Climate change vulnerability assessments for coastal infrastructure programming supports a comprehensive network of cooperative study units to facilitate cooperative research, technical assistance,…

Climate change vulnerability assessments for coastal infrastructure programming supports a comprehensive network of cooperative study units to facilitate cooperative research, technical assistance, education, and training to inform science-based management of the national park system. The study units facilitate multi-disciplinary science and integrated information products across multiple geographic regions of the national park system. This project will apply protocols developed in 2016 and updated in 2022 to assess the vulnerability of climate change (ccva) and its impact on coastal infrastructure for remaining coastal park units for which a ccva does not exist to better protect these resources from risk of damage and loss. The project will also update ccva and adaptation options information where needed to inform critical management decisions for park units service-wide and engage with NPS contractors, partners, the public in the development of adaptation plans as a part of planning for NPS coastal units and gateway communities. This information will provide guidance and examples to local municipalities and managers of historic structures and other infrastructure along the coastline, as well as within the broader research and land management communities, to adapt coastal infrastructure to climate change and natural hazards. This project will engage students who will develop professional skills as the next generation of climate change adaptation specialists.