Climate Change Strategies for Raritan Headwaters Association - Spring

Advisor: Melissa Wright

Following Hurricanes Irene and Sandy, the Raritan Headwaters Association (RHA) sought to strengthen watershed resilience in the Upper Raritan region of New Jersey. This capstone project evaluated projected climate impacts—including increased flood intensity, prolonged drought periods, and water quality degradation—and assessed the ecological, financial, and institutional capacity of RHA to respond effectively. Through watershed analysis, stakeholder engagement, and comparative review of best practices in climate adaptation, the team identified priority vulnerabilities in stormwater infrastructure, riparian ecosystems, and wetland function.

The team developed a decision-support toolkit centered on three primary adaptation strategies: stormwater management improvements, wetland restoration, and riparian buffer remediation. For each strategy, the report included mitigation impact briefs, cost projections, funding pathways, fact sheets, and sample municipal resolutions to facilitate local adoption. The toolkit also incorporated grant research, a fundraising concept note, and staffing recommendations to build institutional capacity. By combining scientific analysis with financial modeling and governance tools, the project provided RHA with an actionable roadmap to integrate climate resilience into long-term watershed planning while strengthening partnerships with municipalities and regional stakeholders.

Learn more about the MPA-ESP Capstone Workshop.