Exploring Policy Recommendations for Promoting Climate Resilient Watersheds

Abstract

This report was prepared for the Board of Water and Soil Resources (BWSR) by students from the Humphrey School of Public Affairs. The goal of this report is to convey the results of our investigation of the extent to which currently published Comprehensive Watershed Management Plans (CWMPs) are addressing and/or incorporating climate resilience strategies, to support BWSR’s ultimate goal of creating more resilient watersheds throughout Minnesota, and to provide recommendations for encouraging increased adoption of climate resilience strategies. These recommendations are: (1) Do Not Require Climate Resilience; (2) Shift from Prioritization Framework to Risk Framework; (3) Improve Consultant Relationships ; (4) Leverage Regional BWSR Staff Involved in 1W1P; (5) Conduct a Climate and Equity Audit; (6) Increase Funding; (7) Provide Technical Resources; (8) Promote Climate Resilience Outside of BWSR; (9) Improve Public Engagement. We arrived at these recommendations after conducting an analysis of the 27 available CWMPs; a survey of 225 planning partners; and interviews with four consultants, one climate scientist, and BWSR staff.