Overview

Gulf TREE was created to fulfill the need for guidance in climate tool selection. Stakeholders such as natural resource managers and community planners who understood the importance of incorporating climate resiliency into their projects struggled to find the right tool - the daunting process can be time-consuming, overwhelming, and very confusing.

This is why the Northern Gulf of Mexico Sentinel Site Cooperative (SSC), the Gulf of Mexico Climate Resilience Community of Practice (CoP), and the Gulf of Mexico Alliance Resilience Team (GOMA) partnered on an interactive decision-support tree to help users find the right climate tool.

Description

To ensure that Gulf TREE would be relevant, workshops across the Gulf Coast were held both before and after development of the website. During the workshops, potential users gave input on current climate challenges, what they looked for when selecting a tool, and specific features they would like in Gulf TREE. When development finished, they tested the website and gave additional feedback which was integrated before the website publicly rolled out.

Important Note:

Climate tools are useful when making decisions about the future, but limitations of these tools make it easy to misinterpret or misuse their results.

Unless otherwise stated, content is NOT intended:

• For city zoning, navigation, or any other development or legal functions.
• To replace Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) documents or assessments, such as Flood Insurance Rate Maps.
• To determine insurance requirements, property values, or hazards.

Tool Use Tips:

• Tools have different uses, as is noted throughout Gulf TREE. For example, you may need multiple tools to thoroughly complete a planning process (i.e., begin with a visualization tool prior to more analytical tools).
• Your project may be delayed if you wait for a “perfect” tool. While it is expected to hope for a tool that fits your needs exactly, a delay or possible discontinued project may not be worth it. Plan time to revise your project in the event of changes or different tools.
• If you are interested in a specific tool but do not have the ability to use it, try contacting the tool developer. They may have recommendations or ideas to help you operate the tool.
• Tools are frequently updated and developers are always working on new tools. Please continue to check back with Gulf TREE for updates.

Audience

 Stakeholders such as natural resource managers and community planners