August 29, 2025 | News & Events

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Evolution in Fast Forward: Novel Study Yields Major Findings for Invasive Fish Management

A new publication led by former NE CASC Research Fellow Liam Zarri reveals important and unexpected lessons about invasive species management. Decades of invasive smallmouth bass removal from the Adirondacks resulted in a novel discovery of rapid evolution. Despite the absence of a clear physiological adaptation pathway, intensive manual removal produced a larger population of the invasive predatory fish, growing faster and maturing earlier. The article was recently published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Science. Watch Video >>


Forest Regeneration in an Era of Climate Change: Building Community to Secure the Future

Stretching across approximately 50 million acres of land in New England and New York, the hardwood and spruce-fir forests of the Upper Northeast are a pervasive presence across the region. It is not surprising, then, that they are also intertwined with many aspects of the area’s ecology, economy, and culture. Despite their prominence in sustaining the vitality of the region, however, forests in the Upper Northeast have been imperiled by an overlapping array of threats that have begun impairing their ability to regenerate naturally. To address this emerging crisis, NE CASC PI Anthony D’Amato and his collaborators are conducting a wide array of tree-planting experiments that will be used to alter the downward trajectory of the region’s forests and protect them for future generations. A key first step in reshaping the future of these essential natural resources is fundamentally social: building community. Read More >>

More Evidence That Relationships Drive Actionable Science

Scientists often try to engage with practitioners using a ‘loading dock’ approach, which involves doing applied science and then hoping that managers will find it. Unfortunately, decades of research–largely in medical fields–have shown that this approach is ineffective. Instead, intentionally building relationships between scientists and practitioners is critical for integrating science into management and decision-making. Led by Marissa Weiss, new NE CASC research–which involved extensive interviews with researchers and stakeholders for ten NE CASC projects–shows that focusing on building relationships is central to the successful exchange of information between science and practice. This work was recently published in BioScience and reinforces our commitment to strengthening the NE CASC community and supporting long-term projects in the region. Read Synthesis >>

Long-Time Team Member Departs NE CASC

Since joining NE CASC in 2019 as Outreach and Communications Manager, Will Kazmier has been the cornerstone of NE CASC communications. Over his six-year tenure, he brought new ideas, dedication, and extensive experience to all of our communications. Will’s work has included everything from crafting our monthly newsletters and producing engaging webinar series to helping students develop communications skills that will serve them in their future careers.


As one student enthused, “Will was fantastic---very supportive and adaptive. While it could be difficult to squeeze time for assignments into the work week, it was incredibly helpful to get words on paper, go through the editing process, and receive feedback.”


Will also played an integral role in planning team events, fostering connection and collaboration across the organization. His passion for storytelling and his ability to communicate NE CASC’s mission with clarity and heart consistently elevated the center’s voice and broadened its impact.


“Will has an amazing ability to distill a cloud of ideas to its very essence,” said Bethany Bradley, NE CASC University co-Director. “We are sorry to see him go.”


Will’s contributions were integral to sharing the science of NE CASC across the whole enterprise. “Will was incredibly generous with his expertise, feedback, and support. He turned my sometimes convoluted and always complicated research results into stories that were meaningful to managers and the public,” noted NE CASC Research Ecologist Toni Lyn Morelli. “He will be greatly missed.”


NE CASC is deeply grateful for Will’s work and wishes him the very best in his next chapter.

Online & In-Person Events

Thursday, September 25th @ 10:00 AM ET

NE RISCC and NE CASC Coffee Talk

Seeds of change: Assisting gene flow for climate adaptation

Description: Join authors Eve Beaury (New York Botanical Garden), Matt Brincka (New York State Parks), Grace Gutierrez (University of Massachusetts Amherst), and Bethany Bradley (University of Massachusetts Amherst) to learn more about the newly published NE RISCC Research to Practice Paper "Seeds of change: Assisting gene flow for climate adaptation". Following a presentation on the conceptual background and a case study, we’ll answer questions and host a facilitated discussion with event participants. Anyone interested in climate adaptation and seed sourcing strategies is welcome to join this free event. This event is co-hosted by the Northeast Regional Invasive Species and Climate Change Management Network (NE RISCC) and the Northeast Climate Adaptation Science Center (NE CASC).

Registration Information >>


Wednesday, October 15th

Mass ECAN Field Trip

Description: The group will start the morning in Northampton at the Pine Grove Golf Course to discuss partnering with beavers on flood resiliency. Stick around for a networking lunch! 

Following this, the group heads to Belchertown with partners from MassWildlife Fisheries to observe pit tagging of fish and learn about the systems used to track fish movements!

More Information >>

Opportunities

Resist-Accept-Direct (RAD) Resources & Listserv

The Resist-Accept-Direct (RAD) framework is a tool that helps resource managers make informed strategies for responding to socio-ecological changes, including climate change. The RADish listserv is a community of practice formed to promote the use and understanding of the RAD framework. Community members can share RAD-relevant communications and receive a quarterly RAD news bulletin distributed by the National CASC. Learn more about RAD, access resources, and sign up for the RADish list. Learn More>>


Institute for Tribal Environmental Professionals: Tribal Technical Assistance

The Institute for Tribal Environmental Professionals has launched a new offering, the Caring for our Relatives Program, which provides free technical assistance for Tribal nations and communities to advance climate change planning and ecological resilience. The open office hours are one option for engaging with this program. These quick drop-in discussions are held every 4th Wednesday of the month at 1:30 PM ET. Register >>


Job Opportunity: Postdoctoral Research Scholar

The Environmental Data Science Innovation and Impact Lab (ESIIL) within CIRES at the University of Colorado Boulder welcomes applications for Postdoctoral Research Scholars who are working in the field of environmental data science (EDS) to address pressing environmental challenges. ESIIL’s vision is grounded in the conviction that innovation and breakthroughs in EDS will be precipitated by a collaborative research community empowered by open data and infrastructure, cross-sector and community partnerships (e.g., academic, non-profit, government, industry), team science, and engaged learning. ESIIL Postdoctoral Research Scholars are expected to produce innovative and/or applied environmental biology research to thrive in the rapidly evolving field of EDS. More Information >>

Northeast Climate Adaptation Science Center

necasc.umass.edu

627 North Pleasant Street

Amherst, MA 01003