Archive for April 2020
ASAP’s Response to COVID-19: Adaptive Management
Written by Beth Gibbons, ASAP’s Executive Director In early 2019 a sign appeared on the wall of ASAP’s modest office building. It reads, “We Will Figure It Out”. When it appeared we laughed at how appropriate it felt, given how many times a day our team sat down to think through a new challenge, be…
Read MoreResilient DC: A Strategy to Thrive in the Face of Change
DC is boldly moving their resilience strategy forward. After two years of iterative engagement with residents, the capital city’s unique approach includes one of our favorite topics: individual resilience! Check out the Resilient DC report for the nitty gritty on resilience in the nation’s capital city.
Read MoreFayette and Kanawha Counties Improve CRS Ratings
West Virginia Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Management (DHSEM) recently recognized the counties of Fayette and Kanawha in their efforts towards fostering more disaster-resistant communities. These efforts led to the counties’ Community Rating System (CRS) classes to improve, which resulted in flood insurance premium reductions through the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP).
Read MoreGreater Miami Resilient305 Strategy Released
This past month in Southeast Florida, Miami-Dade County, an ASAP organizational member, alongside the City of Miami and the City of Miami Beach released their Resilient305 Strateg. The Resilient305 Strategy will act as a guide for the Greater Miami area and the Beaches’ climate resilience challenges, touching on topics from rising sea levels to public health and affordable housing.…
Read MoreActionable Science Case Study: Modeling Forest Thinning Effects on Water Yield for the Four Forest Restoration Initiative
Severe drought and wildfires in the Southwest are causing tree die-offs. The Nature Conservancy, through the USFS Four Forest Restoration Initiative, is testing and evaluating new approaches to forest management in the ponderosa pine forests and watersheds around Phoenix. This project, which has demonstrated short term benefits for river flow to the Salt-Verde watershed is just one…
Read MoreRestorative Green Infrastructure in the South
Trees are the cornerstone of Savannah, GA’s green infrastructure system. With increases in population and overall city growth, the number of trees and tree canopy cover has drastically decreased. In an effort to restore Savannah’s green canopy, renew several marginalized communities, and reduce stormwater runoff and flooding events, Savannah’s Office of Sustainability and their partners launched a…
Read MoreMescalero Apache Tribe Adapts to a Warmer and Drier Climate
Home to the Mescalero Apache Tribe, the Sacramento Mountains in southern New Mexico are experiencing a warmer, drier climate and an increase in extreme weather events. In the face of a changing climate, the Tribe is building capacity—and climate resilience—through forestry management, habitat protection, and an innovative approach to healthy eating. Read this case study…
Read MoreSea Level Rise, A Consideration for New Land Development
Earlier this year, a Judge in Virginia Beach, VA confirmed the City Council could use research on sea level rise to make decisions on zoning and new construction, even if it was not previously built into City codes and regulations. This ruling was the result of a developer suing the City for denying a zoning amendment who…
Read MoreInnovation in climate resilience through large-scale green stormwater infrastructure and public-private partnership
New funding approaches to building climate resilience through green stormwater infrastructure are emerging. In 2019, the Milwaukee Metropolitan Sewerage District planned a public-private partnership (P3), known as Community Based Green Infrastructure (CBGI). The RFP sought a single partner to create a capture capacity of a minimum of 20 million gallons. Along with reducing capture costs,…
Read MoreWalnut Way Conservation Corp: Blue Skies Landscaping
In Lindsay Heights, an African American neighborhood in Milwaukee, WI. Walnut Way Conservation Corp. is building community resilience through their program, Blue Skies Landscaping. Specializing in green infrastructure projects, Blue Skies focuses on beautifying vacant lots, residential, and commercial properties while reducing storm water pollution. Walnut Way employs community members, leading to economic opportunity in…
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