Restore America's Estuaries Summit Examined Critical Conservation Issues
Pew experts participated in discussions on resilience, coastal habitats, blue carbon
The Pew Charitable Trusts is committed to protecting and restoring our coastal ecosystems to address the twin challenges of climate change and biodiversity loss through nature-based solutions that sequester carbon and improve communities’ climate resilience. That’s why Pew was a proud sponsor of the Restore America’s Estuaries’ 2022 Coastal and Estuarine Summit in New Orleans.

Lora Clarke Officer
Lora Clarke, based in Charleston, South Carolina, focuses on protecting and restoring ocean and coastal resources, including oysters and salt marsh, and ensuring sustainable fishing policies in the U.S. Atlantic. Previously, Clarke worked at the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, including for the Comparative Analysis of Marine Ecosystem Organization grant program and the National Ocean Policy. She also advised the NOAA administrator on climate issues. Clarke holds a bachelor’s degree in biology from Christopher Newport University, a master’s in wildlife and fisheries conservation from the University of Massachusetts, Amherst, and a doctorate in marine and atmospheric sciences from Stony Brook University.

Alex Clayton Principal Associate
Alex Clayton focuses on advancing coastal blue carbon management strategies in state climate mitigation and adaptation efforts. Before joining Pew, Clayton worked for the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency on nonpoint source pollution and Columbia River salmon issues in the Pacific Northwest. Earlier in her career, she focused on international environmental policy and served as a Peace Corps volunteer in Nepal. Clayton holds a bachelor’s degree in biology from Bucknell University and master’s degrees in public policy and in natural resources and environment from the University of Michigan.

Kristiane Huber Officer
Kristiane Huber provides technical assistance and research support to state and local governments for Pew’s flood-prepared communities project. In this role, she leads Pew’s state resilience planning group, a forum for collaboration among state officials as they develop and implement flood resilience plans. Before joining Pew, Huber led the Center for Climate and Energy Solutions’ program on resilience. She also consulted on flood risk management issues for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. Huber holds a bachelor’s degree in environmental studies and government from Connecticut College and a master’s degree in natural resources and environment planning from the University of Michigan.

Cameron Jaggard Principal Associate
Cameron Jaggard, based in North Palm Beach, Florida, coordinates outreach for Pew’s efforts to conserve the Sunshine State’s coastal and ocean resources, including seagrass and forage fish, and salt marsh in the South Atlantic. Before joining Pew, Jaggard focused on protection and restoration of marine species with the Institute for Fisheries Resources in San Francisco. He also was an environmental consultant responsible for natural resource permitting, wildlife relocations, and habitat monitoring projects in Florida’s Indian River, St. Lucie, Martin, and Palm Beach counties. Jaggard holds a bachelor’s degree in environmental policy from Rollins College.

Elizabeth Ruther Officer
Elizabeth Ruther analyzes science and policy to conserve coastal habitats, including estuaries and kelp forests, on the U.S. West Coast. She also works to elevate the importance of coastal habitats in reducing greenhouse gases. Before coming to Pew, Ruther was state-federal relations coordinator for Oregon’s Coastal Management Program and worked as a biologist for the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife. Earlier in her career, she worked in stream and wetlands restoration. Ruther holds bachelor’s degrees in biology and environmental studies from the University of Minnesota and a master’s in environmental science and policy from Northern Arizona University.
Mathew Sanders Senior Manager
Mathew Sanders manages Pew’s state planning portfolio, which focuses on state-level efforts to plan for current and future flood risk.
Read MoreSylvia Troost Senior Manager
Sylvia Troost advances coastal blue carbon management strategies in state climate mitigation and adaptation efforts and helps states leverage the federal Coastal Zone Management Act in support of conservation and resilience goals.
Read MoreRAE Sessions With Pew
Our subject matter experts moderated or participated in the following sessions on an array of topics.
Tuesday, Dec. 6
- Lora Clarke (facilitator), The South Atlantic Saltmarsh Initiative:A Landscape-Scale Partnership
- Sylvia Troost (moderator), Harnessing Coastal Blue Carbon Habitats in the Fight Against Climate Change
- Mathew Sanders (presenter), The Landscape of State Resilience and Adaptation Planning in 2022
- Cameron Jaggard (moderator), Florida’s Nature Coast: Partnering to Protect a Way of Life
Wednesday, Dec. 7
- Kristiane Huber (moderator), In-State Approaches to Planning for Resilient Coastlines and Communities
- Elizabeth Ruther (moderator), From Offshore Wind to Coastal Dredging: A Discussion with Office Hours on Technical and Policy Aspects of Managing Federal Consistency Programs to Advance Healthy and Vibrant Coasts
Thursday, Dec. 8
- Alex Clayton (facilitator), Blue Carbon Collaboratives: Developing and Leveraging Communities of Practice to Advance Blue Carbon in U.S. Coastal States and Regions
Featured resources and research
Blue Carbon
Flood resilience
- States Work to Get Ahead of Frequent and Costly Flooding
- How Pew Helps Build Flood-Resilient States
- These 5 Flood Resilience and Adaptation Challenges Offer Opportunities for States
- Property Buyouts Can Be an Effective Solution for Flood-Prone Communities
Salt Marsh
Seagrass
Coastal Zone Management Act


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