WASHINGTON, D.C. — The National Wildlife Federation is proud to announce the winners of the Innovative Student Policy Memo Contest for State and Local Policy Tools, which asks undergraduate and graduate students to propose nature-based solutions to improve water quality and flood resilience through land management practices. Winners were provided with a cash prize and the opportunity to present their proposals to National Wildlife Federation staff.

“We received a strong batch of applicants this year, and these students really stood out with how thorough and creative their proposals are,” said Lekha Knuffman, senior agricultural specialist at the National Wildlife Federation. “It’s encouraging to see such quality work from young thinkers about improving water quality and flood resilience, and we’re excited to see where these winners go next.”

1st Place ($5000)

In response to unequal impacts of stormwater flooding, Mary Beth Armstrong proposes integrating Low Impact Development techniques into urban planning to mitigate stormwater flooding and enhance community resilience. (William & Mary College and the Virginia Institute of Marine Science)

2nd Place ($2500)

Inspired by a wetland protection policy in Rhode Island, Kamryn Lin makes a case for incorporating created or restored wetlands in waterfront developments while being thoughtful of green gentrification. (University of Kentucky)

3rd Place (tied) ($1000)

Vishal Kennedy lays out the importance of collaborating with Indigenous communities as well as instituting greater regulatory frameworks and funding to prevent wetland loss and protect culturally significant lands. (University of Tennessee, Knoxville)

Aaron Siegle proposes an ecosystem restoration strategy that includes land acquisition, rezoning, and an agricultural conservation program to restore floodplains while supporting farmers and marginalized communities. (Duke University)

The Innovative Student Memo Policy Contest focuses on policy recommendations aimed at the Mississippi River mainstem states including overlapping Tribal and Indigenous lands and waters (Minnesota, Wisconsin, Iowa, Illinois, Missouri, Kentucky, Tennessee, Arkansas, Mississippi, and Louisiana). The National Wildlife Federation considers nature-based solutions to include the conservation and restoration of natural ecosystems, such as healthy wetlands, floodplains, and forests, as well as employing engineered systems designed to mimic natural system functions.