Scientists & Staff

Stephen Handler
News Releases
- Forest Service Collaboration Receives Minnesota Climate Adaptation Partnership AwardNovember 7, 2014
- Iconic Minnesota conifers may give way to a more broad-leafed forest in the next centuryJune 19, 2014
- Warming Climate Has Consequences for Michigan's Forests
- New report describes climate change risks for northern Michigan forestsApril 11, 2014
Current Research
As a Climate Change Specialist at the Northern Institute of Applied Climate Science, my primary project is to coordinate the Northwoods Climate Change Response Framework. Most of my work occurs in Minnesota, Wisconsin, and Michigan, building partnerships, coordinating vulnerability assessments, planning outreach and education events, and working with land managers on real-world adaptation demonstration projects. I work on topics such as silviculture and forestry, wildlife management, and indigenous perspectives on climate adaptation. In all aspects of my work, the focus is to help people put climate information into practice. I work with a wide array of partners, including National Forests, state agencies, tribes, conservation organizations, private landowners, and consulting foresters.
Why This Research is Important
Climate change is going to have profound impacts on the forests in the Great Lakes region in the coming decades. New data and modeling approaches are continually expanding our understanding of what these changes might be. Forest managers need to be informed of the threats that climate change will pose to forest ecosystems, as well as management strategies that can help forests adapt to a changed climate. The Climate Change Response Framework is a new model to connect climate science to forest management, which will hopefully serve as a model for climate change adaptation and mitigation both regionally and nationally.
Education
- University of Montana, M.S. Resource Conservation (emphasis in International Conservation and Development),
- Gustavus Adolphus College, B.A. Biology,
Professional Organizations
- American Society of Adaptation Professionals (2013 - Current)
- Society of American Foresters (SAF) (2012 - Current)
- Society of Conservation Biology (2008 - 2013)
- Society for Conservation Biology, Ecological Footprint Committee (2010 - 2012)
Featured Publications & Products
- Handler, Stephen; Duveneck, Matthew J.; Iverson, Louis; Peters, Emily; Scheller, Robert M.; Wythers, Kirk R.; Brandt, Leslie; Butler, Patricia; Janowiak, Maria; Shannon, P. Danielle; Swanston, Chris; Eagle, Amy Clark; Cohen, Joshua G.; Corner, Rich; Reich, Peter B.; Baker, Tim; Chhin, Sophan; Clark, Eric; Fehringer, David; Fosgitt, Jon; Gries, James; Hall, Christine; Hall, Kimberly R.; Heyd, Robert; Hoving, Christopher L.; Ibáñez, Ines; Kuhr, Don; Matthews, Stephen; Muladore, Jennifer; Nadelhoffer, Knute; Neumann, David; Peters, Matthew; Prasad, Anantha; Sands, Matt; Swaty, Randy; Wonch, Leiloni; Daley, Jad; Davenport, Mae; Emery, Marla R.; Johnson, Gary; Johnson, Lucinda; Neitzel, David; Rissman, Adena; Rittenhouse, Chadwick; Ziel, Robert. 2014. Michigan forest ecosystem vulnerability assessment and synthesis: a report from the Northwoods Climate Change Response Framework project. Gen. Tech. Rep. NRS-129. Newtown Square, PA: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Northern Research Station. 229 p.
- Handler, Stephen; Duveneck, Matthew J.; Iverson, Louis; Peters, Emily; Scheller, Robert M.; Wythers, Kirk R.; Brandt, Leslie; Butler, Patricia; Janowiak, Maria; Shannon, P. Danielle; Swanston, Chris; Barrett, Kelly; Kolka, Randy; McQuiston, Casey; Palik, Brian; Reich, Peter B.; Turner, Clarence; White, Mark; Adams, Cheryl; D'Amato, Anthony; Hagell, Suzanne; Johnson, Patricia; Johnson, Rosemary; Larson, Mike; Matthews, Stephen; Montgomery, Rebecca; Olson, Steve; Peters, Matthew; Prasad, Anantha; Rajala, Jack; Daley, Jad; Davenport, Mae; Emery, Marla R.; Fehringer, David; Hoving, Christopher L.; Johnson, Gary; Johnson, Lucinda; Neitzel, David; Rissman, Adena; Rittenhouse, Chadwick; Ziel, Robert. 2014. Minnesota forest ecosystem vulnerability assessment and synthesis: a report from the Northwoods Climate Change Response Framework project. Gen. Tech. Rep. NRS-133. Newtown Square, PA; U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Northern Research Station. 228 p.
- Ziigwanikwe, (Bresette, Katy); Caldwell, Chris ; Chapman, Eric ; Opichi, (Clark, Robin); Croll, Rob ; Gauthier, Gregory J.; Grignon, Jeff ; Handler, Stephen ; Gidigaa bizhiw, (Jondreau, Jerry); Kaspar, Tyler ; Nisogaabo Ikwe, (Montano, Melonee); Moore, Tansey ; Moran, Patricia ; Minogiizhigookwe Nelis, Emily ; Panci, Hannah ; Schmitt, Kristen ; Smith, Sara ; Stone, Kim ; Swanston, Chris. 2019. Dibaginjigaadeg Anishinaabe Ezhitwaad: A Tribal Climate Adaptation Menu. Great Lakes Indian Fish and Wildlife Commission, Odanah, Wisconsin. 54 p.
Publications & Products
- Handler, Stephen D.; Brandt, Leslie ; Frerker, Katie ; Gilkeson, Joanna ; Gregory, Clinton ; Labonte, Nicholas ; Layman, Carl ; McTighe, Kathleen ; Miller, Kaysee ; Stover, Kyle ; Theimer, Myra. 2022. Developing an assisted migration plan for the Superior National Forest. In: Jain, Theresa B.; Schuler, Thomas M. [comp.]. Foundational concepts in silviculture with emphasis on reforestation and early stand improvement - 2022 National Silviculture Workshop. Proc. RMRS-P-80. Fort Collins, CO: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Rocky Mountain Research Station. 5 p.
- Handler, Stephen; Ledee, Olivia E.; Hoving, Christopher L.; Zuckerberg, Benjamin ; Swanston, Christopher W. 2022. A menu of climate change adaptation actions for terrestrial wildlife management. Wildlife Society Bulletin
- Janowiak, Maria ; Shannon, Danielle ; Schmitt, Kristen ; Baroli, Madeline ; Brandt, Leslie ; Handler, Stephen ; Butler-Leopold, Patricia ; Ontl, Todd ; Peterson, Courtney ; Rutledge, Annamarie ; Swanston, Chris. 2022. A quick guide to adaptation planning for natural resources professionals. NRS-INF-41-22. Madison, WI: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Northern Research Station. 14 p.
- Janowiak, Maria ; Shannon, Danielle ; Schmitt, Kristen ; Baroli, Madeline ; Brandt, Leslie ; Handler, Stephen ; Butler-Leopold, Patricia ; Ontl, Todd ; Peterson, Courtney ; Rutledge, Annamarie ; Swanston, Chris. 2022. A Quick Guide to Adaptation Planning for Land Trusts. NRS-INF-40-22. Madison, WI: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Northern Research Station. 14 p.
- LEDee, Olivia E.; Handler, Stephen D.; Hoving, Christopher L.; Swanston, Christopher W.; Zuckerberg, Benjamin. 2021. Preparing Wildlife for Climate Change: How Far Have We Come?. The Journal of Wildlife Management
- Schmitt, Kristen M.; Ontl, Todd A.; Handler, Stephen D.; Janowiak, Maria K.; Brandt, Leslie A.; Butler-Leopold, Patricia R.; Shannon, P. Danielle; Peterson, Courtney L.; Swanston, Christopher W. 2021. Beyond Planning Tools: Experiential Learning in Climate Adaptation Planning and Practices. Climate
- Swanston, Christopher W.; Brandt, Leslie A.; Butler-Leopold, Patricia R.; Hall, Kimberly R.; Handler, Stephen D.; Janowiak, Maria K.; Merriam, Kyle ; Meyer, Marc ; Molinari, Nicole ; Schmitt, Kristen ; Shannon, P. Danielle; Smith, Jennifer B.; Wuenschel, Amarina ; Ostoja, Steven M. 2020. Adaptation strategies and approaches for California forest ecosystems. USDA California Climate Hub Technical Report CACH-2020-1. Davis, CA: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Climate Hubs. 65 p.
- Butler-Leopold, Patricia ; Brandt, Leslie A.; Handler, Stephen D.; Janowiak, Maria K.; Shannon, Patricia D.; Anonymous, Anonymous; Swanston, Chris W. 2019. Identifying and addressing vulnerabilities of oak ecosystems. e-Gen. Tech. Rep. SRS-237. Asheville, NC: U.S. Department of Agriculture Forest Service, Southern Research Station
- O'Toole, Daniel ; Brandt, Leslie A.; Janowiak, Maria K.; Schmitt, Kristen M.; Shannon, P. Danielle; Leopold, Patricia R.; Handler, Stephen D.; Ontl, Todd A.; Swanston, Christopher W. 2019. Climate Change Adaptation Strategies and Approaches for Outdoor Recreation. Sustainability
- Ontl, Todd ; Janowiak, Maria ; Swanston, Christopher ; Daley, Jad ; Handler, Stephen ; Cornett, Meredith ; Hagenbuch, Steve ; Handrick, Cathy ; Mccarthy, Liza ; Patch, Nancy. 2019. Forest Management for Carbon Sequestration and Climate Adaptation. Journal of Forestry
- Shannon, P. Danielle; Swanston, Christopher W.; Janowiak, Maria K.; Handler, Stephen D.; Schmitt, Kristen M.; Brandt, Leslie A.; Butler-Leopold, Patricia R.; Ontl, Todd. 2019. Adaptation strategies and approaches for forested watersheds. Climate Services
- Butler-Leopold, Patricia R.; Iverson, Louis R.; Thompson, Frank R.; Brandt, Leslie A.; Handler, Stephen D.; Janowiak, Maria K.; Shannon, P. Danielle; Swanston, Christopher W.; Bearer, Scott ; Bryan, Alexander M.; Clark, Kenneth L.; Czarnecki, Greg ; DeSenze, Philip ; Dijak, William D.; Fraser, Jacob S.; Gugger, Paul F.; Hille, Andrea ; Hynicka, Justin ; Jantz, Claire A.; Kelly, Matthew C.; Krause, Katrina M.; La Puma, Inga Parker; Landau, Deborah ; Lathrop, Richard G.; Leites, Laura P.; Madlinger, Evan ; Matthews, Stephen N.; Ozbay, Gulnihal ; Peters, Matthew P.; Prasad, Anantha ; Schmit, David A.; Shephard, Collin ; Shirer, Rebecca ; Skowronski, Nicholas S.; Steele, Al ; Stout, Susan ; Thomas-Van Gundy, Melissa ; Thompson, John ; Turcotte, Richard M.; Weinstein, David A.; Yáñez, Alfonso. 2018. Mid-Atlantic forest ecosystem vulnerability assessment and synthesis: a report from the Mid-Atlantic Climate Change Response Framework project. Gen. Tech. Rep. NRS-181. Newtown Square, PA: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Northern Research Station. 294 p.
- Janowiak, Maria K.; D'Amato, Anthony W.; Swanston, Christopher W.; Iverson, Louis; Thompson, Frank R.; Dijak, William D.; Matthews, Stephen; Peters, Matthew P.; Prasad, Anantha; Fraser, Jacob S.; Brandt, Leslie A.; Butler-Leopold, Patricia; Handler, Stephen D.; Shannon, P. Danielle; Burbank, Diane; Campbell, John; Cogbill, Charles; Duveneck, Matthew J.; Emery, Marla R.; Fisichelli, Nicholas; Foster, Jane; Hushaw, Jennifer; Kenefic, Laura; Mahaffey, Amanda; Morelli, Toni Lyn; Reo, Nicholas J.; Schaberg, Paul G.; Simmons, K. Rogers; Weiskittel, Aaron; Wilmot, Sandy; Hollinger, David; Lane, Erin; Rustad, Lindsey; Templer, Pamela H. 2018. New England and northern New York forest ecosystem vulnerability assessment and synthesis: a report from the New England Climate Change Response Framework project. Gen. Tech. Rep. NRS-173. Newtown Square, PA: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Northern Research Station. 234 p.
- Ontl, Todd A.; Swanston, Chris; Brandt, Leslie A.; Butler, Patricia R.; D'Amato, Anthony W.; Handler, Stephen D.; Janowiak, Maria K.; Shannon, P. Danielle. 2018. Adaptation pathways: ecoregion and land ownership influences on climate adaptation decision-making in forest management. Climatic Change
- Richard, Robert P.; Potvin, Lynette R.; Kane, Evan S.; Handler, Stephen D.; Smith, Patrick J.; Peterson, Don. 2018. Biochar and wood ash amendments for forestry in the Lake States: field report and initial results. Journal of Forestry. Volume 116, Issue 3, 4 May 2018, Pages 222-227
- Swanston, Chris; Brandt, Leslie A.; Janowiak, Maria K.; Handler, Stephen D.; Butler-Leopold, Patricia; Iverson, Louis; Thompson, Frank R.; Ontl, Todd A.; Shannon, P. Danielle. 2018. Vulnerability of forests of the Midwest and Northeast United States to climate change. Climatic Change. 146(1-2): 103-116.
- Brandt, Leslie A.; Butler, Patricia R.; Handler, Stephen D.; Janowiak, Maria K.; Shannon, P. Danielle; Swanston, Christopher W. 2017. Integrating Science and Management to Assess Forest Ecosystem Vulnerability to Climate Change. Journal of Forestry
- Brandt, Leslie A.; Derby Lewis, Abigail; Scott, Lydia; Darling, Lindsay; Fahey, Robert T.; Iverson, Louis; Nowak, David J.; Bodine, Allison R.; Bell, Andrew; Still, Shannon; Butler, Patricia R.; Dierich, Andrea; Handler, Stephen D.; Janowiak, Maria K.; Matthews, Stephen N.; Miesbauer, Jason W.; Peters, Matthew; Prasad, Anantha; Shannon, P. Danielle; Stotz, Douglas; Swanston, Christopher W. 2017. Chicago Wilderness region urban forest vulnerability assessment and synthesis: a report from the Urban Forestry Climate Change Response Framework Chicago Wilderness pilot project. Gen. Tech. Rep. NRS-168. Newtown Square, PA: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Northern Research Station. 142 p.
- Janowiak, Maria K.; Iverson, Louis R.; Fosgitt, Jon; Handler, Stephen D.; Dallman, Matt; Thomasma, Scott; Hutnik, Brad; Swanston, Christopher W. 2017. Assessing stand-level climate change risk using forest inventory data and species distribution models. Journal of Forestry
- Swanston, Christopher W.; Janowiak, Maria K.; Brandt, Leslie A.; Butler, Patricia R.; Handler, Stephen D.; Shannon, P. Danielle; Derby Lewis, Abigail; Hall, Kimberly; Fahey, Robert T.; Scott, Lydia; Kerber, Angela; Miesbauer, Jason W.; Darling, Lindsay; Parker, Linda; St. Pierre, Matt. 2016. Forest Adaptation Resources: climate change tools and approaches for land managers, 2nd edition. Gen. Tech. Rep. NRS-GTR-87-2. Newtown Square, PA: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Northern Research Station. 161 p. http://dx.doi.org/10.2737/NRS-GTR-87-2.
- Butler, Patricia R.; Iverson, Louis; Thompson, Frank R.; Brandt, Leslie; Handler, Stephen; Janowiak, Maria; Shannon, P. Danielle; Swanston, Chris; Karriker, Kent; Bartig, Jarel; Connolly, Stephanie; Dijak, William; Bearer, Scott; Blatt, Steve; Brandon, Andrea; Byers, Elizabeth; Coon, Cheryl; Culbreth, Tim; Daly, Jad; Dorsey, Wade; Ede, David; Euler, Chris; Gillies, Neil; Hix, David M.; Johnson, Catherine; Lyte, Latasha; Matthews, Stephen; McCarthy, Dawn; Minney, Dave; Murphy, Daniel; O'Dea, Claire; Orwan, Rachel; Peters, Matthew; Prasad, Anantha; Randall, Cotton; Reed, Jason; Sandeno, Cynthia; Schuler, Tom; Sneddon, Lesley; Stanley, Bill; Steele, Al; Stout, Susan; Swaty, Randy; Teets, Jason; Tomon, Tim; Vanderhorst, Jim; Whatley, John; Zegre, Nicholas. 2015. Central Appalachians forest ecosystem vulnerability assessment and synthesis: a report from the Central Appalachians Climate Change Response Framework project. Gen. Tech. Rep. NRS-146. Newtown Square, PA: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Northern Research Station. 310 p.
- Brandt, Leslie; He, Hong; Iverson, Louis; Thompson, Frank R.; Butler, Patricia; Handler, Stephen; Janowiak, Maria; Shannon, P. Danielle; Swanston, Chris; Albrecht, Matthew; Blume-Weaver, Richard; Deizman, Paul; DePuy, John; Dijak, William D.; Dinkel, Gary; Fei, Songlin; Jones-Farrand, D. Todd; Leahy, Michael; Matthews, Stephen; Nelson, Paul; Oberle, Brad; Perez, Judi; Peters, Matthew; Prasad, Anantha; Schneiderman, Jeffrey E.; Shuey, John; Smith, Adam B.; Studyvin, Charles; Tirpak, John M.; Walk, Jeffery W.; Wang, Wen J.; Watts, Laura; Weigel, Dale; Westin, Steve. 2014. Central Hardwoods ecosystem vulnerability assessment and synthesis: a report from the Central Hardwoods Climate Change Response Framework project. Gen. Tech. Rep. NRS-124. Newtown Square, PA: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Northern Research Station. 254 p.
- Butler, Patricia R.; Brandt, Leslie A.; Handler, Stephen D.; Janowiak, Maria K.; Shannon, Patricia D.; Swanston, Chris W. 2014. A framework for assessing climate change vulnerability and identifying adaptation responses in the central hardwoods region. In: Groninger, John W.; Holzmueller, Eric J.; Nielsen, Clayton K.; Dey, Daniel C., eds. Proceedings, 19th Central Hardwood Forest Conference; 2014 March 10-12; Carbondale, IL. General Technical Report NRS-P-142. Newtown Square, PA: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Northern Research Station: 20-21.
- Handler, Stephen D.; Swanston, Chris W.; Butler, Patricia R.; Brandt, Leslie A.; Janowiak, Maria K.; Powers, Matthew D.; Shannon, P. Danielle. 2014. Climate change vulnerabilities within the forestry sector for the Midwestern United States. In: Winkler, Julie A.; Andresen, Jeffrey A.; Hatfield, Jerry L.; Bidwell, David; Brown, Daniel, eds. Climate change in the midwest: A synthesis report for the national climate assessment. Washington, DC: Island Press: 114-151.
- Janowiak, Maria K.; Iverson, Louis R.; Mladenoff, David J.; Peters, Emily; Wythers, Kirk R.; Xi, Weimin; Brandt, Leslie A.; Butler, Patricia R.; Handler, Stephen D.; Shannon, P. Danielle; Swanston, Chris; Parker, Linda R.; Amman, Amy J.; Bogaczyk, Brian; Handler, Christine; Lesch, Ellen; Reich, Peter B.; Matthews, Stephen; Peters, Matthew; Prasad, Anantha; Khanal, Sami; Liu, Feng; Bal, Tara; Bronson, Dustin; Burton, Andrew; Ferris, Jim; Fosgitt, Jon; Hagan, Shawn; Johnston, Erin; Kane, Evan; Matula, Colleen; O'Connor, Ryan; Higgins, Dale; St. Pierre, Matt; Daley, Jad; Davenport, Mae; Emery, Marla R.; Fehringer, David; Hoving, Christopher L.; Johnson, Gary; Neitzel, David; Notaro, Michael; Rissman, Adena; Rittenhouse, Chadwick; Ziel, Robert. 2014. Forest ecosystem vulnerability assessment and synthesis for northern Wisconsin and western Upper Michigan: a report from the Northwoods Climate Change Response Framework project. Gen. Tech. Rep. NRS-136. Newtown Square, PA: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Northern Research Station. 247 p.
- Janowiak, Maria K.; Swanston, Christopher W.; Nagel, Linda M.; Brandt, Leslie A.; Butler, Patricia R.; Handler, Stephen D.; Shannon, P. Danielle; Iverson, Louis R.; Matthews, Stephen N.; Prasad, Anantha; Peters, Matthew P. 2014. A practical approach for translating climate change adaptation principles into forest management actions. Journal of Forestry. 112(5): 424-433.
- Peterson, David L.; Wolken, J.M.; Hollingsworth, Teresa; Giardina, Christian; Littell, J.S.; Joyce, Linda; Swanston, Chris; Handler, Stephen; Rustad, Lindsey; McNulty, Steve. 2014. Regional Highlights of Climate Change. Climate Change and United States Forests. Springer Netherlands: 113-148. Chapter 6
National Research Highlights
Dibaginjigaadeg Anishinaabe Ezhitwaad: A Tribal Climate Adaptation Menu
Year: 2019
USDA Forest Service researchers helped to create a new resource that incorporates indigenous perspectives and traditional ecological knowledge into climate change adaptation planning. This resource is being used to help tribal natural resources professionals develop climate adaptation plans and to help nontribal organizations communicate with tribal communities.
Resources Help Land Managers Adapt to a Changing Climate
Year: 2016
An adaptation planning tool developed by the Forest Service and its partners has helped generate more than 185 examples of climate change adaptation across the Northeast and Midwest.