The Future of the West: Adapting to a Warmer World: – Abstract – Presentation  Opening Keynote Speaker addresses peer-reviewed, state-of-the-science knowledge and issues of genuine debate versus manufactured conspiracy.   
Dr. Lisa Graumlich, Director, School of Natural Resources, University of Arizona

Panel Presentation – Climate Change and Western Deserts: Panel presentation of desert specific concerns and issues about climate change and variability and species responses (20 minutes per speaker).

Mohave-Colorado Desert – Wind Erosion and Dust Emission in Western Deserts – More or less in the Future – Abstract  – Presentation          
Dr. Rich Reynolds, Research Geologist, Earth Surface Dynamics Program, USGS, Denver 

Great Basin Desert – Climate Change – Abstract – Presentation
Dr. Stan Smith,
Professor of Biological Sciences, University of Nevada, Las Vegas

Climate Change and the Sonoran Desert – Abstract – Presentation
Dr. Travis Huxman, Professor of Physiological and Ecosystem Ecology, University of Arizona, Tucson

Challenges for Future Water Management in the Southwest – Abstract – Presentation
Implications of changing demographics and land use patterns in desert areas, increasing water and energy demands, and challenges for resource managers.  
Dr. Stan Leake  – Research Hydrologist, USGS Arizona Water Science Center, Tucson

Panel Discussion –  Human Uses/Impacts, Mgmt & Policy Implications
Development by Design: Blending Landscape Level Planning with the Mitigation Hierarchy – Abstract – Presentation
Dr. Joe Kiesecker – Energy by Design Program, The Nature Conservancy

Climate Change and Urban Form in the West – Abstract – Presentation
Dr. Rebecca Carter – Growth Policy Program, Sonoran Institute

Springs and Groundwater Monitoring and Modeling of Recent and Long-term Climate Change – Abstract – Presentation
Dr. Abe Springer – Professor of Hydrogeology,
Northern Arizona  University, Flagstaff  

WorldCafé: Adapting to Climate Change – Abstract  – a creative process for a conversation leading to collaborative dialogue, sharing knowledge and creating possibilities for action.
Dr. Gregg Garfin (Lead Moderator) – Program Manager/Investigator, Institute for the Study of Planet Earth, University of Arizona

Thursday April 10:

Nonnative Plants, Regional Climate Change and Emerging Desert Fire Regimes – Abstract – Presentation 
Dr. Guy McPherson – Professor of Conservation Biology, School of Natural Resources, University of Arizona, Tucson

Wildlife Connectivity: we’ve been telling you for twenty years that we don’t have enough time to gather the data – Abstract – Presentation 
Dr. Tom Scott – Professor of Conservation Biology, University of California, Riverside

Managing Landscape Linkages to Conserve Desert Wildlife during an Era of Climate Change – Abstract – Presentation
Dr. Wayne Spencer – Senior Conservation Biologist, Conservation Biology Institute, and Science Advisor, South Coast Wildlands

Modeling Approaches for Predicting Climate Change Impacts on Natural Systems: From Inputs to Algorithms to Outputs and What They Can Tell Us – Abstract – Presentation 
Dr. Kirsten Ironside – GIS Coordinator, Merriam-Powell Center for Environmental Research, Northern Arizona University

Modeling and Natural Resources: Science and the Resource Management Agencies: – Abstract – Presentation  Further implications for using models to guide management of desert ecosystems under a changing climate.
Dr. Debra Hughson– Science Advisor, Mojave National Preserve, National Park Service

A State and Transition Model for Creosotebush and White Bursage – Abstract – Presentation – Presentation on current status of the use and development of State and Transition models in Western deserts.
Dr. Todd Esque – Ecologist, Western Ecological Research Center, USGS, Henderson

Finding and Using Climate Change Science Data and Information: A Toolbox for Resource Managers: – Abstract  – Presentation  Presentation demonstrating online resources of climate and other natural resources related models ready for resource managers to use, including the Forecast Evaluation Tool. 
Dr. Michael Crimmins – Climate Extension Specialist, University of  Arizona, Tucson

Climate Change and Desert Mgmt: Game of States and Transitions  – Presentation – Michael Crimmins, UA
– Introduction to breakout activities to use state and transition models to illustrate and consider ecological interactions between climate variability/change and desert resources management.

Team Table Exercises
Climate Scenarios and State & Transition Game Playing

Friday April 11: