Project Profile: Conserve and Restore Coastal Marsh Systems In Northeast Parks Accounting for Future Sea Level Rise

Thompson Island salt marsh overlook in Boston Harbor Islands National Recreation Area.

NPS Photo

Inflation Reduction Act
Resilience | FY23-26 $3,388,751

The National Park Service (NPS) will improve resiliency of coastal marsh ecosystems in Northeast parks through marsh restoration, facilitated marsh migration, and planning for inevitable changes from increases in sea level and storm surge. Improved conservation of marsh ecosystems will benefit visitors, increase protection from flooding and storm surge impacts, and improve habitat for fish and wildlife. The science-based plan will be informed by predictive models of marsh condition and lifespan given the impacts of climate change.

Why? Coastal marshes are priority habitats, cultural landscapes, and recreation destinations that provide essential ecological and socio-economic services. Salt marshes sequester carbon at over forty times the rate of upland forested ecosystems and provide habitat for at-risk wildlife and coastal fishery species. The effects of climate change have resulted in the loss of more than half of the original salt marsh habitat in the United States, and the remaining marshes in the Northeast are particularly vulnerable to future impacts. The NPS is embarking on this project to help conserve these vital ecosystems and the benefits they bring people, animals, and plants.

What else? This project will involve students, Native American Tribal youth, and volunteers to inspire future generations to protect, restore, and build resilience in the ecosystems around them. Additionally, the project will utilize publications, presentations, webinars, social media, workshops, and education programs to share information.

About the Inflation Reduction Act

The Inflation Reduction Act provides the National Park Service with an historic opportunity to address critical ecosystem resilience, restoration, and environmental planning needs. Projects funded in national parks represent broad-scale and impactful resource investments across every corner of our nation—from Alaska to Florida to Maine.