Connecticut Coastal Design Project: Current Opportunities and Constraints for Connecticut’s Coast Non‐Structural/Natural Infrastructure
This report summarizes findings from the 2014 Connecticut Coastal Design Project workshop in Guilford, Connecticut. It highlights collaboration among experts to identify opportunities and challenges for implementing natural infrastructure solutions to improve coastal resilience and support sustainable shoreline management.
Subject Tags
- Climate resilience
- Coastal
- Climate mitigation
Summary
This report presents the findings of the Connecticut Coastal Design Project, a 2014 initiative by The Nature Conservancy’s Coastal Resilience Program. Bringing together engineers, regulators, scientists, and natural resource managers, the project aimed to advance environmentally friendly shoreline protection approaches. The report summarizes insights from interviews and a stakeholder workshop held in Guilford, Connecticut, which explored opportunities and barriers to implementing natural infrastructure solutions such as wetlands and nature-based defenses. Findings highlight the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration, stakeholder engagement, and policy alignment in promoting sustainable coastal management. The report provides guidance on how natural infrastructure can complement traditional shoreline armoring to improve resilience, reduce risk from coastal hazards, and support ecosystem health. It offers valuable direction for future planning and decision-making in coastal communities.
Recommended Citation
Whelchel, A. W., A. Ryan, H. Drinkuth, and S. Pellegrino. 2015. Workshop Summary of Findings Report on Non‐Structural and Natural Infrastructure Alternatives: Current Opportunities and Constraints for Connecticut’s Coast. The Nature Conservancy, Coastal Resilience Program. Publication 15‐1, New Haven, CT
TNC Authors
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Adam Whelchel
Director of Science Connecticut, Connecticut Field Office
The Nature Conservancy
Email: awhelchel@tnc.org