Publications about West and Rhode Rivers

IAN is committed to producing practical, user-centered communications that foster a better understanding of science and enable readers to pursue new opportunities in research, education, and environmental problem-solving. Our publications synthesize scientific findings using effective science communication techniques.

Greenhouse Gas Reduction Plan: Chapter 8 Adaptation (Page 1)

Greenhouse Gas Reduction Plan: Chapter 8 Adaptation

Caroline Donovan, Marcus Griswold ·
24 July 2013

Climate change will affect Maryland in a variety of ways. More obvious impacts could include an increased risk for extreme events such as drought, storms, flooding, and forest fires; more heat-related stress; the spread of existing or new vector-born disease; and increased erosion and inundation of low-lying areas along the State’s shoreline and coast. Adaptation, together with mitigation, is necessary to address climate change.

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Resiliency and water resources management: Water supply in a changing climate (Page 1)

Resiliency and water resources management: Water supply in a changing climate

Marcus Griswold, Caroline Donovan ·
23 July 2013

Maryland citizens are blessed with an abundant supply of water. However, many water systems are already stressed during droughts, and infrastructure damage and water contamination occurs during floods. Future population growth will combine with increasingly variable weather patterns to place more communities at risk of property damage, regulatory liabilities and uncertain access to drinking water.

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Best Management Practices: Preserving clean water in a changing climate (Page 1)

Best Management Practices: Preserving clean water in a changing climate

Marcus Griswold, Caroline Donovan ·
22 July 2013

Risk management is critical in any restoration project. Risks include those associated with climate patterns, such as more intense storms, as well as those associated with land use change, site selection, and design. Addressing these risks in conjunction with ongoing restoration efforts will prepare communities for greater variability and may result in cost savings and reduced risk. Best Management Practices (BMPs) should be sited and designed with climate change impacts in mind.

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Watershed Management: Conservation in a changing climate (Page 1)

Watershed Management: Conservation in a changing climate

Marcus Griswold, Caroline Donovan ·
12 July 2013

Maryland’s extensive aquatic ecosystems range from freshwater swamps and bogs to freshwater rivers and marshes to coastal bays and salt marshes. These ecosystems are influenced by precipitation, temperature, tropical storms, and human activity. Human development and pollution have degraded their natural resilience, leaving them more vulnerable to climate change and extreme events.

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2013 West & Rhode Rivers Report Card (Page 1)

2013 West & Rhode Rivers Report Card

13 April 2013

This is the fifth annual West & Rhode Rivers report card. It presents data and information on six different ecological health indicators. It also gives examples of what the public can do to improve health of the rivers.

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Focus Group Evaluation of Tributary Report Cards (Page 1)

Focus Group Evaluation of Tributary Report Cards

26 April 2012

The Chesapeake Bay Trust, West/Rhode Riverkeeper, and OpinionWorks have conducted an audience evaluation of tributary report cards, conducted through focus groups. This report provides the findings and recommendations that arise from this research. The report also serves as a best management guide for creating report cards that not only report on water quality, but also engage the public in the work of protecting the Bay and its tributaries.

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2011 West & Rhode Rivers Report Card (Page 1)

2011 West & Rhode Rivers Report Card

7 April 2011

This is the third annual West & Rhode Rivers report card. It presents data and information on eight different ecological health indicators. In 2010, new analysis methods were used that were developed in collaboration with the Mid-Atlantic Tributary Assessment Coalition (MTAC), but the findings still remain consistent with the past two years.

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