Coastal environments are some of the most densely populated areas and most vulnerable to sea-level rise and flooding impacts from more frequent and intense coastal storm events. In a recent project for all conterminous U.S. ocean coasts, our team evaluated the vulnerability of human assets and wildlife value to map “resiliency hubs.” These hubs identify where mutual human/wildlife benefits may be realized through nature-based resiliency projects. We then downscaled these regional analyses in eight targeted watersheds, engaging local stakeholders to identify important fish and wildlife elements, stressors, and planned resiliency projects. Our team then developed a scenario-based evaluation of current fish/wildlife condition and future threats to fish/wildlife and human assets that informed more detailed modeling and prioritization of resiliency hubs.
Results/Conclusions
As a final product, our team provided examples of three resilience projects within each of the eight targeted watersheds that would, if implemented, improve both fish/wildlife habitat and human community resilience. We also developed and disseminated a decision support system that can be used for ongoing assessment and adaptation planning by local experts.