Nov. 2020 Program Newsletter |
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It's been a busy fall for the Regional Sustainability and Resilience Program. We launched our workshop series with two great events, completed the data analysis for the Tides, Taxes, and New Tactics coastal vulnerability assessments, held our first regional committee chair forum, and are making strides on the regional greenhouse gas inventory framework. Over the next few months, we will finalize the Regional Sustainability and Coastal Resilience assessment, begin the EDA Disaster grant funded Regional Economic Resilience Plan, and partner with the Greater Portland Council of Governments to develop a Municipal EV Readiness Toolkit.
With a record number of named storms this hurricane season and record-breaking temperatures across Maine and the U.S., this November seems like a preview of our warming future. We also experienced a King Tide event on November 16th! “King Tide” refers to the highest seasonal tides that occur each year when the Earth, sun, and moon are aligned and the sun’s gravity tugs on the oceans a bit more than usual, causing tide levels to be higher than normal. In Maine, King Tides can range from 2 to 4 feet above mean high water, causing localized flooding, disruptions to travel, disturbances to roadways, and impacts to stormwater systems. These extreme tides provide a glimpse of what our coastline could look like in the future with sea level rise.
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We snapped a few photos of the King Tide in our region. Although a temporary concern now, these impacts can show us the challenges we may be dealing with in the future. (Photo credit: A. Sherwin)
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SMPDC Receives National Grant for Resilience Plan |
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SMPDC has been awarded a $130,000 grant from the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation to develop the first regional coastal resilience plan for Southern Maine. The funding will support the advancement of coastal resilience action in Maine’s 10 southernmost coastal communities through collaborative engagement of municipalities, local land trusts, regional conservation organizations, and state natural resource agencies.
SMPDC will work with the Wells Reserve, coastal municipalities, and other partners to assess the impacts of climate on our coasts, address regional needs, and develop specific adaptation strategies. The plan will present nature-based solutions for making the region more resilient to coastal flooding.
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Residential Greenhouse Gas Emissions |
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Committees Press Forward on Sustainability & Resilience |
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First regional committee chair forum was a success! |
This month, we met with the chairs of the town committees working to address sustainability and resilience in our 6 town region. We shared factors enabling success (like UNH's Sustainability Fellow Program and Efficiency Maine grant funds) and discussed common challenges. It was great to learn a bit about each committee and to brainstorm opportunities for future collaboration. |
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Who are these committees and what are they up to? |
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The KEEAC formed in 2006 to promote ways for the government and residents of Kennebunk to reduce fossil fuel use. Current projects and priorities include: Town LED streetlight conversion project; and evaluating next steps after completion of municipal and community-wide GHG inventory. |
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The KCAC formed in 2019 to help Kittery become more resilient in the face of risks associated with warming temperatures and rising seas. Current projects and priorities include: Prioritizing and implementing strategies identified through the completion of the Maine Flood Resilience Checklist, including ordinance work for resilient development in flood-prone areas; and assisting with the Joint Land Use Study Implementation grant. |
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The Sustainability Committee formed in 2019 to advise the Select Board regarding environmental sustainability, resiliency, energy conservation, and climate change issues. Current projects and priorities include: Town LED streetlight conversion project; developing a public awareness website to share sustainability and resilience resources with residents; and stormwater management and water quality issues for beach and riverine areas. |
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Wells Energy Advisory Committee |
The WEAC formed approximately 6 years ago to advise the town on all energy matters. Current projects and priorities include: Evaluating bids for an off-site solar array to support Wells municipal electricity use; expanding the size of the Committee; and investigating how to convert the Town’s fleet to EV. |
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The YEESC formed in 2008 to advise York Select Board on matters of energy policy and assist the Board in reducing York’s carbon emissions. Current projects and priorities include: Launching the development of a Climate Action Plan that will guide York to meeting the town’s GHG reduction targets (50% reduction both community and municipal emissions by 2030, and 100% by 2050); and working to integrate climate change issues beyond energy into the Committee’s work. |
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MCC Update: Council Votes to Adopt the Maine Climate Action Plan |
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Earlier this month, the Maine Climate Council (MCC) formally adopted the recommendations presented in the draft Climate Action Plan. The final version of the plan is due to Governor Janet Mills on Dec. 1, 2020. The plan suggests that Maine may warm by 2 to 4 degrees Fahrenheit by 2050. The MCC also recommends that the state consider committing to manage for 1.5 feet of relative sea level rise by 2050 and 3.9 feet of sea level rise by the year 2100 and prepare to manage for 3.0 feet and 8.8 feet of sea level rise by 2050 and 2100, respectively.
To reduce emissions and adapt to climate change, the plan recommends the following key strategies:
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Embrace the future of transportation in Maine: by accelerating the adoption of EVs, increasing fuel efficiency, and reducing vehicle miles travelled
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Modernize Maine's buildings: by promoting cleaner and more efficient appliances and building design
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Reduce carbon emissions in Maine's Energy and Industrial sectors: through clean energy innovation
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Grow Maine's clean energy economy and good jobs: and protect our natural resource industries
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Protect Maine's environment and working lands and waters: and increase carbon sequestration
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Build Healthy and Resilient Communities: by empowering local and regional community resilience efforts
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Invest in climate-ready infrastructure: through assessing climate vulnerability and providing climate-ready design guidance
- Engage Maine people and communities in climate impacts and program opportunities
We will work hard in the coming months and years to help our towns work towards Maine's Climate Goals!
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Kittery applied for a grant from the Eastern Federal Lands Access Program to conduct a feasibility study of three tidal road crossings on Seapoint Road to develop design alternatives that increase resilience to coastal flooding and sea level rise and restore tidal hydrology to adjacent wetland habitat. The Town prepared the proposal with assistance from Wells Reserve staff.
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Updated Shoreline Change Data and Map Viewer |
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The Maine Geological Survey recently released an update to its Maine Beach Mapping Program (MBMP) shoreline change data and web map viewer. The interactive viewer includes data on shoreline position and type, dune change, beach change, and dry beach width change. It also shows calculated shoreline change information using intuitive color-coded transects along the shoreline.
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National League of Cities: Leadership in Community Resilience. $10,000 to support and enhance local capacity among elected leaders and staff, communities, and community-based organizations as they pursue coordinated climate resilience efforts (Due December 23, 2020).
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Island Institute: Tom Glenn Community Impact Fund. Grants and revolving loans for community infrastructure planning are available for broadband, energy, and sea level rise projects (awarded on a rolling basis).
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Southern Maine Planning & Development Commission | Website
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