Case Study

Marsh Migration and Thin-Layer Placement on Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge

By prioritizing wetland restoration, managing predicted marsh migration, and eradicating nutria, the refuge has increased the resiliency of remaining refuge wetlands and helped maintain wildlife habitats and important ecosystem services. The integration of nature-based solutions, such as facilitating marsh migration, provides human well-being and biodiversity benefits.

Location Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge

Year

2024

Details

Hazards

Erosion and Shoreline Recession

Flooding – General

Multiple or All Hazards

Shifting Species, Habitats, and Ecosystems

Assets

Aquatic and Marine Resources

Multiple or All Assets

Natural Areas and Wildlife

Water Infrastructure – General

Sources

US Fish & Wildlife Service

Follow this link to read the full case study by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service:

Marsh Migration and Thin-Layer Placement on Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge

Funding & Building Capacity

This project was funded by The Conservation Fund and the Hurricane Sandy Supplemental Bill.

Organizations

US Fish & Wildlife Service

Relevant Options

Provide incentives for proper shoreline stabilization and bank stabilization methods, including sloping or grading techniques, terracing hillsides or installing riprap boulders or geotextile fabric. Conduct an outreach program that educates the public on the dangers of removing natural vegetation from dunes and slopes near buildings and infrastructure. Create or update a trails master plan to account for climate change impacts such as increased erosion due to precipitation or sea level rise.

Steps to Resilience

Understand Exposure

Assess Vulnerability & Risk

Investigate Options

Prioritize & Plan

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