The adaptation strategies below offer possible ways to address anticipated climate risks to parks, trees, and forests.
Adaptation strategies for parks, trees, and forests
- Run programs and/or integrate projects into existing practices that support the protection and/or expansion of continuous blocks of forests.
- Adopt tree and or forest protection policies.
- Conduct a tree canopy assessment and map tree locations.
- Complete a strategy or formal plan to continue or fortify measurement, maintenance, and planting initiatives.
- Identify and implement reforestation opportunities.
- Implement pathogen monitoring and management initiatives.
- Select and recommend tree plantings based on native species listed as appropriate for anticipated climatic changes.
- Work with developers to lessen tree removal during new construction.
- An ideal ordinance would cover trees on public and private property, and offer incentives for private property development that exceeds an established minimum tree canopy.
- Adopt a habitat connectivity plan.
- Adopt protections of important zones and critical habitats as the locations of these areas change with climate.
- Allow for landowners to sell their development rights to the local government to permanently protect the land through a purchase of development rights.
- Connect landscapes with natural corridors to enable migrations.
- Expand the planning horizons of land use planning to incorporate longer climate predictions.
- Implement zoning ordinances to support habitat connectivity goals.
- Integrate habitat protection strategies into zoning codes, comprehensive plans, and ordinances.
- Limit Planned Unit Developments (PUDs) near sensitive natural areas.
- Purchase development rights or property rights.
- Require new developments to complete a habitat impact analysis and mitigate the loss of habitat that they damage or destroy.
- Restrict septic systems near areas with high biodiversity or critical habitat.
- Use setbacks to protect sensitive habitats.
- Determining a set amount of green space in the area will help limit the effects of extreme heat, flooding, water quality, and more.
Source Documents
These strategies are adapted from existing federal and other resources. Please view these strategies in the context provided by the primary source document:
Disclaimer
The adaptation strategies provided are intended to inform and assist communities in identifying potential alternatives. They are illustrative and are presented to help communities consider possible ways to address current and future climate threats. Read the full disclaimer.
