ES-02. Double Trouble: Addressing the intersection of invasive species and climate change through the RISCC Network

Abstract
Stakeholders in the North Central region have identified invasive species and woody encroachment, wildfire, and habitat and ecological transformation as key management issues. Similarly, natural resource managers consistently identify invasive species as one of the biggest challenges for ecological adaptation to climate change, yet report only sometimes considering climate change in their management. Given the many ways that invasive species and climate change interact, it is more critical than ever to integrate adaptation science and management for invasive species. Some of these interactions include: extreme events creating new invasion opportunities, shifting species’ ranges, phenology changes, increased invasive competitiveness, and new introduction pathways with a changing climate. The North Central Regional Invasive Species and Climate Change (NC RISCC) Network connects managers and researchers to integrate climate adaptation science and management for invasive species.