Climate Change in America's National Parks - Exploring the adaptation strategy of removing shore protection structures

Meeting Date: 12/8/2016

- 12/8/2016


Thu, Dec 8, 2016 11:00 AM - 12:30 PM PST
Register here

A potential climate adaptation strategy is to facilitate landward migration of landforms and habitats by removing barriers (e.g. bulkheads and seawalls). This webinar will share the background, results and opportunities for implementation on a study, Facilitating migration of coastal landforms and habitats by removing shore protection structures: An adaptation strategy for Northeast Region units of the National Park Service, led by Dr. Karl Nordstrom of Rutgers University. The study evaluated the potential for removing protection structures in 12 national parks in the Northeast Region. Removing the barriers that shore protection structures create between coastal and upland habitats can reestablish exchanges of sediment and the ecological functions of the natural ecotone. Criteria for removal included condition of structures, ability of natural processes to be reestablished, availability of sediment, connectivity between beach and upland, public safety, visitor access and use, and value in demonstrating the concept of adaptation. Reasons for not taking a more pro-active approach to removing protection structures include (1) conflicting policy directives; (2) presence of key access roads and critical archaeological and historic sites; (3) lack of funds and human resources; (4) reluctance to replace known problems with unknown problems; and 5) consideration of conflicting visitor desires. Demonstration projects are needed to provide information about adaptation strategies that promote enhancement of ecosystem functions as a positive product and distinguish between the concept of loss (erosion of existing landforms and habitats) and the concept of gain (evolution of new landforms and habitats).

The Climate Change in America's National Parks Webinar Series takes place at 2:00 PM EST every second Thursday of the month. For more information, contact Matt Holly: