The North Central Climate Science Center (NC CSC) funded research activities in order to provide pertinent climate information to natural resource managers in our region to evaluate impacts of climatic changes and to develop strategies to respond to changes affecting their natural and cultural resources.  These funded activities provided improved climate data sets, such as the high resolution temperature dataset, derived data from the latest international climate projections. The NC CSC used this information and additional climate information to evaluate and assess impacts on ecosystem and natural resources. This information was generated in partnership with National Park Service managers, Native American leaders, and groups working with various non-governmental organizations, such as The Nature Conservancy. In addition, information on climate changes and impacts were incorporated into regional assessment efforts for the 3rd US National Climate Assessment (NCA) and for the Colorado Vulnerability Study.

Adaptation research efforts and development of strategies with various natural resource managers from federal (especially our Landscape Conservation Cooperative groups associated with our region), state, and Native American communities were carried out. NC CSC staff used surveys and interviews to gain insights in how various climate changes, especially those related to drought conditions, have been affecting their management practices. This information was important in guiding further research with our management communities related to what climate information would be useful, what impacts are being observed or of concern to these management entities, and what pathways are open to meet challenges related to climatic changes.