Fall 2020 - Issue 3
USDA California Climate Hub
News & Notes
Adaptation Strategies and Approaches
for California Forest Ecosystems
California’s forests are experiencing unprecedented stress and disturbances. These events are driven by multiple factors, including the effects of climate change, interacting to create conditions favorable for high severity fire, drought, and disease and insect outbreaks. Adapting the state’s forests to these conditions is increasingly necessary; however, it is often challenging to translate broad conceptual frameworks for climate change adaptation into explicit actions.

The Adaptation Strategies and Approaches for California Forest Ecosystems report is a menu of adaptation strategies offering flexible, yet tangible, options for integrating climate change considerations into California forest management. It reflects the context of the state's forests and is informed by a synthesis of California forest adaptation literature. The menu is designed to be used with the Adaptation Workbook, which provides a flexible process for natural resource professionals to incorporate potential effects of climate change on forests into their planning, decision-making, and implementation. 
Welcoming new Assistant Specialist Devon Johnson


The California Climate Hub is pleased to announce a new addition to our team. Devon Johnson joined us in mid November as an Assistant Specialist in Agriculture and Climate Adaptation Science.

Prior to joining the Hub, Devon served as a food policy analyst for the Colorado Farm and Food Systems Response Team. She also has prior experience as a research assistant at the University of Vermont where she worked on assessing how to aid New England farmers adapt to climate change.

Devon has experience in agriculture and climate change adaptation research, data and policy analysis, and group collaboration. In her role with the Hub, she will use her expertise to work with a diverse team of researchers and stakeholders to assess the needs of agricultural stakeholders for commodity-based climate adaptation resources and information. She will also provide technical expertise in synthesizing, planning, and executing projects that support climate adaptation science of agriculture in California. Devon holds B.A.s in Environmental Studies and Policy Studies from Elon University and an M.S. in Food Systems from the University of Vermont. Welcome, Devon!
Exploring California
Climate Change Connections
CalEPA's Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment is convening a virtual workshop to explore the latest scientific evidence for the interconnectedness of climate change and its impacts. The workshop will take place December 2nd and 3rd and will feature presentations from leading researchers and representatives of tribes and community organizations. 
In Every Issue...
Climate, Drought, and Fire Outlooks
For more information on the climate, drought, soil moisture, or fire outlooks, click on the images below.
Warmer than normal November temperatures are expected across the state.
Normal precipitation conditions are expected for November in NorCal, drier than normal conditions for SoCal as La Nina sets up.
Drought conditions currently impact about 42% of the state's population.
Drought is expected to linger through fall in NorCal, and develop in SoCal. Likely a result of LaNina.
Below average soil moisture is expected for November, and then winter rains arrive.
For more on the fire outlook for Northern California, click here.

For more on the fire outlook for Southern California, click here.
In the News
Events

December 2 San Joaquin Valley Grape Symposium Virtual Meeting

January 25 NIACS Adaptation Planning and Practices Online Courses

February 15 Society of Rangeland Management Virtual Meeting.
Opportunities

CalCAN is hiring a Field Organizer. The position is open until filled.

USDA Organic Agriculture Research and Extension Initiative funding proposals due January 14

AFRI Foundational and Applied Science Program grant proposals due July 29
Get Involved!
We encourage you to be in touch if we can be of service or assistance. Contact Hub Director Steve Ostoja and check out the California Climate Hub website for more information.

Have something you'd like us to share with our newsletter recipients? Know of a colleague who should be a part of our Spotlight series? Please let us know! Contact Hub Coordinator Lauren Parker.
The USDA California Climate Hub within the Agricultural Research Service at the UC Davis John Muir Institute works with partners across federal and state agencies, universities, and industry to help enable climate-informed decision making and advance the adaptive capacity for California's working and managed agricultural, range, and forest lands. Through these newsletters we share news and information of relevance and interest to our stakeholders.