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Gateway National Recreation Area: Planning for Climate Change
Trading their pencils and pads for shorts and sunglasses, a group of eleven SIPA students headed for the beach in the spring of 2009. But they weren’t playing hooky or jetting off for spring break. They were participating in one of SIPA’s capstone workshops, and the beach was their classroom. Though the clothing was casual, the work was serious – assessing the likely effects of climate change on Gateway National Recreation Area, and how the park can use that information in its long-term planning.
Gateway National Recreation Area, guarding the entrance to New York harbor, is one of the first urban parks in the U.S. National Park System. Established more than 35 years ago, Gateway is a home to beaches, tidal pools, salt marshes, and historic sites. As Gateway updates its General Management Plan, it is seeking to incorporate changing climate conditions. That is why the National Park Service partnered with SIPA’s MPA program in Environmental Science and Policy.
“I think our team was successful in creating a report that will aid park staff in future management decisions,” said Kara Kirchhoff (MPA ’09), manager of the student team.“Each member of the team was able to explore topics of their interest andcontribute creatively to the suggestions we provided Gateway.”
The group split into a science team, which compiled existing information and developed an ecosystem catalog, and a policy team, which reported on existing legislation and global adaptation policy at Gateway. Together, the teams created a report that provides conceptual models and makes policy recommendations. Those recommendations include incorporating climate change 
considerations into planning across the park’s units, including reactive and preventive measures, task groups, partnerships, and specific physical responses.
Read the full report. 
“The students worked side-by-side with park scientists, and were instrumental in our understanding of the present and future effects of climate change on Gateway,” said Barry Sullivan, general superintendent of Gateway National Recreation Area.
“Mr. Sullivan worked with us through every step of the project and offered continual feedback, suggestions and support,” said Kirchhoff. “We had access to Gateway’s resources and staff members, who were all very helpful and eager to contribute to our project.”
“The project helped me gain deep insight into the National Park Service, both its priorities and perspectives on conservation,” said Leah Stokes (MPA ’09). “Working as a team was a positive experience that closely mirrored an actual work environment. Overall, the project was a great opportunity to gain practical, hands-on experience in an academic environment.”
Watch the Gateway team’s final presentation. 