Options Database

Develop a design methodology for stormwater improvement projects that incorporates climate impact projections and regional development forecasts.

Develop a drought communication and public information campaign. Use the campaign to facilitate timely communication of relevant information to building owners and managers, developers and the public. Work with officials, decision-makers and emergency managers to ensure the message and plans align.

Develop an ecosystem fire recovery master plan to address revegetation and post-fire treatments for open space and community parks. The plan could outline implementation actions for protecting and improving ecosystem health.

Develop an education campaign to keep plastic out of waterways and lagoons.

Develop education/outreach materials and training regarding climate adaptationforestry specific for Vermont forest types and conditions.

Develop an educational campaign that encourages residents to weatherize their homes. Doing so will reduce heating and cooling bills, especially as high temperature days and nights become more common.

Develop a fire risk assessment for all new development within fire hazard severity zones or the wildland-urban interface (WUI).

Develop a fire risk assessment for all new development within fire hazard severity zones or the wildland-urban interface (WUI). The WUI is the zone of transition between unoccupied land and human development.

Develop a flood early warning system that uses gauges in strategic locations to monitor water levels. The system would provide alerts when roads may be flooding. Use the system to let people know when to evacuate. The system could show real time data for residents and decision makers.

Develop flood risk mapping system or process that is tailored to specific needs and is frequently updated. Use it to point citizens to the most accurate elevation data for their parcels or a process for understanding their parcels’ true elevation. This system would then lead to more informed management decisions and greater citizen outreach and education opportunities as well as the possibility of lower flood insurance premiums.

Develop flood risk mapping system (assessment) or process that is tailored to specific needs and is frequently updated. This can be used to point citizens to the most accurate elevation data for their parcels or a process for understanding their parcels' true elevation. This system would then lead to more informed management decisions and greater citizen outreach and education opportunities as well as the possibility of lower flood insurance premiums.

Develop a formal parking plan when there is a chance of flooding. Include appropriate signage on streets.

Develop a free rain garden program using fees and grants that provides materials and training.

Develop an incentive program to convert fuelburning lawn equipment such as gas-powered lawn mowers and blowers to electric.

Develop incentives or regulations for property owners to improve the resilience of buildings in areas facing increased risk of flooding.

Develop a land bank program to preserve the natural and beneficial functions of flood hazard areas.

Develop a local forest management taskforce to manage fuel loads, thinning, brush removal, and prescribed burns

Develop a local forest management taskforce comprised of of forestry and fire management professionals, local government stakeholders, private businesses, local community members and non-profits. The task force would be responsible for managing fuel loads, thinning, brush removal and prescribed burns and for considering the indirect impacts on residents and businesses in the community.

Develop a local funding mechanism (e.g., gas tax or tax increment financing) to provide dollars towards non-capacity transportation projects.

Develop mechanisms to alert and protect outdoor workers from increasing temperatures and extreme heat events.