RESTON, Va. — Today, the U.S. Geological Survey finalized agreements with the universities, colleges and Tribal organizations to form the Alaska, Northwest and Southeast Climate Adaptation Science Centers (CASCs) for the next five years.

The three CASCs, which continue to be hosted by same host universities, welcomed 12 returning and eight new consortium partners with new agreements that went into effect August 1, 2023.

“Welcoming new partners also allows us to re-frame our programs around our evolving priorities,” says Doug Beard, USGS national chief of the Climate Adaptation Science Centers. “These new consortiums reflect our continued commitment to providing accessible climate adaptation science for the landscapes and communities that need it most.”

The expanded consortiums now include additional Tribal organizations, historically black colleges and universities (HBCUs), and universities in Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands. This allows CASCs to better engage with historically underserved communities across the Nation.

Each regional CASC is made up of a network of scientists, natural resource managers and Tribal citizens and Indigenous peoples united under a common goal of protecting lands, waters and people in the face of a changing climate. CASCs generate regionally-focused climate science and tools to help partners develop climate adaptation strategies that meet on-the-ground needs.

Regional CASCs re-compete their host agreements every five years, allowing new institutions to join the consortiums and enabling the universities and USGS to re-negotiate funding for staffing, student research opportunities, and other program activities.

Member institutions were selected after an open competition and extensive review by scientific experts:

• The Alaska CASC will continue to be hosted by the University of Alaska Fairbanks and welcomes back the University of Alaska Anchorage and the University of Alaska Southeast as consortium partners.
• The Northwest CASC will continue to be hosted by the University of Washington and welcomes back consortium partners Boise State University, Oregon State University, University of Montana, Washington State University and Western Washington University. It will also include new consortium partners the Affiliated Tribes of Northwest Indians, Northwest Indian College and Portland State University.
• The Southeast CASC will continue to be hosted by North Carolina State University and welcomes back consortium partners Auburn University, Duke University, University of Florida, University of South Carolina and the University of Tennessee Knoxville. It will also include new consortium partners Savannah State University, the United Southern and Eastern Tribes, University of Arkansas at Monticello, University of Puerto Rico at Rio Piedras and the University of the Virgin Islands.

Learn more about the CASC Network >>

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