Effects of Sea Level Rise (ESLR)
Event Response Program

Decision makers are often unsure of using natural and nature-based features (NNBF) in lieu of traditional engineering practices due to the lack of information on how these features will perform during storm events.  The ESLR Event Response Program provides immediate assistance to individuals to gather data prior, during, and/or immediately after events that are difficult to plan for the purpose of a scientific study. These findings will potentially help federal, state, and local officials manage events and make sound decisions leading to safer coastal communities and healthier coastal environments. Modest funding is available to augment current or prior research to help offset costs of immediate mobilization of response and/or assessment efforts. Specific project activities of interest include pre- and post-event monitoring and modeling activities. These efforts must inform at least two of the following;

• assessments of long-term ecosystem vulnerability,
• habitat restoration or NNBF implementation planning,
• the ability of coastal ecosystems or nature-based infrastructure to reduce and/or mitigate coastal inundation impacts on ecosystems, natural resources, or communities.

Due to limited funding, prioritized scenarios include:

• Quantifying impacts of inundation on natural habitats and natural based features and the feedback those habitats had on inundation and economic damage to the region.
• Reassessment of community perception of vulnerability after a storm event that has impacted coastal infrastructure.

Prioritized events include but are not limited to:

• Weather-related events, such as nor’easters, tropical storms, nuisance flooding, abnormal wave conditions, or prolonged rain events;
• Anthropogenic associated events, including episodic events (e.g., flood driven opening of a water diversion) and singular events (e.g., unplanned levee breach). Anthropogenic activities with an extended planning cycle will not be considered.