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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.

Other searches:

Find nature-based solutions strategies (project types)

Find case studies

This document discusses background on coastal barrier island systems, the disruption of coastal sediment supply resulting, the physical and biological impacts of sediment removal and placement on benthic habitats, impacts of sediment removal and placement on fish and other marine species, changes in migratory bird nesting and foraging habitats resulting from sediment removal and placement, the ong-term impacts of sediment removal and placement on physical coastal resiliency, and the data necessary for monitoring/assessing these projects. 

This short document links to a series of resources and tools that can be used to incorporate watershed planning and green infrastructure priorities into State Hazard Mitigation Plans.

Relevant phase:

This document details methods the USFS implements to further forest restoration efforts.

Relevant phase:

Includes a table of NBS, their average installation cost, average maintenance cost, and key cost considerations

Collection of case studies containing past floodplain reconnection projects, including habitat restoration and side channel creation. At the bottom of the page, Inter-Fluve also has information for related nature-based solutions (NBS) such as dam removal, large log design, and off channel habitat restoration.

Relevant phase:
NBS Strategies:

Web-based application designed to help land managers with fuel treatment planning and analysis.

NBS Strategies:

This guide provides information on invasive aquatic plant management.

Relevant phase:

This website provides a list of registered invasive species within each state and the regulations accompanying them.

This website provides a list of registered invasive species within each state and the regulations accompanying them.

This document provides information on DOI’s plans for invasive species management throughout the different bureaus and agencies.

This website provides information on invasive species within Alaska and how to manage, prevent, and report them.

Relevant phase:

This website provides information on invasive species within Alaska and how to manage, prevent, and report them.

Relevant phase:

Comprised of numerous detailed diagrams, this tool provides technical information for assessing a waterbody and determining the appropriate restoration technique. In depth information is also given about contractor relations and project execution.

Relevant phase:

This Interagency Working Group provides support for energy communities across the United States, specifically those in transition due to coal mine/power plant closures. This landing page includes links to several tools/databases (the funding clearinghouse, which links to several federal/state funding resources; maps/visualization tools, including a coal power reinvestment tool, a map of recognzied energy communities in the IWG, and a tax credit map), and a project planning guide with guideliens for social and economic transitionis after a plant/mine closure.

Relevant phase:

This website provides information to fire managers in the states surrounding the great lakes.

NBS Strategies:

This guide aids land managers in writing an invasive species management plan and monitoring the outcomes and adaptive management strategies.

Provides agency leaders with vegetation and wildland fire/fuel information to enable strategic fire planning.

NBS Strategies:

Encompassing all aspects of large wood designs, this guide covers their geomorphic, hydrological, and ecological considerations. The authors also discuss the risks involved, regulatory considerations, and monitoring.

NBS Strategies:

Viewing living shorelines through the nature-based solutions paradigm, this guidebook provides techniques to create living shorelines. The guidebook contains additional information about the permitting steps and funding opportunities available.

This technical document delves into the hydrodynamic, terrestrial, and ecological parameters that impact living shoreline creation projects. Additional topics include regulatory considerations and invasive species management.