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Date Permissions Signed

5-21-2021

Date of Award

Spring 2021

Document Type

Masters Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Arts (MA)

Department

Environmental Studies

First Advisor

Laninga, Tamara Jean

Second Advisor

Peterson, David L. (David Lawrence), 1954-

Third Advisor

Wang, Grace A.

Abstract

Public lands in the United States serve critical roles for ecosystems and humans alike, but they have become increasingly vulnerable to climate change. Many agencies have attempted to reduce negative effects of climate change through adaptation planning. This research evaluates the implementation of the North Cascadia Adaptation Partnership (NCAP), which was developed in 2010 to provide science-based guidance to land managers in the North Cascades Ecosystem (Raymond, Peterson & Rochefort, 2013). The NCAP consists of four federal land units: North Cascades National Park, Mt. Baker- Snoqualmie National Forest, Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest, and Mt. Rainier National Park. Relying on survey and interview data, I assess how land managers are perceiving and responding to climate change, but more specifically how they are using the North Cascadia Adaptation Partnership vulnerability assessment. While some differences are apparent between the National Park Service and U.S. Forest Service agencies, common factors influencing implementation of strategies and tactics include level of collaboration, barriers, and agency culture. I conclude with recommendations for how agencies can better incorporate climate change adaptation planning and action into existing planning and decision-making processes. Adaptation partnership outcomes would be enhanced with regular revisions and repeated workshop offerings, as well as continued evaluation of climate change focused research.

Type

Text

Keywords

Public Lands, Climate Change, Adaptation, National Parks, National Forests

Publisher

Western Washington University

OCLC Number

1253402019

Subject – LCSH

Forests and forestry--Climatic factors--Washington (State); Forest ecology--Washington (State); Ecosystem management--Washington (State); Public lands--Washington (State)--Management

Format

application/pdf

Genre/Form

masters theses

Language

English

Rights

Copying of this document in whole or in part is allowable only for scholarly purposes. It is understood, however, that any copying or publication of this document for commercial purposes, or for financial gain, shall not be allowed without the author’s written permission.

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