geese landing on a pond
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
Water Quality
Assets
Aquatic and Marine Resources
Multiple or All Assets
Natural Areas and Wildlife
Water Infrastructure – General
Sources

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

Get Started
Understand Exposure
Assess Vulnerability & Risk
Investigate Options
Prioritize & Plan
Take Action
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Image Credit

Michele Whitbeck/USFWS