Resilient Task Force Webinar Series
The Together North Jersey (TNJ) Resilience Task Force and the North Jersey Transportation Planning Authority (NJTPA) co-sponsored a three-part Resilience Webinar Series that was delivered from May 30 to June 13, 2018. The webinar series was developed to explain approaches and tools available to local decision-makers to reduce the vulnerability of their communities to climate change. The webinars emphasized the path to implementation, highlighting successful projects in North Jersey and elsewhere in the state and providing information on funding opportunities.
Webinar 1: Climate Change & Wetland Restoration
Rutgers University’s current projections estimate a sea level rise of 1.4 feet by 2050, leaving coastal and riverine communities increasingly vulnerable to periodic flooding and permanent inundation. Encroaching sea waters threaten to destroy the integrity of North Jersey’s wetlands. The loss of wetlands, in turn, means the loss of an important ecological resource and a critical barrier that protects communities from flooding and storm surges. This webinar explains the importance of wetlands in mitigating the impacts of climate change and highlights funding sources and examples of successful wetlands projects implemented by North Jersey communities.
Webinar presenters:
Stacy Krause, AICP/PP, CFM, Senior Research Specialist, Environmental Analysis and Communications Group, Rutgers University
Leah B. Yasenchak, PhD, AICP/PP, CEcD, Local Recovery Manager, New Jersey Future
Webinar 2: Green Infrastructure & Urban Resiliency
Numerous communities across New Jersey have turned to Green Infrastructure (GI) as a stormwater management solution, often with community input on planning and design. GI is an economical approach to water management that mimics the natural water cycle through the planting of trees and other vegetation. GI also enhances aesthetics and creates opportunities for traffic calming and pedestrian safety. This webinar explains the benefits of GI, as well as the challenges associated with implementation and maintenance. Participants will also learn about successful GI projects implemented in North Jersey and available funding opportunities.
Webinar presenter:
Stacy Krause, AICP/PP, CFM, Senior Research Specialist, Environmental Analysis and Communications Group, Rutgers University
Webinar 3: Web-Based Coastal Resiliency Planning Tools
Many online data analysis tools are available to local decision-makers to understand the future impacts of climate change. This webinar will briefly illustrate the key points of several web-based, coastal resiliency tools, provide information on useful applications, and direct participants to tutorial and demonstration resources. Communities can use these tools as a starting point to plan for future scenarios. Mapping outputs can be incorporated into conversations with the public or into planning documents or to begin to identify areas for future development based on projected climate impacts.
Webinar presenter:
Stacy Krause, AICP/PP, CFM, Senior Research Specialist, Environmental Analysis and Communications Group, Rutgers University