The Northern Institute of Applied Climate Science (NIACS) is a collaborative, multi-institutional partnership led by the USDA Forest Service. The mission of NIACS is to develop and provide applied ecological, economic, social, and cultural information that can be used in ecosystem climate adaptation and carbon management. 

The NIACS partnership includes the following Federal, forest sector, conservation, higher education, and tribal organizations: 

• USDA Forest Service Northern Research Station 
• USDA Forest Service Eastern Region 
• American Forests 
• Great Lakes Indian Fish and Wildlife Commission 
• Michigan State University 
• Michigan Technological University 
• National Council for Air and Stream Improvement, Inc.
• University of Minnesota College of Food, Agriculture and Natural Resource Sciences 
• University of Vermont 

NIACS partners work together on the following activities in support of the NIACS mission and the USDA Northern Forests Climate Hub: 

• Conduct climate change assessment and science synthesis to improve understanding of climate change impacts on ecosystems and associated environmental services. 
• Create a diverse array of decision-support frameworks, tools, and resources to support natural resource professionals in addressing climate change, recognizing the need to allow individuals and organizations to reflect their unique values and management context. 
• Provide technical assistance to meet the needs of specific public, Tribal, and private land management organizations in addressing climate change, including demonstration of a range of adaptation actions representing diverse management goals and land conditions. 
• Increase climate literacy among natural resource professionals, emphasizing active exploration and hands-on training.    

NIACS staff conduct research and perform science delivery to make the best available science available to land managers, woodland owners, and others working to sustain natural ecosystems. The USDA Forest Service staff at NIACS serve as key points of contact supporting Region 9’s National Forests; and State, Private and Tribal Forestry efforts. 

View the NIACS website at www.niacs.org