The USDA Climate Hubs were established in 2014 and are a unique collaboration across the department’s agencies. A network of 11 Hubs gathers contributions from USDA agencies and partners to develop and deliver science-based information and technologies to natural resources and agricultural managers, thereby enabling climate-informed decision-making, reducing agricultural risk, and building resilience to climate change. The USDA Northern Forests Climate Hub (NFCH), led by the Forest Service Northern Research Station, was designed to provide additional forestry-specific expertise to the Midwest and Northeast Climate Hubs.
Regional Forestry-Specific Expertise
The USDA Northern Forests Climate Hub was designed to provide additional forestry-specific expertise in the Midwest and Northeast regions, leveraging the USDAs Forest Service-led NIACS partnership and its resources to meet the complex needs of land managers and woodland owners in the region. NIACS was formed in 2003 and many of the most identifiable NIACS products, including the Adaptation Workbook and training curricula, are now used by the USDA Northern Forests Climate Hub and other regional Hubs.
NIACS is a Core Component of the Climate Hub
The NIACS partnership is a core initiative of the USDA Northern Forests Climate Hub. The Hub convenes the NIACS partners and helps coordinate partnership activities. The partnership provides integral support to the Northern Forests Climate Hub, as well as engages in some national Hub efforts. The individuals working on NIACS and Northern Forests Climate Hub projects operate as a collaborative, shared team.