A Salt Marsh Advancement Zone Assessment of Greenwich, Connecticut
This report evaluates salt marsh advancement in Greenwich, Connecticut using The Nature Conservancy’s Coastal Resilience Program. It identifies areas for marsh migration, current land use, and priority parcels to support planning, reduce flood risk, and sustain natural infrastructure.
Subject Tags
- Climate resilience
- Coastal
- Conservation Planning
Introduction
This report assesses salt marsh advancement zones in Greenwich, Connecticut using tools developed through The Nature Conservancy’s Coastal Resilience Program. Established in 2006, the program supports communities in evaluating flooding scenarios from sea level rise and storm surge and understanding ecological, social, and economic impacts. This study applies a salt marsh advancement model to identify where marsh habitats are expected to migrate upslope as sea levels rise. It evaluates current land use and identifies key parcels critical to sustaining natural infrastructure and reducing hazard risk. Findings support planning, restoration, and policy strategies to maintain wetlands, floodplains, and coastal ecosystems. The report highlights the importance of natural infrastructure in reducing flood impacts, protecting communities, and maintaining ecosystem services across Greenwich and the Connecticut coastline.
Citation
Ryan, A. and A. W. Whelchel. 2014. A Salt Marsh Advancement Zone Assessment of Greenwich, Connecticut. The Nature Conservancy, Coastal Resilience Program. Publication Series #1-J, New Haven, Connecticut.