Parcel-Scale GIS Analysis to Support Nearshore Restoration and Outreach

Abstract

Nearshore restoration opportunities can be identified with spatial data at many different scales. Linking assessment data with individual parcels provides a foundation to address one of the most common constraints to restoration implementation – the landowner. Spatial analysis of site conditions at the parcel unit scale can be used to filter out parcels in which restoration is infeasible or would provide little benefit to the nearshore ecosystem. The outputs of these types of analysis can be used to develop highly relevant outreach materials to targeted landowners and neighborhoods, incentives for property owners, and inform restoration design. This poster demonstrates the details of how parcel-unit GIS analysis was used in two different projects in the Salish Sea to identify and prioritize nearshore restoration opportunities, especially the removal of shore armor in low-risk sites. New opportunities and site synergies were discovered, resulting in targeted outreach and showcase pilot restoration projects. Protection priorities and parcels in which soft shore protection were viable alternatives to shore armor were mapped in one of the studies. This poster explains the analysis process and elaborates on the successes of two projects: The Feeder Bluff Restoration Assessment for Island and East Jefferson Counties project, and the Port Susan Marine Stewardship Area Armor Removal Assessment. Integrating science and social data can help to prevent scientists and managers from working in a bubble and provide the interaction necessary to initiate projects by scientifically identifying appropriate sites and building partnerships with willing landowners for nearshore restoration