Park Example: Assateague State Park

Planning for Climate Change at Assateague State Park

Assateague State Park is one of Maryland's most vulnerable state lands and it is already experiencing negative impacts from climate change.

Climate Impacts

Increasing temperatures
Sea level rise 

Changing precipitation patterns

Increased flooding

Increasing invasive species

More frequent storms

Biodiversity declines

Increased disease risk

Key Recommendations

Collaborate with NPS to maintain sand bypassing

Conduct dune monitoring and stabilization

Hire a design engineer

Monitor marshes and stabilize shorelines 

Acquire more land 

Assess state highways

Improve infrastructure

Assateague State Park Climate Change Adaptation and Resilience Plan 

Assateague Plan Outline.pdf

Infrastructure In Practice

The University of Maryland had two student projects working on infrastructure at Assateague. 

To view creative ideas for the ranger station, click here. To view creative ideas for the concession stands and parking lot, click here.