District (SPL) is proud to announce its designation as a new Engineering With Nature (EWN) Proving Ground. This initiative underscores our commitment to adaptive, sustainable planning and design approaches that deliver long-term, multi-benefit solutions.
Commander’s Memo
Commanders Memo signed by Colonel, Julie A. Balten, 11 July 2023.
As a proving ground, SPL is committed to integrating EWN into guidance and processes, facilitatiing the inclusion of natural and nature-based features into both new studies, projects and processes as well as existing civil works projects. full memo.
Key Benefits
EWN is the intentional alignment of natural and engineering processes to deliver economic, environmental, and social benefits efficiently and sustainably. By incorporating natural and nature-based features into project scoping, design, and construction, and fostering inclusive and collaborative engagement, we create opportunities to enhance community resilience for the future.
The advantages of employing natural and nature-based features are widely recognized. According to the Assistant Secretary of the Army for Civil Works, Michael Connor, nature-based infrastructure brings multiple benefits to our projects, extending beyond flood risk and coastal storm management to include environmental restoration and water supply augmentation.
Our Commitment
The Los Angeles District is dedicated to integrating EWN principles into our guidance and processes. This includes incorporating EWN concepts into both new and existing civil works projects and highlighting the public interest benefits of EWN for our Regulatory Program. By doing so, we aim to deliver systems-based, holistic solutions that serve our communities effectively.
Joining a dynamic community of practice at ERDC and across the USACE enterprise, SPL will leverage traditional knowledge from our Tribal Partners and capitalize on ERDC’s expertise to develop and apply new knowledge in our planning and design solutions.
