climate, and Landscape Transformation in the Southwestern U.S.

Dry wetland near a river mouth with grass and mudcracks

Future of Aquatic Flows: Endangered streams: Understanding misalignments between aquatic flows and management strategies to inform adaptation efforts

Flowing stream surrounded by lush vegetation

Future of Aquatic Flows: Towards a National Synthesis of Streamflow Regimes Under a Changing Climate

Rocky landscape with a natural rock arch

Promoting Peer-to-Peer Knowledge Exchange on Climate and Fire Adaptation in the Southwestern United States

The Colorado River winding through a canyon and vegetation

Enhancing Indigenous Research and Data Governance in Southwest Climate Adaptation Initiatives

Smoke from Shultz Fire obscuring a mountain

Understanding Extreme Wildfire Events to Manage for Fire-Resistant and Resilient Landscapes

A lake surrounded by forest and mountains

California Reforestation Management Toolshed: A Web-Based Dashboard of Integrating Existing Resources

Wildflowers growing on hills in great basin national park

Uniting Western Restoration Strategies and Traditional Knowledge to Build Community Capacity and Climate Resilience on the Navajo Nation

Active wildfire with burnt trees and smoke obscuring the horizon

Improving Water Resilience and Availability Through Culturally Prescribed Fires as a Management Tool on Yurok Tribal Lands

Fire fighters in forest monitoring a prescribed burn

Cycles of Renewal: Returning Good Fire to the Chumash Homelands

Wild poppies on Sierra Nevada mountainside

Evaluation of Network Tools to Advance Climate Adaptation in the Southwest

Gassy steppe with shrubs and one tree

Understanding Forest Recovery Priorities, Management Options, and Policy Needs for Tribes in Post-Fire Landscapes

Oak woodland on mountainside

Assessing Vulnerability of Vegetation and Wildlife Communities to Post-Fire Transformations to Guide Management of Southwestern Pine Forests and Woodlands

Colorado River winding through red bluffs

Climate MicroApps: Assessment and Innovation in Climate Decision Support Tools for Land Managers

2021

Oak grove

Tribal-Led Renewal of Black Oak Traditions for Climate Adaptations

Snowy mountains of Kings Canyon National Park

The Risks and Consequences of Catastrophic Wildfires on the Conifer Forests of the Sierra Nevada of California

Grassy plains with mountains in background

Monitoring and Adaptation to Conserve Clear Lake Cultural Keystone Species

Wildflowers on a slope in a forest

Indigenous-Led Climate Adaptation Strategies: Integrating Landscape Condition, Monitoring, and Cultural Fire with the North Fork Mono Tribe

Ocean and beach next to forested cliffs

Northern California Tribal Climate Adaptation and Science Integration Research Project

Fire burning in a forest

Landscape Management Practices on the Pueblo de San Ildefonso

Gila river surrounded by trees

Mapping Riparian Vegetation Response to Climate Change on the San Carlos Apache Reservation and Upper Gila River Watershed to Inform Restoration Priorities: 1935 to Present (Phase 1)

2020

A wildfire burning near a coastline

Future of Fire in the Southwest: Towards a National Synthesis of Wildland Fire Under a Changing Climate

Fire burning in forest

Future of Fire: Towards a National Synthesis of Wildland Fire Under a Changing Climate

Forest on mountainside

A Climate-Informed Conservation Strategy for Southern California’s Montane Forests

Smoke from Shultz Fire obscuring a mountain

A Climate-Informed Adaptation and Post-Fire Strategy for the Southwestern Region

Smoke from fire on mountain

Learning From the Past and Planning for the Future: Experience-Driven Insight Into Managing for Ecosystem Transformations Induced by Drought and Wildfire

Sierra Nevada mountains in background with trees in fall

Designing Climate-Resilient Habitat for At-Risk Species in the Southern Sierra Nevada Forest

Active wildfire with burnt trees and smoke obscuring the horizon

Cultural Burning as a Climate Adaptation Strategy

Muddy banks of the Colorado River

Actionable Science to Understand the Effects of Recent Temperature Increases to Inform Natural Resources Management in the Southwestern United States

Two workers in a greenhouse

Science to Help Move From Mortality to Recovery in Western Forests and Woodlands

River valley with green trees

Can Management Actions Support Forest Regeneration Across the Diverse Landscapes and Climate Change Futures of the Southwestern U.S.?

Coastline of California with cliffs and waves

Evaluating Ecosystem-Based Adaptation Options for Coastal Resilience

2019

Elk in mountainous region

Understanding the Effects of Climate Variability and Change on Ungulates in North America

Gassy steppe with shrubs and one tree

A Synthesis of Climate Change Refugia Science and Management Actions to Inform Climate Adaptation in the Southwest

Red mountains and green vegetation in Arizona

Forest Monitoring and Tree Ring Data to Inform Forest Management on the Navajo Nation

The Colorado River winding through a canyon and vegetation

The Impacts of Climate Change and Water Supply Management on Fish in the Colorado River

Scarce vegetation in Texas

State of the Science Synthesis on Transformational Drought: Understanding Drought’s Potential to Transform Ecosystems Across the Country

2018

Helicopter flies over burning forest

Collaborative Initiatives

Southwest Climate Adaptation Science Center Consortium- Hosted by University of Arizona (2018-2024)

Mountains covered in vegetation

Understanding Fire-caused Vegetation Type Conversion in Southwestern Conifer Forests under Current and Future Climate Conditions

Grassy plains with mountains in background

Building Knowledge Exchange Networks to Support Climate Adaptation in the Interior Southwest

Rocky outcrop overlooking wildflowers and a small lake

Improving and Accelerating the Application of Science to Natural Resource Management in California

Saguaros in desert with mountains in background

Collaborating with Resource Managers to Identify and Address Phenological Information Needs

Active wildfire with burnt trees and smoke obscuring the horizon

Preventing Extreme Fire Events by Learning from History: The Effects of Wind, Temperature, and Drought Extremes on Fire Activity

Yellow trees in rolling hills and Sierra Nevada mountains in background.

Post-Fire Conifer Regeneration Under a Warming Climate: Will Severe Fire Be a Catalyst for Forest Loss?

Caribou grazing in an artic coastal plain

Synthesizing Climate Change Impacts on Wildlife Health and Identifying Adaptation Strategies

Sagebrush with snowy mountains in background

Big Sagebrush Response to Wildfire and Invasive Grasses in the 21st Century

Burning sagebrush

Improving the Success of Post-Fire Adaptive Management Strategies in Sagebrush Steppe

2017

Colorado River and vegetation in desert canyon landscape

Evaluating Current Projects to Inform Future Development of Actionable Science in the Southwest

Sunset over desert landscape

Assessing Stakeholder Needs for Effective Actionable Science

Birds flying over wetlands

Climate Extremes and Ecological Impacts to California Estuaries

Coastal salt marsh habitat

Assessing Climate Impacts and Adaptation for Biodiversity and Natural Resources in San Diego County

Small brown bird on desert sand

Understanding Changes to the Timing of Natural Events (Phenology) for Plants in the Water-Limited Southwest

Blue river with canyon walls and green vegetation on both sides

Anticipating Future Impacts of Temperature on Streamflow in the Colorado River Basin

Snowy western mountains with vegetation and deer in foreground

Learning From Recent Snow Droughts to Improve Forecasting of Water Availability for People and Forests

Dry light-colored grass in arid landscape

The Role of Climate in Shaping Invasive Plant Abundance across Different Spatial Locations

Lush green rolling hills and blue sky

Forecasting Resource Availability for Wildlife Populations in Desert Grasslands under Future Climate Extremes

2016

Coastal water meets forested hills with low clouds and sunset

Workshops and Collaborations to Improve Biodiversity and Climate Modeling

Dry desert landscape with low mountains and blue sky in background

Assessing Southwest Resources, Future Climate Scenarios, and Possible Adaptation Actions to Support Conservation Planning

Yellow grassland and desert mountain and blue sky in background

Continued Partnerships to Increase Capacity for Tribal Natural Resource Adaptation Planning

Yellowing and dying trees in pine forest

Leaf to Landscape: Understanding and Mapping the Vulnerability of Forests to Hotter Droughts

Blue lake in dry desert landscape

Pyramid Lake Paiute Tribe Traditional Knowledge and Climate Change Adaptation

2015

Yellow trees in rolling hills and Sierra Nevada mountains in background.

Response of High Mountain Ecosystems in the Great Basin to Historic and Future Climate Change

Green conifer tree with misty forest mountains in background.

Producing Impactful Science: The Effect of Stakeholder Engagement Strategies on the Use of Climate Science in Management Decisions

Orange fire and smoke burning forest

Can Prescribed Fire Help Forests Survive Drought in the Sierra Nevada Mountains?

Full moon over foggy wetland with waterfowl

The Impact of Drought on Waterbirds and Their Wetland Habitats in California’s Central Valley

Wildflowers in desert landscape with mountains, clouds, and blue sky in background.

Building Partnerships to Assess Tribal Adaptation to Climate Change and Science Needs in the Southwest

Person takes notes in a field of tall green grass and shrubs.

Relations Among Cheatgrass, Fire, Climate, and Sensitive-Status Birds across the Great Basin

Big gray smoke plumes from forest fire

Fighting Drought with Fire: A Comparison of Burned and Unburned Forests in Drought-Impacted Areas of the Southwest

Lake with brown-blue water and green shrubs in far shoreline.

Assessing the Impacts of Restoration Efforts on Water and Natural Systems in a Changing World

Verde river flowing through desert sand, green vegetation, and blue sky

Possible Future Changes to Water Resources in the Salt and Verde River Basins Associated with Atmospheric River Events

2014

San Luis water reservoir

Improving Understanding of Climate Extremes in the Southwestern United States

Rolling hills covered in wildflowers

Assessing the Usefulness of Vulnerability Assessments and Other Science-based Tools in Climate Adaptation

Rain falls in Joshua Tree National Park

Linking Extreme Storms to Changes in Precipitation, Ecosystems, and Wildfire Patterns in the Sierra Nevada

Coastline of California

Effects of Sea-Level Rise and Extreme Storms on California Coastal Habitats: Part 2

Smoke from Shultz Fire obscuring a mountain

How Does Drought Influence Fire Severity in the Southwestern U.S.?

Colorado River winding through Marble Canyon

Examining the Influence of Temperature and Precipitation on Colorado River Water Resources: Reconstructing the Past to Understand the Future

2013

Sonoran Desert with mountains in background

Assessing the Use of Climate Information in Resource Management Decisions in the Southwest

La Sal Mountains with agave and juniper

Evaluating the Impact of Climate Science Produced by the Southwest CSC on Resource Management Agency Decisions Primary tabs View Edit Delete Revisions Clone

Active wildfire with burnt trees and smoke obscuring the horizon

The Influence of the North Pacific Jet Stream on Future Fire in California

Stormy clouds over Grand County

Understanding and Communicating the Role of Natural Climate Variability in a Changing World

Wildflowers blooming in Schell Creek Range

Understanding and Projecting Changes in Climate, Hydrology, and Ecology in the Great Basin for the Next 30 Years

The Colorado River winding through a canyon and vegetation

Projecting Future Streamflow in the Colorado River Basin

2012

Waves crashing on California coastline

Effects of Sea-Level Rise and Extreme Storms on California Coastal Habitats: Part 1

Blue lake in dry desert landscape

Climate Change Vulnerability of the Pyramid Lake Paiute Tribe in the Southwest

Fire burning in a forest

The Vulnerability of Forests to Climate Change and Wildfire in the Southwestern U.S.

San Pedro River with trees

Improving Groundwater Supply Forecasting in the Southwestern U.S.

Snowy Sierra Nevada Mountains

Analysis of Downscaled Climate Simulations and Projections and Their Use in Decision Making for the Southwest

Red mountains and green vegetation in Arizona

Identifying the Vulnerability of Birds and Reptiles to Changes in Climate in the Southwest

Wildflowers growing on Sierra Nevadas

Using Climate and Water Models to Examine Future Water Availability and Biodiversity in California and the Great Basin

2011

Sonoran Desert with mountains in background

Synthesis of Current Science and Assessment of Science Needs for Adaptation in the Southwest

Sierra Nevada mountains in background with trees in fall

Assessment of Available Climate Models and Projections for the Southwest Region