Biography
Kristen’s work will focus on helping professionals in a variety of fields integrate climate information into planning by developing tools and continuing to build the Climate Adaptation Specialist Training (CAST) program. Prior to joining MCAP, she worked with natural resources managers on climate adaptation planning with the USDA Forest Service and the Northern Institute of Applied Climate Science. Kristen is also excited to collaborate with other Extension programs through efforts like the Forest Climate Working Group and the University’s Climate Community of Practice. Originally from Michigan, Kristen has an MS in Fisheries and Wildlife from Michigan State.
Research Interests
Climate adaptation, science-based management, adaptation planning, natural resource management
Selected Publications and Presentations
- Schmitt, K.; Krska, R.; Deloria, C.; Shannon, P.D.; Cooper, M.; Eash, J.; Haugland, J.; Johnson, S.E.; Johnson, S.M.; Magee, M.R..; Mayne, G.; Nelson, C.; Nigg, C.; Sidie-Slettedahl, A.; Brandt, L., Handler, S.; Janowiak, M.; Butler-Leopold, P.; Ontl, T.; and Swanston, C. 2022. Strategies for Adapting Great Lakes Coastal Ecosystems to Climate Change. White Paper. Houghton, MI: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Northern Forests Climate Hub. 61 p. doi.org/10.32747/2022.7816961.ch
- Schmitt, K.M., Ontl, T.A., Handler, S.D., Janowiak, M.K., Brandt, L.A., Butler-Leopold, P.R., Shannon, P.D., Peterson, C.L., Swanston, C.W. 2021. Beyond planning tools: experiential learning in adaptation planning and practices. Climate, 9(5): 76. doi.org/10.3390/cli9050076
- Tribal Adaptation Menu Team. 2019. Dibaginjigaadeg Anishinaabe Ezhitwaad: A Tribal Climate Adaptation Menu. Great Lakes Indian Fish and Wildlife Commission, Odanah, Wisconsin. 54 p. https://forestadaptation.org/sites/default/files/Tribal%20Climate%20Adaptation%20Menu%2011-2020%20v2.pdf
- O’Toole, D., Brandt, L.A., Janowiak, M.K., Schmitt, K.M., Shannon, P.D., Leopold, P.R., Handler, S.D., Ontl, T.A., Swanston, C. 2019. Climate Change Adaptation Strategies and Approaches for Outdoor Recreation. Sustainability, 11(24), 7030. doi.org/10.3390/su11247030
- Halofsky, J.E., Andrews-Key, S.E., Edwards, J.E., Johnston, M.H., Nelson, H.W., Peterson, D.L., Schmitt, K.M., Swanston, C.W., Williamson, T.B. 2018. Adapting forest management to climate change: The state of science and applications in Canada and the United States. Forest Ecology and Management, 421: 84-97. doi.org/10.1016/j.foreco.2018.02.037