Building a Resilient Coast: Maine Confronts Climate Change
Contact: Catherine Schmitt, Maine Sea Grant, 207-581-1434
SURVEY RESULTS, DOCUMENTARY VIDEO HIGHLIGHT COASTAL COMMUNITY VIEWS ON COASTAL CHANGES
Property owners along Maine’s sandy beaches are noticing higher water levels during storms and increased erosion. A recent landslide in Stockton Springs was a reminder for residents along other parts of the Maine coast that they also are vulnerable to extreme weather patterns like this summer’s record rainfall. These effects are expected to intensify with predictions of altered precipitation patterns and a rise in sea level of two feet or more in coming decades.
A majority of Maine coastal property owners who participated in a recent survey are concerned about climate change, and believe that both government and individuals should take steps now to prepare. The results of the survey were released today by Maine Sea Grant.
Despite being concerned, people who participated in the study were unsure about what, if anything, they can do about making their properties more resilient to the effects of a changing climate.
“There are things you can do, and they may cost money, and these are difficult decisions. But we cannot wait. It’s time to partner up and find solutions,” said Steve Dickson of the Maine Geological Survey, who has produced bluff stability maps and projections of sea-level rise to help homeowners and potential buyers assess their risk. “By treating the shore as a living system, entire neighborhoods can protect themselves and prepare for the next storm,” said Dickson.
These issues are addressed in a new documentary produced by the Oregon and Maine Sea Grant programs. The five-part video series describes Maine’s unique climate and coastal conditions, such as storms and sea level rise, and construction techniques and other strategies for safeguarding property, such as elevating buildings and protecting dune systems.
Local government representatives have a greater sense of urgency about Maine’s future climate. Seventy-two percent of municipal officials surveyed expect to take some actions within the next two years. In the video, municipal officials offer their perspective on what steps are needed to protect their communities.
“We hope that towns and community groups will use the documentary on their own, in meetings and local gatherings. Every DVD includes a discussion guide to help spark discussion,” said Kristen Grant, a marine extension associate who worked on the project. “We will also organize a limited number of public viewings over the coming year. We really see this video as a beginning.”
Maine Sea Grant and University of Maine Cooperative Extension worked with the Center for Research and Evaluation and the Maine Coastal Program to survey 548 coastal property owners and 55 town officials in southern and midcoast Maine in 2007-2008. The project was funded by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.
For more information on the survey and to view the documentary program, visit
http://www.seagrant.umaine.edu/extension/coastal-community-resilience or call 207-581-1435 to receive the free DVD or inquire about hosting a viewing session.
The Maine Sea Grant College Program, based at the University of Maine, is a partnership of the State of Maine and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.