Ensuring Climate Resilient Aquatic Communities
The Appalachian LCC funded this innovative riparian planting and decision-support tool and helped to coordinate the demonstration to address the immediate conservation planning efforts of resource managers to safeguard valued aquatic resources under predicted climate changes across the region. The tool works by identifying vulnerable stream and riverbanks that lack tree cover and shade in coldwater stream habitats. By focusing on the most effective areas to plant trees in riparian zones, resource managers can provide shade to limit the amount of solar radiation heating the water and reduce the impacts of increasing temperatures from climate change.
The tool was developed and demonstrated by Keith Nislow and Jason Coombs of the U.S. Forest Service and enhanced through review and input by the EBTJV staff and Science Team. Access the tool and watch a video demonstration.
