Themes outlined in the report reflect a sample of key points described in bureau submissions; this is not an exhaustive list. Specific details are included in the submissions provided by each bureau and office that responded to the questionnaire.
Applicability
NEPA analysis can apply to
1) actions for which prevention/control of invasive species is the primary purpose of the action, and
2) actions for which the purpose of the action is to execute program or projects, such as operations, maintenance or construction activities, during which invasive species prevention/control may not be the primary purpose but invasive species risks should be considered and minimized.
Challenges to NEPA Compliance
Lack of training in NEPA compliance and access to technical support;
Limitations of data availability / data accessibility (e.g., site specific information, distribution and life history information, impacts, control techniques);
Reductions in funding and staffing; and, o Insufficient policy and guidance to the field.
Solutions to Overcome Challenges
Provide additional training and guidance to appropriate staff on NEPA compliance;
Support research for new methods of controls/eradication that are effective, efficient, and less damaging to non-target habitats/species;
Improve methods of data sharing and make information centrally accessible;
Promote coordination with other agencies;
Update policy, guidance, and templates, including best management practices (BMPS) for the type of activities conducted; ensure that those BMPS can be used by all agencies;
Develop Agency-wide / Regional / Large-scale plans and guidance (e.g., Programmatic EA, Programmatic EIS) from which EAs/EISs for projects can be tiered; and,
Develop more options for categorical exclusion that benefit the environment (esp. for early detection and rapid response (EDRR) and control).
There are others, but these are the highlights included in the report.
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Freshwater Systems
The Southeastern United States and U.S. Caribbean is highly vulnerable to a variety of climatic factors and extreme weather events, including heavy downpours, floods, and droughts, all of which can influence water resources in this region. Over the last 30 years, the Southeast has been affected by more billion-dollar weather-related disasters than any other region, with coastal states experiencing more hurricanes, and inland states experiencing ice storms and tornadoes. Decision makers are faced with the challenge of developing and implementing management options to help people prepare for, respond to, and recover from the unavoidable effects of climate change (also known as adaptation). EcoAdapt is pleased to announce the release of The State of Climate Adaptation in Water Resources Management: Southeastern United States and U.S. Caribbean. This synthesis report provides:
A summary of key regional climate change impacts and discussion on how the aforementioned issues combine to influence water supply, demand and use, quality, and delivery;
The results of a survey sent to federal, tribal, state, and other practitioners to identify challenges, needs, and opportunities for climate-informed water resources management;
Examples of adaptation initiatives from the region, focusing on activities in the natural and built environments as they relate to water resources;
Eighteen full-length case studies, detailing how adaptation is taking shape; and
A guide to the current suite of tools available to support adaptation action in water resources management, planning, and conservation.
The synthesis report, case studies, and tools guide provide useful information on climate change adaptation in the Southeastern United States and U.S. Caribbean for both novice and experienced practitioners within or beyond the region’s borders to apply to their own work. Readers can learn about different types of adaptation strategies, find real-world examples of how others in similar disciplines or regions are incorporating climate change into their work, and locate the people and tools needed to help move their adaptation efforts forward.
Funding for this project was provided by the Charles Stewart Mott Foundation, Curtis & Edith Munson Foundation, and the Climate Adaptation Knowledge Exchange (CAKE). To learn more about the State of Adaptation Program and this project, visit www.EcoAdapt.org/programs or contact Rachel M. Gregg at Rachel@EcoAdapt.org. To join the CAKE community and learn more about climate adaptation, visit www.CAKEx.org.
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