Overview

Established in 2021, the Midwest CASC (MW CASC) provides regionally-relevant scientific information, tools, and techniques to resource managers and communities in Minnesota, Iowa, Missouri, Wisconsin, Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, and Ohio. It is based at host institution University of Minnesota and is a consortium of research-focused academic, Tribal, and non-profit partners working collaboratively with the United States Geological Survey (USGS).

The MW CASC supports management and protection of land, water, and natural resources with actionable climate science, innovation, and decision support tools. It pays special attention to Tribal concerns and builds off the unique and robust experience of Midwest Tribes with adaptation science and practice. This includes a fellowship program for graduate students and a summer research experience for undergraduates focused on Tribal participation. The CASC prioritizes research on the interplay of natural resources, forestry, streams and wetlands, with agricultural and urban areas, land uses that are prominent in the Midwest. 

Guided by a set of Science Priorities, we address regional climate issues, including: heavy rainfall and drought, loss of winter, altered hydrological regimes, novel terrestrial landscapes, and opportunities for adaptation. 

To facilitate communication and collaboration with Tribal Nations in the region, the Midwest CASC is joined by a Bureau of Indian Affairs Tribal Resilience Liaison.

Consortium:

• University of Minnesota Twin Cities (Host)
• College of Menominee Nation
• Great Lakes Indian Fish and Wildlife Commission
• Indiana University
• Michigan State University
• The Nature Conservancy.
• University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
• University of Minnesota Duluth
• University of Wisconsin-Madison