Secretary Deb Haaland and Director Applegate Visit

The Southeast CASC was delighted to welcome Secretary of the Interior Deb Haaland, and USGS Director Dave Applegate on February 8th, 2024. Secretary Haaland and Director Applegate joined detailed conversations about climate adaptation in the Southeast with students, scientists, and community partners affiliated with the SE CASC.

The morning began with a roundtable discussion where community partner and scientist pairs provided examples of how the SE CASC responds to the immediate needs of partners on-the-ground. We then shifted focus to the equity of program delivery with partners from Puerto Rico and the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians. Lastly, three graduate students representing natural, physical, and cultural resources spoke to their projects and the support they have received during their studies by the SE CASC.

NC State University Chancellor Randy Woodson then opened a reception with remarks on the importance of climate adaptation and the significant progress partnerships with the Department of the Interior have made in protecting our natural heritage for generations to come. Secretary Haaland and Director Applegate met with different groups around the reception to learn more about their work with the SE CASC.

In the afternoon, Secretary Haaland continued her travels to Tyrell County while Director Applegate joined us for further roundtable discussions with partners, students, and scientists.

We are thrilled that Secretary Haaland and Director Applegate prioritized a visit to the Southeast CASC and for the opportunity for our students, partners, and scientists to share their stories of success towards climate adaptation in the Southeast.