The Greater Portland Council of Governments has launched a new initiative to address the pressing issue of coastal erosion in Casco Bay, supported by a $350,000 grant from the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation's Coastal Resilience Fund. Over the next two years, the council will educate municipalities about coastal bluff erosion and develop mitigation plans and mapping.
The initiative is part of the Climate Ready Casco Bay project, which began in 2022 to assess environmental vulnerabilities. Coastal bluff erosion, exacerbated by climate change factors such as sea-level rise and increased storm intensity, threatens private property, public infrastructure, and local ecosystems.
Approximately 40% of Maine's coastline features erodible coastal bluffs, with one-third currently eroding. The council will assist municipalities in adopting “nature-based” solutions, which utilize organic materials to combat erosion, as opposed to traditional hard infrastructure methods that may shift erosion to adjacent areas.
Three high-priority communities will be identified for tailored shoreline protection plans, with the aim of securing additional funding for implementation. The initiative also includes updating coastal bluff maps using advanced techniques like drone imagery to enhance management and ecosystem protection.
Partnerships with local organizations, such as the Cumberland County Soil and Water Conservation District, will focus on educating community members and environmental contractors about the benefits of nature-based solutions. This comprehensive approach aims to not only address erosion but also promote the overall health of Casco Bay’s ecosystems, which are vital for Maine’s aquaculture industry.