Rising sea level is likely the dominant driver of coastal wetland change in New Hampshire and much of the northeastern United States. Consequently the present day suite of tidal flow restoration opportunities is dynamic and likely to change over time. To assess what future conditions might look like, the Sea Level Affecting Marshes Model was run for coastal New Hampshire under multiple time and sea level rise scenarios. From this, supplemental "decision support" mapping layers were developed to help identify the most strategic restoration opportunities that will likely be sustained for the longest duration and maximize coastal resiliency. An assessment of current salt marsh condition and adaptation potential, identifiying areas of resilient salt marsh and pathways for migration, allows us to consider the relative benefit of restoration verses land protection when trying to maximize coastal resiliency in the face of unprecedented change. A synthesis of statewide results and highlights at the community level will be presented.

Rachel Stevens is a Wildlife Ecologist for New Hampshire Fish and Game and the Stewardship Coordinator for Great Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve. She has been involved extensively in coastal wetland ecology and conservation.