Climate Adaptation Planning in the Monterey Bay Region: An Iterative Spatial Framework for Engagement at the Local Level

Sarah M. Reiter¹, Lisa M. Wedding¹, Eric Hartge¹, Letise LaFeir², Margaret R. Caldwell¹

¹Center for Ocean Solutions, Monterey, CA, USA.
²Monterey Bay Aquarium, Monterey, CA, USA.

DOI: 10.4236/nr.2015.65035                

Abstract

The Monterey Bay Region benefits from science-based adaptation planning that places value on a healthy social-ecological ecosystem. We co-developed a methodological engagement framework to support an iterative place-based process among natural resource managers, the planning community, and the community of technical experts (e.g., economists, scientists, lawyers). In collaboration with local decision makers, we are evaluating the effects of adaptation strategies on ecosystem services provided by natural dune and wetland systems to inform decision making at the local government level. Here, we present the Center for Ocean Solutions’ transferable engagement framework designed to evaluate viable climate adaptation planning alternatives using spatial analysis and data visualization techniques.

Keywords

Climate Change Adaptation, Wetlands Management, Coastal Restoration, Ecosystem Services

Conflicts of Interest

The authors declare no conflicts of interest.

References

[1]	Caffrey, J., Brown, M., Tyler, W.B. and Silberstein, M. (Eds.) (2002) Changes in a California Estuary: A Profile of Elkhorn Slough. Elkhorn Slough Foundation, Moss Landing, 280 p.
[2]	Van Dyke, E. and Wasson, K. (2005) Historical Ecology of a Central California Estuary: 150 Years of Habitat Change. Estuaries, 28, 173-179. http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/BF02732853
[3]	Caldwell, M.R., Hartge, E.H., Ewing, L.C., Griggs, G., Kelly, R.P., Moser, S.C., Newkirk, S.G., Smyth R.A and Woodson, C.B. (2013) Chapter 9: Coastal Issues. In: Garfin, G., Jardine, A., Meredith, R., Black, M. and LeRoy, S., Eds., Assessment of Climate Change in the Southwest United States: A Report Prepared for the National Climate Assessment, Southwest Climate Alliance, Island Press, Washington DC, 168-196. http://dx.doi.org/10.5822/978-1-61091-484-0_9
[4]	Cash, D.W., Clark, W.C., Alcock, F., Dickson, N.M., Eckley, N., Guston, D.H., Jager, J. and Mitchell, R.B. (2003) Knowledge Systems for Sustainable Development. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America, 100, 8086-8091. http://dx.doi.org/10.1073/pnas.1231332100
[5]	Langridge, S., Hartge, E.H., Clark, R.C., Arkema, K., Verutes, G.M., et al. (2014) Key Lessons for Incorporating Natural Infrastructure into Regional Climate Adaptation Planning. Ocean & Coastal Management, 95, 189-197. http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.ocecoaman.2014.03.019
[6]	Hurlimann, A.C. and March, A.P. (2012) The Role of Spatial Planning in Adapting to Climate Change. Wiley Interdisciplinary Reviews: Climate Change, 3, 477-488. http://dx.doi.org/10.1002/wcc.183
[7]	Wilson, E. (2006) Adapting to Climate Change at the Local Level: The Spatial Planning Response. Local Environment: The International Journal of Justice and Sustainability, 11, 609-625. http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/13549830600853635
[8]	Herzog, M.M. and Hecht, S.B. (2013) Combating Sea-Level Rise in Southern California: How Local Governments Can Seize Adaptation Opportunities While Minimizing Legal Risk. Hastings West Northwest Journal of Environmental Law & Policy, 19, 463.
[9]	Downing, J., Blumberg, L. and Hallstein, E. (2014) Reducing Climate Risks with Natural Infrastructure. Report for the Nature Conservancy California, 1-28.
[10]	McMahon, E. (2000) Looking Around: Green Infrastructure. Planning Commission Journal, No. 37.
[11]	Caldwell, M. and Segall, C.H. (2007) No Day at the Beach: Sea Level Rise, Ecosystem Loss, and Public Access along the California Coast. Ecology Law Quarterly, 34, 533-578.