Modeling Future Tidal Wetland Conditions to Support Present Day Decisions
About this project
In 2014, the Great Bay Reserve led an effort to run the SLAMM model for all of New Hampshire to understand how estuarine habitats could shift in response to sea-level rise. The state was divided into eight regions, and model inputs were tailored to those areas. Local data from GBNERR and partners was entered into the model, including updated and more detailed habitat information derived from the Habitat Mapping efforts of the NERR, and SET data associated with our monitoring efforts.
About this project
In 2014, the Great Bay Reserve led an effort to run the SLAMM model for all of New Hampshire to understand how estuarine habitats could shift in response to sea-level rise. The state was divided into eight regions, and model inputs were tailored to those areas. Local data from GBNERR and partners was entered into the model, including updated and more detailed habitat information derived from the Habitat Mapping efforts of the NERR, and SET data associated with our monitoring efforts.
Beneficial use of dredged sediment to enhance coastal resilience is of interest to, and already being applied in, many coastal states. At project conception, the team interviewed and surveyed end users involved in funding, permitting, implementation, and monitoring of thin-layer sediment projects. This project will address the needs end users identified, including a vetted monitoring protocol to assess restoration success after thin-layer sediment placement, a synopsis of associated permitting issues, and an evaluation of effectiveness of different treatments detailed in a technical report and summarized in a brochure and webinar.
How this project is helping
Model outputs were created and uploaded into the Coastal Viewer, an online Coastal Mapping tool that the Coastal Program created and that now houses all coastal specific geospatial data sets and visualization tools.
The SLAMM outputs were directly incorporated into the vulnerability assessments done for Rockingham and Strafford counties, are being used to assess potential conservation projects by the Great Bay Resource Protection Partnership, are part of the site suitability criteria for living shorelines, and are integrated into restoration planning efforts in New Hampshire.
Partners
- Great Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve
- New Hampshire Coastal Program
Contact
Rachel Stevens
Great Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve
Rachel.Stevens@wildlife.nh.gov / (603) 778-0015
