diff --git a/components/clm/bld/namelist_files/namelist_defaults_clm4_5.xml b/components/clm/bld/namelist_files/namelist_defaults_clm4_5.xml
index e843003601..8268d26dba 100644
--- a/components/clm/bld/namelist_files/namelist_defaults_clm4_5.xml
+++ b/components/clm/bld/namelist_files/namelist_defaults_clm4_5.xml
@@ -243,7 +243,7 @@ attributes from the config_cache.xml file (with keys converted to upper-case).
 <paramfile phys="clm5_0">lnd/clm2/paramdata/clm5_params.c160713.nc</paramfile>
 <paramfile phys="clm4_5">lnd/clm2/paramdata/clm_params.c160713.nc</paramfile>
 
-<fates_paramfile phys="clm4_5">lnd/clm2/paramdata/clm_params_ed.c170112.nc</fates_paramfile>
+<fates_paramfile phys="clm4_5">lnd/clm2/paramdata/fates_params.c170209.nc</fates_paramfile>
 
 <!-- ========================================================================================  -->
 <!-- clm 5.0 BGC nitrogen model                                                                -->
diff --git a/components/clm/src/ED/biogeochem/EDSharedParamsMod.F90 b/components/clm/src/ED/biogeochem/EDSharedParamsMod.F90
index c3610b0553..fb0f6c6c63 100644
--- a/components/clm/src/ED/biogeochem/EDSharedParamsMod.F90
+++ b/components/clm/src/ED/biogeochem/EDSharedParamsMod.F90
@@ -84,14 +84,14 @@ subroutine RegisterParamsScalar(this, fates_params)
     ! that need to be synced with host values.
 
     use FatesParametersInterface, only : fates_parameters_type, param_string_length
-    use FatesParametersInterface, only : dimension_name_allpfts, dimension_shape_1d
+    use FatesParametersInterface, only : dimension_name_host_allpfts, dimension_shape_1d
 
     implicit none
 
     class(EDParamsShareType), intent(inout) :: this
     class(fates_parameters_type), intent(inout) :: fates_params
 
-    character(len=param_string_length), parameter :: dim_names(1) = (/dimension_name_allpfts/)
+    character(len=param_string_length), parameter :: dim_names(1) = (/dimension_name_host_allpfts/)
     character(len=param_string_length) :: name
 
     call this%Init()
diff --git a/components/clm/src/ED/fire/SFParamsMod.F90 b/components/clm/src/ED/fire/SFParamsMod.F90
index 2f2de2eb81..0677a9f79e 100644
--- a/components/clm/src/ED/fire/SFParamsMod.F90
+++ b/components/clm/src/ED/fire/SFParamsMod.F90
@@ -39,27 +39,27 @@ module SFParamsMod
    real(r8),protected :: SF_val_mid_moisture_C(NFSC)
    real(r8),protected :: SF_val_mid_moisture_S(NFSC)
   
-   character(len=param_string_length),parameter :: SF_name_fdi_a = "fdi_a"
-   character(len=param_string_length),parameter :: SF_name_fdi_b = "fdi_b"
-   character(len=param_string_length),parameter :: SF_name_fdi_alpha = "fdi_alpha"
-   character(len=param_string_length),parameter :: SF_name_miner_total = "miner_total"
-   character(len=param_string_length),parameter :: SF_name_fuel_energy = "fuel_energy"
-   character(len=param_string_length),parameter :: SF_name_part_dens = "part_dens"
-   character(len=param_string_length),parameter :: SF_name_miner_damp = "miner_damp"
-   character(len=param_string_length),parameter :: SF_name_max_durat = "max_durat"
-   character(len=param_string_length),parameter :: SF_name_durat_slope = "durat_slope"
-   character(len=param_string_length),parameter :: SF_name_alpha_SH = "alpha_SH"
-   character(len=param_string_length),parameter :: SF_name_alpha_FMC = "alpha_FMC"
-   character(len=param_string_length),parameter :: SF_name_CWD_frac = "CWD_frac"
-   character(len=param_string_length),parameter :: SF_name_max_decomp = "max_decomp"
-   character(len=param_string_length),parameter :: SF_name_SAV = "SAV"
-   character(len=param_string_length),parameter :: SF_name_FBD = "FBD"
-   character(len=param_string_length),parameter :: SF_name_min_moisture = "min_moisture"
-   character(len=param_string_length),parameter :: SF_name_mid_moisture = "mid_moisture"
-   character(len=param_string_length),parameter :: SF_name_low_moisture_C = "low_moisture_C"
-   character(len=param_string_length),parameter :: SF_name_low_moisture_S = "low_moisture_S"
-   character(len=param_string_length),parameter :: SF_name_mid_moisture_C = "mid_moisture_C"
-   character(len=param_string_length),parameter :: SF_name_mid_moisture_S = "mid_moisture_S"
+   character(len=param_string_length),parameter :: SF_name_fdi_a = "fates_fdi_a"
+   character(len=param_string_length),parameter :: SF_name_fdi_b = "fates_fdi_b"
+   character(len=param_string_length),parameter :: SF_name_fdi_alpha = "fates_fdi_alpha"
+   character(len=param_string_length),parameter :: SF_name_miner_total = "fates_miner_total"
+   character(len=param_string_length),parameter :: SF_name_fuel_energy = "fates_fuel_energy"
+   character(len=param_string_length),parameter :: SF_name_part_dens = "fates_part_dens"
+   character(len=param_string_length),parameter :: SF_name_miner_damp = "fates_miner_damp"
+   character(len=param_string_length),parameter :: SF_name_max_durat = "fates_max_durat"
+   character(len=param_string_length),parameter :: SF_name_durat_slope = "fates_durat_slope"
+   character(len=param_string_length),parameter :: SF_name_alpha_SH = "fates_alpha_SH"
+   character(len=param_string_length),parameter :: SF_name_alpha_FMC = "fates_alpha_FMC"
+   character(len=param_string_length),parameter :: SF_name_CWD_frac = "fates_CWD_frac"
+   character(len=param_string_length),parameter :: SF_name_max_decomp = "fates_max_decomp"
+   character(len=param_string_length),parameter :: SF_name_SAV = "fates_SAV"
+   character(len=param_string_length),parameter :: SF_name_FBD = "fates_FBD"
+   character(len=param_string_length),parameter :: SF_name_min_moisture = "fates_min_moisture"
+   character(len=param_string_length),parameter :: SF_name_mid_moisture = "fates_mid_moisture"
+   character(len=param_string_length),parameter :: SF_name_low_moisture_C = "fates_low_moisture_C"
+   character(len=param_string_length),parameter :: SF_name_low_moisture_S = "fates_low_moisture_S"
+   character(len=param_string_length),parameter :: SF_name_mid_moisture_C = "fates_mid_moisture_C"
+   character(len=param_string_length),parameter :: SF_name_mid_moisture_S = "fates_mid_moisture_S"
 
    public :: SpitFireRegisterParams
    public :: SpitFireReceiveParams
diff --git a/components/clm/src/ED/main/EDParamsMod.F90 b/components/clm/src/ED/main/EDParamsMod.F90
index dc67ebd869..eda22e0b2e 100644
--- a/components/clm/src/ED/main/EDParamsMod.F90
+++ b/components/clm/src/ED/main/EDParamsMod.F90
@@ -27,17 +27,17 @@ module EDParamsMod
    real(r8),protected :: ED_val_profile_tol
    real(r8),protected :: ED_val_ag_biomass
   
-   character(len=param_string_length),parameter :: ED_name_grass_spread = "grass_spread"
-   character(len=param_string_length),parameter :: ED_name_comp_excln = "comp_excln"
-   character(len=param_string_length),parameter :: ED_name_stress_mort = "stress_mort"
-   character(len=param_string_length),parameter :: ED_name_dispersal = "dispersal"
-   character(len=param_string_length),parameter :: ED_name_maxspread = "maxspread"
-   character(len=param_string_length),parameter :: ED_name_minspread = "minspread"
-   character(len=param_string_length),parameter :: ED_name_init_litter = "init_litter"
-   character(len=param_string_length),parameter :: ED_name_nfires = "nfires"
-   character(len=param_string_length),parameter :: ED_name_understorey_death = "understorey_death"
-   character(len=param_string_length),parameter :: ED_name_profile_tol = "profile_tol"
-   character(len=param_string_length),parameter :: ED_name_ag_biomass= "ag_biomass"   
+   character(len=param_string_length),parameter :: ED_name_grass_spread = "fates_grass_spread"
+   character(len=param_string_length),parameter :: ED_name_comp_excln = "fates_comp_excln"
+   character(len=param_string_length),parameter :: ED_name_stress_mort = "fates_stress_mort"
+   character(len=param_string_length),parameter :: ED_name_dispersal = "fates_dispersal"
+   character(len=param_string_length),parameter :: ED_name_maxspread = "fates_maxspread"
+   character(len=param_string_length),parameter :: ED_name_minspread = "fates_minspread"
+   character(len=param_string_length),parameter :: ED_name_init_litter = "fates_init_litter"
+   character(len=param_string_length),parameter :: ED_name_nfires = "fates_nfires"
+   character(len=param_string_length),parameter :: ED_name_understorey_death = "fates_understorey_death"
+   character(len=param_string_length),parameter :: ED_name_profile_tol = "fates_profile_tol"
+   character(len=param_string_length),parameter :: ED_name_ag_biomass= "fates_ag_biomass"   
    
    public :: FatesParamsInit
    public :: FatesRegisterParams
diff --git a/components/clm/src/ED/main/EDPftvarcon.F90 b/components/clm/src/ED/main/EDPftvarcon.F90
index b5eb1ff96f..ea53b660cf 100644
--- a/components/clm/src/ED/main/EDPftvarcon.F90
+++ b/components/clm/src/ED/main/EDPftvarcon.F90
@@ -160,183 +160,183 @@ subroutine Register_PFT(this, fates_params)
     !X!    call fates_params%RegisterParameter(name=name, dimension_shape=dimension_shape_1d, &
     !X!         dimension_names=dim_names, lower_bounds=dim_lower_bound)
 
-    name = 'max_dbh'
+    name = 'fates_max_dbh'
     call fates_params%RegisterParameter(name=name, dimension_shape=dimension_shape_1d, &
          dimension_names=dim_names, lower_bounds=dim_lower_bound)
 
-    name = 'freezetol'
+    name = 'fates_freezetol'
     call fates_params%RegisterParameter(name=name, dimension_shape=dimension_shape_1d, &
          dimension_names=dim_names, lower_bounds=dim_lower_bound)
 
-    name = 'wood_density'
+    name = 'fates_wood_density'
     call fates_params%RegisterParameter(name=name, dimension_shape=dimension_shape_1d, &
          dimension_names=dim_names, lower_bounds=dim_lower_bound)
 
-    name = 'alpha_stem'
+    name = 'fates_alpha_stem'
     call fates_params%RegisterParameter(name=name, dimension_shape=dimension_shape_1d, &
          dimension_names=dim_names, lower_bounds=dim_lower_bound)
 
-    name = 'hgt_min'
+    name = 'fates_hgt_min'
     call fates_params%RegisterParameter(name=name, dimension_shape=dimension_shape_1d, &
          dimension_names=dim_names, lower_bounds=dim_lower_bound)
 
-    name = 'cushion'
+    name = 'fates_cushion'
     call fates_params%RegisterParameter(name=name, dimension_shape=dimension_shape_1d, &
          dimension_names=dim_names, lower_bounds=dim_lower_bound)
 
-    name = 'leaf_stor_priority'
+    name = 'fates_leaf_stor_priority'
     call fates_params%RegisterParameter(name=name, dimension_shape=dimension_shape_1d, &
          dimension_names=dim_names, lower_bounds=dim_lower_bound)
 
-    name = 'leafwatermax'
+    name = 'fates_leafwatermax'
     call fates_params%RegisterParameter(name=name, dimension_shape=dimension_shape_1d, &
          dimension_names=dim_names, lower_bounds=dim_lower_bound)
 
-    name = 'rootresist'
+    name = 'fates_rootresist'
     call fates_params%RegisterParameter(name=name, dimension_shape=dimension_shape_1d, &
          dimension_names=dim_names, lower_bounds=dim_lower_bound)
 
-    name = 'soilbeta'
+    name = 'fates_soilbeta'
     call fates_params%RegisterParameter(name=name, dimension_shape=dimension_shape_1d, &
          dimension_names=dim_names, lower_bounds=dim_lower_bound)
 
-    name = 'crown'
+    name = 'fates_crown'
     call fates_params%RegisterParameter(name=name, dimension_shape=dimension_shape_1d, &
          dimension_names=dim_names, lower_bounds=dim_lower_bound)
 
-    name = 'bark_scaler'
+    name = 'fates_bark_scaler'
     call fates_params%RegisterParameter(name=name, dimension_shape=dimension_shape_1d, &
          dimension_names=dim_names, lower_bounds=dim_lower_bound)
 
-    name = 'crown_kill'
+    name = 'fates_crown_kill'
     call fates_params%RegisterParameter(name=name, dimension_shape=dimension_shape_1d, &
          dimension_names=dim_names, lower_bounds=dim_lower_bound)
 
-    name = 'initd'
+    name = 'fates_initd'
     call fates_params%RegisterParameter(name=name, dimension_shape=dimension_shape_1d, &
          dimension_names=dim_names, lower_bounds=dim_lower_bound)
 
-    name = 'sd_mort'
+    name = 'fates_sd_mort'
     call fates_params%RegisterParameter(name=name, dimension_shape=dimension_shape_1d, &
          dimension_names=dim_names, lower_bounds=dim_lower_bound)
 
-    name = 'seed_rain'
+    name = 'fates_seed_rain'
     call fates_params%RegisterParameter(name=name, dimension_shape=dimension_shape_1d, &
          dimension_names=dim_names, lower_bounds=dim_lower_bound)
 
-    name = 'BB_slope'
+    name = 'fates_BB_slope'
     call fates_params%RegisterParameter(name=name, dimension_shape=dimension_shape_1d, &
          dimension_names=dim_names, lower_bounds=dim_lower_bound)
 
-    name = 'root_long'
+    name = 'fates_root_long'
     call fates_params%RegisterParameter(name=name, dimension_shape=dimension_shape_1d, &
          dimension_names=dim_names, lower_bounds=dim_lower_bound)
 
-    name = 'clone_alloc'
+    name = 'fates_clone_alloc'
     call fates_params%RegisterParameter(name=name, dimension_shape=dimension_shape_1d, &
          dimension_names=dim_names, lower_bounds=dim_lower_bound)
 
-    name = 'seed_alloc'
+    name = 'fates_seed_alloc'
     call fates_params%RegisterParameter(name=name, dimension_shape=dimension_shape_1d, &
          dimension_names=dim_names, lower_bounds=dim_lower_bound)
 
-    name = 'sapwood_ratio'
+    name = 'fates_sapwood_ratio'
     call fates_params%RegisterParameter(name=name, dimension_shape=dimension_shape_1d, &
          dimension_names=dim_names, lower_bounds=dim_lower_bound)
 
-    name = 'woody'
+    name = 'fates_woody'
     call fates_params%RegisterParameter(name=name, dimension_shape=dimension_shape_1d, &
          dimension_names=dim_names, lower_bounds=dim_lower_bound)
 
-    name = 'stress_decid'
+    name = 'fates_stress_decid'
     call fates_params%RegisterParameter(name=name, dimension_shape=dimension_shape_1d, &
          dimension_names=dim_names, lower_bounds=dim_lower_bound)
 
-    name = 'season_decid'
+    name = 'fates_season_decid'
     call fates_params%RegisterParameter(name=name, dimension_shape=dimension_shape_1d, &
          dimension_names=dim_names, lower_bounds=dim_lower_bound)
 
-    name = 'evergreen'
+    name = 'fates_evergreen'
     call fates_params%RegisterParameter(name=name, dimension_shape=dimension_shape_1d, &
          dimension_names=dim_names, lower_bounds=dim_lower_bound)
 
-    name = 'froot_leaf'
+    name = 'fates_froot_leaf'
     call fates_params%RegisterParameter(name=name, dimension_shape=dimension_shape_1d, &
          dimension_names=dim_names, lower_bounds=dim_lower_bound)
 
-    name = 'slatop'
+    name = 'fates_slatop'
     call fates_params%RegisterParameter(name=name, dimension_shape=dimension_shape_1d, &
          dimension_names=dim_names, lower_bounds=dim_lower_bound)
 
-    name = 'leaf_long'
+    name = 'fates_leaf_long'
     call fates_params%RegisterParameter(name=name, dimension_shape=dimension_shape_1d, &
          dimension_names=dim_names, lower_bounds=dim_lower_bound)
 
-    name = 'roota_par'
+    name = 'fates_roota_par'
     call fates_params%RegisterParameter(name=name, dimension_shape=dimension_shape_1d, &
          dimension_names=dim_names, lower_bounds=dim_lower_bound)
 
-    name = 'rootb_par'
+    name = 'fates_rootb_par'
     call fates_params%RegisterParameter(name=name, dimension_shape=dimension_shape_1d, &
          dimension_names=dim_names, lower_bounds=dim_lower_bound)
 
-    name = 'lf_flab'
+    name = 'fates_lf_flab'
     call fates_params%RegisterParameter(name=name, dimension_shape=dimension_shape_1d, &
          dimension_names=dim_names, lower_bounds=dim_lower_bound)
 
-    name = 'lf_fcel'
+    name = 'fates_lf_fcel'
     call fates_params%RegisterParameter(name=name, dimension_shape=dimension_shape_1d, &
          dimension_names=dim_names, lower_bounds=dim_lower_bound)
 
-    name = 'lf_flig'
+    name = 'fates_lf_flig'
     call fates_params%RegisterParameter(name=name, dimension_shape=dimension_shape_1d, &
          dimension_names=dim_names, lower_bounds=dim_lower_bound)
 
-    name = 'fr_flab'
+    name = 'fates_fr_flab'
     call fates_params%RegisterParameter(name=name, dimension_shape=dimension_shape_1d, &
          dimension_names=dim_names, lower_bounds=dim_lower_bound)
 
-    name = 'fr_fcel'
+    name = 'fates_fr_fcel'
     call fates_params%RegisterParameter(name=name, dimension_shape=dimension_shape_1d, &
          dimension_names=dim_names, lower_bounds=dim_lower_bound)
 
-    name = 'fr_flig'
+    name = 'fates_fr_flig'
     call fates_params%RegisterParameter(name=name, dimension_shape=dimension_shape_1d, &
          dimension_names=dim_names, lower_bounds=dim_lower_bound)
 
-    name = 'xl'
+    name = 'fates_xl'
     call fates_params%RegisterParameter(name=name, dimension_shape=dimension_shape_1d, &
          dimension_names=dim_names, lower_bounds=dim_lower_bound)
 
-    name = 'c3psn'
+    name = 'fates_c3psn'
     call fates_params%RegisterParameter(name=name, dimension_shape=dimension_shape_1d, &
          dimension_names=dim_names, lower_bounds=dim_lower_bound)
 
-    name = 'flnr'
+    name = 'fates_flnr'
     call fates_params%RegisterParameter(name=name, dimension_shape=dimension_shape_1d, &
          dimension_names=dim_names, lower_bounds=dim_lower_bound)
 
-    name = 'fnitr'
+    name = 'fates_fnitr'
     call fates_params%RegisterParameter(name=name, dimension_shape=dimension_shape_1d, &
          dimension_names=dim_names, lower_bounds=dim_lower_bound)
 
-    name = 'leafcn'
+    name = 'fates_leafcn'
     call fates_params%RegisterParameter(name=name, dimension_shape=dimension_shape_1d, &
          dimension_names=dim_names, lower_bounds=dim_lower_bound)
 
-    name = 'frootcn'
+    name = 'fates_frootcn'
     call fates_params%RegisterParameter(name=name, dimension_shape=dimension_shape_1d, &
          dimension_names=dim_names, lower_bounds=dim_lower_bound)
 
-    name = 'smpso'
+    name = 'fates_smpso'
     call fates_params%RegisterParameter(name=name, dimension_shape=dimension_shape_1d, &
          dimension_names=dim_names, lower_bounds=dim_lower_bound)
 
-    name = 'smpsc'
+    name = 'fates_smpsc'
     call fates_params%RegisterParameter(name=name, dimension_shape=dimension_shape_1d, &
          dimension_names=dim_names, lower_bounds=dim_lower_bound)
 
-    name = 'grperc'
+    name = 'fates_grperc'
     call fates_params%RegisterParameter(name=name, dimension_shape=dimension_shape_1d, &
          dimension_names=dim_names, lower_bounds=dim_lower_bound)
 
@@ -359,183 +359,183 @@ subroutine Receive_PFT(this, fates_params)
     !X!    call fates_params%RetreiveParameter(name=name, &
     !X!         data=this%)
 
-    name = 'max_dbh'
+    name = 'fates_max_dbh'
     call fates_params%RetreiveParameterAllocate(name=name, &
          data=this%max_dbh)
 
-    name = 'freezetol'
+    name = 'fates_freezetol'
     call fates_params%RetreiveParameterAllocate(name=name, &
          data=this%freezetol)
 
-    name = 'wood_density'
+    name = 'fates_wood_density'
     call fates_params%RetreiveParameterAllocate(name=name, &
          data=this%wood_density)
 
-    name = 'alpha_stem'
+    name = 'fates_alpha_stem'
     call fates_params%RetreiveParameterAllocate(name=name, &
          data=this%alpha_stem)
 
-    name = 'hgt_min'
+    name = 'fates_hgt_min'
     call fates_params%RetreiveParameterAllocate(name=name, &
          data=this%hgt_min)
 
-    name = 'cushion'
+    name = 'fates_cushion'
     call fates_params%RetreiveParameterAllocate(name=name, &
          data=this%cushion)
 
-    name = 'leaf_stor_priority'
+    name = 'fates_leaf_stor_priority'
     call fates_params%RetreiveParameterAllocate(name=name, &
          data=this%leaf_stor_priority)
 
-    name = 'leafwatermax'
+    name = 'fates_leafwatermax'
     call fates_params%RetreiveParameterAllocate(name=name, &
          data=this%leafwatermax)
 
-    name = 'rootresist'
+    name = 'fates_rootresist'
     call fates_params%RetreiveParameterAllocate(name=name, &
          data=this%rootresist)
 
-    name = 'soilbeta'
+    name = 'fates_soilbeta'
     call fates_params%RetreiveParameterAllocate(name=name, &
          data=this%soilbeta)
 
-    name = 'crown'
+    name = 'fates_crown'
     call fates_params%RetreiveParameterAllocate(name=name, &
          data=this%crown)
 
-    name = 'bark_scaler'
+    name = 'fates_bark_scaler'
     call fates_params%RetreiveParameterAllocate(name=name, &
          data=this%bark_scaler)
 
-    name = 'crown_kill'
+    name = 'fates_crown_kill'
     call fates_params%RetreiveParameterAllocate(name=name, &
          data=this%crown_kill)
 
-    name = 'initd'
+    name = 'fates_initd'
     call fates_params%RetreiveParameterAllocate(name=name, &
          data=this%initd)
 
-    name = 'sd_mort'
+    name = 'fates_sd_mort'
     call fates_params%RetreiveParameterAllocate(name=name, &
          data=this%sd_mort)
 
-    name = 'seed_rain'
+    name = 'fates_seed_rain'
     call fates_params%RetreiveParameterAllocate(name=name, &
          data=this%seed_rain)
 
-    name = 'BB_slope'
+    name = 'fates_BB_slope'
     call fates_params%RetreiveParameterAllocate(name=name, &
          data=this%BB_slope)
 
-    name = 'root_long'
+    name = 'fates_root_long'
     call fates_params%RetreiveParameterAllocate(name=name, &
          data=this%root_long)
 
-    name = 'clone_alloc'
+    name = 'fates_clone_alloc'
     call fates_params%RetreiveParameterAllocate(name=name, &
          data=this%clone_alloc)
 
-    name = 'seed_alloc'
+    name = 'fates_seed_alloc'
     call fates_params%RetreiveParameterAllocate(name=name, &
          data=this%seed_alloc)
 
-    name = 'sapwood_ratio'
+    name = 'fates_sapwood_ratio'
     call fates_params%RetreiveParameterAllocate(name=name, &
          data=this%sapwood_ratio)
 
-    name = 'woody'
+    name = 'fates_woody'
     call fates_params%RetreiveParameterAllocate(name=name, &
          data=this%woody)
 
-    name = 'stress_decid'
+    name = 'fates_stress_decid'
     call fates_params%RetreiveParameterAllocate(name=name, &
          data=this%stress_decid)
 
-    name = 'season_decid'
+    name = 'fates_season_decid'
     call fates_params%RetreiveParameterAllocate(name=name, &
          data=this%season_decid)
 
-    name = 'evergreen'
+    name = 'fates_evergreen'
     call fates_params%RetreiveParameterAllocate(name=name, &
          data=this%evergreen)
 
-    name = 'froot_leaf'
+    name = 'fates_froot_leaf'
     call fates_params%RetreiveParameterAllocate(name=name, &
          data=this%froot_leaf)
 
-    name = 'slatop'
+    name = 'fates_slatop'
     call fates_params%RetreiveParameterAllocate(name=name, &
          data=this%slatop)
 
-    name = 'leaf_long'
+    name = 'fates_leaf_long'
     call fates_params%RetreiveParameterAllocate(name=name, &
          data=this%leaf_long)
 
-    name = 'roota_par'
+    name = 'fates_roota_par'
     call fates_params%RetreiveParameterAllocate(name=name, &
          data=this%roota_par)
 
-    name = 'rootb_par'
+    name = 'fates_rootb_par'
     call fates_params%RetreiveParameterAllocate(name=name, &
          data=this%rootb_par)
 
-    name = 'lf_flab'
+    name = 'fates_lf_flab'
     call fates_params%RetreiveParameterAllocate(name=name, &
          data=this%lf_flab)
 
-    name = 'lf_fcel'
+    name = 'fates_lf_fcel'
     call fates_params%RetreiveParameterAllocate(name=name, &
          data=this%lf_fcel)
 
-    name = 'lf_flig'
+    name = 'fates_lf_flig'
     call fates_params%RetreiveParameterAllocate(name=name, &
          data=this%lf_flig)
 
-    name = 'fr_flab'
+    name = 'fates_fr_flab'
     call fates_params%RetreiveParameterAllocate(name=name, &
          data=this%fr_flab)
 
-    name = 'fr_fcel'
+    name = 'fates_fr_fcel'
     call fates_params%RetreiveParameterAllocate(name=name, &
          data=this%fr_fcel)
 
-    name = 'fr_flig'
+    name = 'fates_fr_flig'
     call fates_params%RetreiveParameterAllocate(name=name, &
          data=this%fr_flig)
 
-    name = 'xl'
+    name = 'fates_xl'
     call fates_params%RetreiveParameterAllocate(name=name, &
          data=this%xl)
 
-    name = 'c3psn'
+    name = 'fates_c3psn'
     call fates_params%RetreiveParameterAllocate(name=name, &
          data=this%c3psn)
 
-    name = 'flnr'
+    name = 'fates_flnr'
     call fates_params%RetreiveParameterAllocate(name=name, &
          data=this%flnr)
 
-    name = 'fnitr'
+    name = 'fates_fnitr'
     call fates_params%RetreiveParameterAllocate(name=name, &
          data=this%fnitr)
 
-    name = 'leafcn'
+    name = 'fates_leafcn'
     call fates_params%RetreiveParameterAllocate(name=name, &
          data=this%leafcn)
 
-    name = 'frootcn'
+    name = 'fates_frootcn'
     call fates_params%RetreiveParameterAllocate(name=name, &
          data=this%frootcn)
 
-    name = 'smpso'
+    name = 'fates_smpso'
     call fates_params%RetreiveParameterAllocate(name=name, &
          data=this%smpso)
 
-    name = 'smpsc'
+    name = 'fates_smpsc'
     call fates_params%RetreiveParameterAllocate(name=name, &
          data=this%smpsc)
 
-    name = 'grperc'
+    name = 'fates_grperc'
     call fates_params%RetreiveParameterAllocate(name=name, &
          data=this%grperc)
 
@@ -563,35 +563,35 @@ subroutine Register_PFT_numrad(this, fates_params)
     !X!    call fates_params%RegisterParameter(name=name, dimension_shape=dimension_shape_1d, &
     !X!         dimension_names=dim_names)
 
-    name = 'rholvis'
+    name = 'fates_rholvis'
     call fates_params%RegisterParameter(name=name, dimension_shape=dimension_shape_1d, &
          dimension_names=dim_names)
 
-    name = 'rholnir'
+    name = 'fates_rholnir'
     call fates_params%RegisterParameter(name=name, dimension_shape=dimension_shape_1d, &
          dimension_names=dim_names)
 
-    name = 'rhosvis'
+    name = 'fates_rhosvis'
     call fates_params%RegisterParameter(name=name, dimension_shape=dimension_shape_1d, &
          dimension_names=dim_names)
 
-    name = 'rhosnir'
+    name = 'fates_rhosnir'
     call fates_params%RegisterParameter(name=name, dimension_shape=dimension_shape_1d, &
          dimension_names=dim_names)
 
-    name = 'taulvis'
+    name = 'fates_taulvis'
     call fates_params%RegisterParameter(name=name, dimension_shape=dimension_shape_1d, &
          dimension_names=dim_names)
 
-    name = 'taulnir'
+    name = 'fates_taulnir'
     call fates_params%RegisterParameter(name=name, dimension_shape=dimension_shape_1d, &
          dimension_names=dim_names)
 
-    name = 'tausvis'
+    name = 'fates_tausvis'
     call fates_params%RegisterParameter(name=name, dimension_shape=dimension_shape_1d, &
          dimension_names=dim_names)
 
-    name = 'tausnir'
+    name = 'fates_tausnir'
     call fates_params%RegisterParameter(name=name, dimension_shape=dimension_shape_1d, &
          dimension_names=dim_names)
 
@@ -632,7 +632,7 @@ subroutine Receive_PFT_numrad(this, fates_params)
 
     ! Fetch metadata from a representative variable. All variables
     ! called by this subroutine must be dimensioned the same way!
-    name = 'rholvis'
+    name = 'fates_rholvis'
     index = fates_params%FindIndex(name)
     call fates_params%GetMetaData(index, name, dimension_shape, dimension_sizes, dimension_names, is_host_param)
     lower_bound_1 = lower_bound_pft
@@ -647,12 +647,12 @@ subroutine Receive_PFT_numrad(this, fates_params)
     !
     allocate(this%rhol(lower_bound_1:upper_bound_1, lower_bound_2:upper_bound_2))
     
-    name = 'rholvis'
+    name = 'fates_rholvis'
     call fates_params%RetreiveParameter(name=name, &
          data=dummy_data)
     this%rhol(lower_bound_1:upper_bound_1, ivis) = dummy_data
 
-    name = 'rholnir'
+    name = 'fates_rholnir'
     call fates_params%RetreiveParameter(name=name, &
          data=dummy_data)
     this%rhol(lower_bound_1:upper_bound_1, inir) = dummy_data
@@ -662,12 +662,12 @@ subroutine Receive_PFT_numrad(this, fates_params)
     !
     allocate(this%rhos(lower_bound_1:upper_bound_1, lower_bound_2:upper_bound_2))
     
-    name = 'rhosvis'
+    name = 'fates_rhosvis'
     call fates_params%RetreiveParameter(name=name, &
          data=dummy_data)
     this%rhos(lower_bound_1:upper_bound_1, ivis) = dummy_data
 
-    name = 'rhosnir'
+    name = 'fates_rhosnir'
     call fates_params%RetreiveParameter(name=name, &
          data=dummy_data)
     this%rhos(lower_bound_1:upper_bound_1, inir) = dummy_data
@@ -677,12 +677,12 @@ subroutine Receive_PFT_numrad(this, fates_params)
     !
     allocate(this%taul(lower_bound_1:upper_bound_1, lower_bound_2:upper_bound_2))
     
-    name = 'taulvis'
+    name = 'fates_taulvis'
     call fates_params%RetreiveParameter(name=name, &
          data=dummy_data)
     this%taul(lower_bound_1:upper_bound_1, ivis) = dummy_data
 
-    name = 'taulnir'
+    name = 'fates_taulnir'
     call fates_params%RetreiveParameter(name=name, &
          data=dummy_data)
     this%taul(lower_bound_1:upper_bound_1, inir) = dummy_data
@@ -692,12 +692,12 @@ subroutine Receive_PFT_numrad(this, fates_params)
     !
     allocate(this%taus(lower_bound_1:upper_bound_1, lower_bound_2:upper_bound_2))
     
-    name = 'tausvis'
+    name = 'fates_tausvis'
     call fates_params%RetreiveParameter(name=name, &
          data=dummy_data)
     this%taus(lower_bound_1:upper_bound_1, ivis) = dummy_data
 
-    name = 'tausnir'
+    name = 'fates_tausnir'
     call fates_params%RetreiveParameter(name=name, &
          data=dummy_data)
     this%taus(lower_bound_1:upper_bound_1, inir) = dummy_data
@@ -728,7 +728,7 @@ subroutine Register_PFT_nvariants(this, fates_params)
     !X!    call fates_params%RegisterParameter(name=name, dimension_shape=dimension_shape_2d, &
     !X!         dimension_names=dim_names)
 
-    name = 'rootprof_beta'
+    name = 'fates_rootprof_beta'
     call fates_params%RegisterParameter(name=name, dimension_shape=dimension_shape_2d, &
          dimension_names=dim_names, lower_bounds=dim_lower_bound)
 
@@ -751,7 +751,7 @@ subroutine Receive_PFT_nvariants(this, fates_params)
     !X!    call fates_params%RetreiveParameter(name=name, &
     !X!         data=this%)
 
-    name = 'rootprof_beta'
+    name = 'fates_rootprof_beta'
     call fates_params%RetreiveParameterAllocate(name=name, &
          data=this%rootprof_beta)
 
diff --git a/components/clm/src/ED/main/FatesParametersInterface.F90 b/components/clm/src/ED/main/FatesParametersInterface.F90
index 9daef59a93..007dd78d71 100644
--- a/components/clm/src/ED/main/FatesParametersInterface.F90
+++ b/components/clm/src/ED/main/FatesParametersInterface.F90
@@ -18,21 +18,19 @@ module FatesParametersInterface
   integer, parameter, public :: dimension_shape_1d = 1
   integer, parameter, public :: dimension_shape_2d = 2
 
-  ! FIXME(bja, 2017-01) these strings need to be changed to 'fates_'
-  ! to namespace dimonsions and prevent name collisions if someone
-  ! wants to write a single netcdf file containing host and fates
-  ! parameters. Can't be done easily until this framework is being
-  ! used to read variables.
-  ! FIXME(bja, 2017-01) change 'param' to 'scalar'!
+  ! Dimensions in the fates namespace:
   character(len=*), parameter, public :: dimension_name_scalar = ''
-  character(len=*), parameter, public :: dimension_name_scalar1d = 'param'
-  character(len=*), parameter, public :: dimension_name_pft = 'pft'
-  character(len=*), parameter, public :: dimension_name_segment = 'segment'
-  character(len=*), parameter, public :: dimension_name_cwd = 'NCWD'
-  character(len=*), parameter, public :: dimension_name_lsc = 'litterclass'
-  character(len=*), parameter, public :: dimension_name_fsc = 'litterclass'
-  character(len=*), parameter, public :: dimension_name_allpfts = 'allpfts'
-  character(len=*), parameter, public :: dimension_name_variants = 'variants'
+  character(len=*), parameter, public :: dimension_name_scalar1d = 'fates_scalar'
+  character(len=*), parameter, public :: dimension_name_pft = 'fates_pft'
+  character(len=*), parameter, public :: dimension_name_segment = 'fates_segment'
+  character(len=*), parameter, public :: dimension_name_cwd = 'fates_NCWD'
+  character(len=*), parameter, public :: dimension_name_lsc = 'fates_litterclass'
+  character(len=*), parameter, public :: dimension_name_fsc = 'fates_litterclass'
+  character(len=*), parameter, public :: dimension_name_allpfts = 'fates_allpfts'
+  character(len=*), parameter, public :: dimension_name_variants = 'fates_variants'
+
+  ! Dimensions in the host namespace:
+  character(len=*), parameter, public :: dimension_name_host_allpfts = 'allpfts'
   
   type, private ::  parameter_type
      character(len=param_string_length) :: name