Guest post from the Model Forest Policy Program about a funding opportunity for communities in the Great Lakes states.
According to NOAA, July was the hottest month in 118 years of U.S. records. Hurricanes, drought, wildfires, flooding, and tornadoes – 2011 was truly the year of extreme weather, with the United States suffering more weather-related disasters than ever before. Climate Solutions University (CSU) programs offer North American (primarily U.S.) communities the opportunity to assess and respond to climate-related risks that may be threatening their watershed resources, budgets, and resident well-being. Through the development of forest, water, economic, and climate vulnerability assessments, participating communities can move forward with solutions that are urgently needed for local resilience.
The Model Forest Policy Program (MFPP), a leader in climate adaptation training, engages communities to develop climate action plans based on their regional landscapes. Now soliciting applications for the 2013 Climate Solutions University (CSU), MFPP invites up to two Great Lakes communities to join our Great Lakes regional network that is currently working on a range of solutions such as watershed restoration and shoreline protection solutions to combat climate impacts in the region. This year marks the fourth session of CSU, where 19 communities across the nation have generated outcomes such as reduced risk of flood disaster and protective public policy.
Applications can be downloaded here. Some communities may also be eligible to receive a scholarship of $10,000 in addition to consulting services valued at $50,000. Please submit your application by 5pm on Friday, September 28th. This deadline can be extended upon request. For more information contact Community Coordinator, Jeff Morris, jeff@mfpp.org, (530) 355-9880.