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Nature-Based Solutions Tools Search

This database contains over 400 tools and resources that can help guide practitioners at various stages of the nature-based solutions project cycle. Use the filters to identify the tools and resources most useful to you.

You can filter the full list by the habitat type you’re working in, the nature-based solutions strategy you want to use, the project phase you are looking for help with, or the type of tool/resource you’re looking for.

The tools and resources shown here were gathered through a robust search of both federal and non-federal sources. We recognize that this library will never be completely comprehensive, but if you know of an important missing tool or resource, please email nesp@duke.edu.

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This webpage outlines FEMA's Risk MAP strategy, links to FEMA's flood risk products (maps, reports, and a databasw), and overview cards (technical and non-technical) explaining the features, benefits and uses of these products. 

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This guide provides information on what plants have been tested for extensive green roofs in different states.

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NBS Strategies:

This interactive map allows you to explore USDA-NCSS soil survey data for locations throughout most of the U.S. 

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This document provides useful information for landscape designers, cpntracting officers, etc. whose pollinator projects must comply with the design and maintenance requirements of the National Pollinator Health Strategy.

NBS Strategies:

The Adaptation Workbook is a structured process to consider the potential effects of climate change and design land management and conservation actions that can help prepare for changing conditions. The process is completely flexible to accommodate a wide variety of geographic locations, ownership types, ecosystems and land uses, management goals, and project sizes.

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Provides a detailed approach to managing forests in the urban setting.

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This report summarizes the NBS managers in cities across teh US used to solve their unique green infrastructure challenges, the reasoning for selecting these solutions, and outcomes when applicable. It includes a repository of projets readers can find EPA reports on categorized by which step of the implementation process they may be most pertient to.

Provides guidance on implementing urban tree planting projects from start to finish.

NBS Strategies:

A guide to help assess the urban canopy/street trees within a project area. Provides external sources to help with assessment, management, and modeling.

NBS Strategies:

This tool kit provides information on developing an urban forest management plan.

NBS Strategies:

Provides a more user-friendly adaptation of The Sustainable Urban Forest: A Step-by-Step Approach (Leff 2016). This is a full-service resource for all the guides, case studies, and research needed for an urban forestry project.

NBS Strategies:

Overview of the process of urban tree canopy assessment, including best practices and additional resources.

NBS Strategies:

This manual helps managers determine the tree planting specifications for an urban reforestation project.

NBS Strategies:

This portal contains links to WRCS resources specific to particular regions of the United States, including assessments of structure effectiveness.

This interactive map provides information on plant hardiness zone, informing managers about what species to plant.

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NBS Strategies:

This infographic provides a basic overview of what NBS strategies may be feasible based on landscape.

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EPA’s CRWU initiative provides drinking water, wastewater, and stormwater (water sector) utilities with practical tools, training, and technical assistance to increase system resilience to near- and longer-term weather variability. This site links to several tools useful for NBS projects, including climate risk assessment guides, streamflow projection maps, a snowpack projection map, and webinars/trainings that may help inform water utility managers on green alternatives to standard operating. 

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This webpage includes links to various examples of green infrastructure useful for drought preparations. This includes links to rainwater harvesting regulations for each state, studies evaluating the potential water saving capability of different interventions, regional green infrastructure plans, and more. 

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The nine federal and state agencies located at NIFC provide fundamental support to on-the-ground wildland firefighting efforts. They also develop wildland fire policy and serve as the logistical, intelligence, and decision-support center for wildland fire and other all-hazard emergency incidents throughout the nation. 

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The National Wildfire Coordinating Group (NWCG) provides national leadership to enable interoperable wildland fire operations among federal, state, local, Tribal, and territorial partners. They provide trainings, publications, and other resources that are useful for all facets of wildland fire operations. 

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