Climate and Energy Action Plan (CEAP)

Station 7Natural Systems City of Ashland Climate and Energy Action Plan Open HouseGoals, Strategies, and Actions: For mitigation: Although not formally accounted for in Ashland’s greenhouse gas emissions inventory, natural ecosystems such as forests and wetlands capture and store carbon, acting as a greenhouse gas “sink. ” Proper ecosystem management can optimize this process of carbon sequestration, as well as minimize the potential risk of greenhouse emissions from catastrophic wildfires.For adaptation: Many of Ashland’s natural systems and surrounding natural areas will be impacted by climate change, threatening the important services they provide such as water filtration, flood abatement, pollination, recreation, and fire protection. Changes in temperature, snow pack, and the abundance of diseases and pests will stress sensitive and high-elevation plants, wildlife, and ecosystems such as the Northern Spotted Owl, anadromous fish populations, and mid-elevation coniferous forests. Other stressors such as habitat loss and pollution exacerbate this risk.Why is it important?Natural Systems refers to air, water, and ecosystem health, including opportunities to reduce emissions and prepare for climate change through improved ecosystem and resource management and conservation.What are we talking about? What are we already doing? The City of Ashland works within its city limits and with partners outside its limits to promote sustainable management and conservation of its natural ecosystems. Here are some ways the City is currently taking action:Relevance to addressing priority climate risks Level of City influence The Ashland Forest Resiliency Project has produced planning documents that consider optimized forest fuel management and wildfire planning in the face of climate change. The City promotes drought-tolerant landscaping through education, outreach, and technical assistance. A new city Water Master Plan will incorporate future climate risks to water supply and quality into future service planning and activities.