The adaptation strategies below offer possible ways to address anticipated climate risks to wetlands.
Adaptations strategies for wetlands
- A watershed health index helps compile measurable, comparable, and consistent ecological information that summarized the primary attributes of the watershed’s condition. The six essential attributes are landscape condition, habitat, hydrology, geomorphology, water quality, and biological condition. Additional values can be used depending on the values of the community. The information can be input into GIS as a visual tool as well. This information can be used to plan for wetland protection, restoration, and creation.
- Adopt an environmental protection overlay that includes wetlands and seasonal ponds.
- Create a regional sediment management (RSM) plan.
- Develop adaptive stormwater management practices such as promoting natural buffers and adequate culvert sizing.
- Ensure that the proper zoning is in place to protect wetlands and seasonal ponds.
- Establish rolling easements that ensure wetlands can expand as buildings, roads, and other structures are removed.
- Incorporate wetland protection into infrastructure planning (e.g., transportation planning, sewer utilities) policies.
- Install new wetlands and restore wetlands that were drained for agriculture or development.
- Require that the elimination of a wetland prompts the construction or reconstruction of another wetland within the same watershed.
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.
