Proceedings from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) – Engineering With Nature Workshop

Abstract

Abstract : This proceedings report summarizes the activities of a collaborative workshop conducted on the topic of Engineering With Nature (EWN) by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) and the National Oceanic Atmospheric Administration (NOAA)-National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS). The workshop was held from October 5-6, 2016, in Gloucester, Massachusetts. EWN is defined as sustainable development of water resources infrastructure through the beneficial integration of engineering and natural systems (www.engineeringwithnature.org). It is this intentional alignment of natural and engineering processes that efficiently and sustainably delivers economic, environmental, and social benefits through collaborative processes. Thirty-eight workshop participants represented USACE and NOAA. The objectives of the workshop included were to: 1. provide an overview of EWN, review progress to date, and establish a path forward for application in the coastal zone; 2. discuss USACE and NMFS opportunities/challenges with respect to applying EWN; 3. use tools developed in conjunction with workshop format to guide EWN project teams (i.e., breakout groups) towards the identification of specific EWN-based opportunities; and 4. prepare detailed Opportunity Statements for the highest-value EWN collaborative projects/solutions. The workshop included a plenary session where USACE and NMFS leaders presented their respective organizational overviews and legislative mandates concerning EWN implementation in the coastal zone. Interactive breakout sessions were also convened to gather input on priority opportunities for collaborative EWN projects in conjunction with potential initial steps, concerns, and challenges. Over the course of the two-day workshop, a total of six short- and long-term opportunities emerged. It will be essential to capture and share lessons learned as the two organizations plan and implement selected EWN projects/initiatives.