Name: Making the Call: Climate Risk Decision-Making in the Field
Start: 2026-10-21T13:30:00-0700
End: 2026-10-21T14:30:00-0700

Main Conference: Tuesday October 20 - Thursday, October 22, 2026

Preconference: Monday October 19 - Tuesday, October 20, 2026

*Schedule subject to change.

Making the Call: Climate Risk Decision-Making in the Field

Wednesday October 21, 2026 1:30pm - 2:30pm PDT

Multnomah

As climate-driven hazards intensify, outdoor program leaders are increasingly required to make high-stakes decisions under uncertain and rapidly changing conditions. This session explores practical decision-making frameworks that support effective risk management before, during, and after climate-related incidents. Using case studies like wildfires, flash flooding, and extreme heat, participants will examine how critical decisions are made in the field, what information is available at the time, and how outcomes are shaped by those choices. Through facilitated discussion, attendees will analyze key decision points such as when to modify or cancel programming, how to establish evacuation triggers, and how to balance competing risks to participants, staff, and organizational continuity. The session emphasizes transferable tools and frameworks that can be applied across camps, conservation corps, guiding operations, and other outdoor programs. Participants will leave with actionable strategies to strengthen decision-making processes, improve communication under pressure, and build more adaptive, climate-informed risk management systems.

Speakers

Megan Bahari

Senior Director of Disaster Mitigation and Response, American Conservation Experience

Megan Bahari is the Senior Director of Disaster Mitigation and Response at American Conservation Experience (ACE), where she leads the growth of ACE’s disaster work nationwide. She brings over a decade of experience across domestic and international emergencies, including hurricanes... Read More →

Karen Pick

National Director of Program Safety, American Conservation Experience

With over 30 years of experience teaching, guiding, and mentoring in the outdoors, Karen Pick brings a wealth of expertise to her role as National Director of Program Safety at American Conservation Experience (ACE). Her work there merges her strong background in risk management with... Read More →

Wednesday October 21, 2026 1:30pm - 2:30pm PDT
Multnomah 909 N Hayden Island Dr, Portland, OR 97217

Field Practices, Breakout Session

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2026 Wilderness Risk Management Conference

Megan Bahari

Karen Pick

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2026 Wilderness Risk Management Conference

Megan Bahari

Karen Pick

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