USDA Climate Hub Partnership Discussions Scheduled April – June

TheUSDA’s Southeast Regional Climate Hub (SERCH) now has enough of a foundation established for partnership discussions to begin. We are moving forward with an open discussion of the SERCH mission, objectives, deliverables, collaborations, timelines, and opportunities through a series of hour-long conference calls.
The initial calls will focus on establishing a network of partners and their respective roles. Many collaborators were included in the proposal, and these calls will provide a forum for everyone to present their specific interests. Additionally, the first call will seek input from existing partners regarding groups and individuals that should be offered partnership but were not included in the proposal.
The second set of calls will focus on compiling a list of stakeholders – landowners, land managers, or other end users – who will use the developed tools and information provided by SERCH and its partners. Again, partners are asked to suggest stakeholders that should be contacted and added to the SERCH network.
The third set of calls will focus on options for developing and strengthening networks.
The fourth set of calls will focus on existing tools and information, specifically those that members and partners can contribute.
The fifth set of calls will focus on gaps in information and tools, including identifying stakeholder needs.
The sixth set of calls will focus on opportunities to move forward, including internal and external funding.
Each call is designed to address an important unknown area in the early development of SERCH. Before the first set of calls, please take a moment to complete this short feedback form, so we can gather some initial background information:
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1G8ZJGtATpAsmWiJMtHhjucOk_hrQcv3j-ZWcXi-DXxA/viewform
As with all beginnings, there will be numerous surprises and likely several course changes in response to working land manager needs. This is an exciting time, and we look forward to your input and involvement.
Call Topics & Dates
1 – Establishing partners and roles: April 10, 2 pm & April 15, 1 pm
2 – Identifying stakeholders/land managers: April 17, 11 am & April 22, 1 pm
3 – Developing and strengthening networks: April 24, 11 am & May 6, 1 pm
4 – Existing tools and information (partner focus): May 13, 11 am & May 28, 1 pm
5 – Tool and information gaps (stakeholder focus): May 29, 11 am & June 3, 1 pm
6 – Opportunities for moving forward: June 5, 11 am & June 10, 1 pm
Web Conference:
https://livemeeting.com/cc/usda/join?id=3CM78W&role=attend
Audio Conference Connection:
Dial 1-888-844-9904 and enter passcode 4696993# when prompted