EWN Compass is a user-friendly, web-based application developed using ESRI ArcGIS Online. Designed to support practitioners in selecting and integrating natural and nature-based features (NNBF) into infrastructure projects, the toolbox provides structured access to existing resources, case studies, and environmental data to inform resilient and sustainable design solutions.
Nature-based solutions (NBS) are increasingly recognized for their ability to enhance climate resilience, ecosystem health, and societal well-being. The EWN Compass: Implementation Toolbox for Natural and Nature-Based Features was developed to address awareness and knowledge gaps within USACE. This tool provides practitioners with access to a collection of natural and nature-based features (NNBF) applicable to specific geographic zones, guiding them in selecting feasible features for their projects. It also clarifies the distinctions between the terms NBS, Engineering With Nature (EWN®), and NNBF, which are often used interchangeably but have different implications in project contexts. The EWN Compass focuses on the term NNBF, as individual features may be implemented in a USACE project, representing only a component of the overall “solution”. By presenting case studies of successfully implemented NNBF and offering practical tools for data collection and evaluation, the EWN Compass serves as a valuable resource for project development teams (PDTs). It aids in early project scoping, plan formulation, and planning charettes. Finally, the EWN Compass supports compliance with reporting requirements in the Implementation Guidance for Section 1184 of the Water Resources Development Act of 2016 (WRDA 2016), facilitating the documentation of NNBF implementation and effectiveness across projects. This toolbox offers:
- A structured framework to identify NNBF relevant to specific environmental conditions.
- A curated collection of case studies to demonstrate successful applications.
- Practical tools for early-stage project planning, design integration, and feasibility assessment.
- Support for compliance with Section 1184 of the Water Resources Development Act (WRDA) of 2016 by streamlining documentation and reporting.
