HomeMy Public PortalAboutPresentation WP 1Sustaining Brewster’s Public Beaches & Landings in the face of Changing ConditionsFacilitated Discussion
Today’s ObjectivesReview Plan framework:Vision – what we want to achieveAssessment of conditions and trendsOpportunities and limitationsReview/get feedback on:management issues, priorities – Coastal Processesmanagement actions, priorities – Coastal Processes
What do you value most about Brewster’s Coastal Resources?
What do you value most about Brewster’s Coastal Resources?What concerns do you have about these resources?
What do you value most about Brewster’s Coastal Resources?What concerns do you have about these resources?What actions should the Town take to preserve & protect these resources?
CRMP FrameworkVisionValues and services we want to preserve/protectGuiding principles to help evaluate actionsAssess/InventoryUnderstanding of processes and trendsConsensus on planning scenariosManagement Issues & Actions/ImplementationResponsive to community needs/protect resourcesAdaptableSustainable (ecologically, economically)Efficient use of resourcesReflect regulatory, legal considerations
VisionGoal: In the context of coastal change, preserve and protect Brewster‘s coastal resources and expand public access1: …preserve coastal ecosystems and habitats and the character of the town and coastal neighborhoods2: Maintain and expand public access …explore alternate modes of transport and access points3: Adapt to climate change projections and …financially and environmentally sustainable
Inventory/AssessmentCentury Scale Sediment BudgetMovement of sediment west to eastAreas where sediment is eroding, depositingCoastal Adaptation StrategyScenarios for SLR and Storm surge
CAS Planning ScenariosBASELINE: MHW LOW: MHW + 2 ft = Avg tide w/some SLR and SSMID: MHW + 4 ft = Avg tide plus 4 ft SLR (or 2 ft SLR & 2 ft SS)HIGH: MHW + 8 ft = Avg tide plus 4 ft SLR & 4 ft SS
Key Management IssuesUnder some scenarios, beaches, marshes, parking access may be fully or partially floodedTidal flats have kept pace with sea level rise—will they be able to continue to keep pace?Salt marshes have kept pace with sea level rise—will they be able to continue to keep pace?Other management issues related to coastal processes?
Management Concepts1.Studies and assessments2.Short term management & maintenance3.Long term resiliency strategies4.Implementation and Coordination5.Monitoring and Adaptive Management
Management Concepts1.Studies and assessments(baseline, adaptive management)Amount of sediment needed to sustain Brewster’s tidal flats under alternative/accelerated sea level rise scenarios;Revise or update the 2015 sediment transport/sediment budget analyses; 5-year updated projections of sea level rise’ and storm surge;Establish new tidal benchmarks; track and record highest annual high tide as proxy for effects of sea level rise;Install a tide gage(s) at selected locations;Beach profile monitoring program.
Management Concepts2.Short term management & maintenanceA) Actions balance: beach access, public safety, natural resource sustainability, and coastal resiliency; meet local and state permitting requirements:Repair stairs, ramps, walkways (including improved handicapped accessibility);Coastal resiliency tool kit – BMPs for sustainable design, management and maintenance B) Prioritize short-term management measures for each landing (CAS)C) Technical assessment of alternatives for preserving access at Mant’sLanding and Paine’s Creek.
Management Concepts3.Long term resiliency strategiesA)Evaluate resilient shoreline management practices (mimic natural coastal processes) and where on Brewster’s shoreline they might be appliedB)Evaluate changes to the existing groin field & structuresC)Evaluate policy and regulatory changes to promote coastal resiliencyD)Evaluate new access opportunities
Management Concepts4.Implementation and CoordinationA) Increase Local Capacity for Coastal Resource Management:Track grant and town resources dedicated to coastal resiliency and coastal resource managementRegional coastal resources planningMunicipal Vulnerability Preparedness (MVP) Program B) Coordinate coastal resiliency plans and actions in concert with the other town plans, including the Local Comprehensive Plan, Open Space Plan and Hazard Mitigation Plan.
Management Concepts5.Monitoring and Adaptive ManagementFlexible technologies where feasibleIncremental implementation where feasibleMonitoring and modeling
DiscussionOther management conceptsWhich need to be addressed in the next 1-5 yearsWhich need to be addressed in 5-10 years