HomeMy Public PortalAboutDraft_Adaptation_Strategy_OutlineMarch 4: Draft Strawman Outline of Brewster Coastal Adaptation Strategy
Vision:
The Brewster Coastal Adaptation Strategy (Strategy) recommends proactive methods to create a
future where Brewster’s public coastal resources and public access can evolve to changing
climatic conditions. The Strategy aims to achieve this vision in a way that protects the quality of
the natural environment, and promotes access and sustainability for the benefit of all Brewster
residents and visitors. This Strategy acknowledges that adaptation options may consist of a
mixture of traditional coastal protection, improving community resilience and planning
approaches.
Scope:
This Strategy focuses on Brewster’s town-owned landings, beaches, parking areas and
publically-owned lands in the immediate vicinity of town landings and beaches. The critical
steps involved in developing this Strategy are:
1. Conducting a vulnerability assessment to identify areas of risk from increased storms and
storm surge and sea level rise (SLR), such as erosion prone areas, areas prone or likely to
flood under specific storm surges and wetlands and natural resource areas that can absorb
storm/surge energy.
• Develop maps and oblique visualizations showing the predicted extent of impact
from these SLR scenarios and storm surge estimates.
• Combine the mapping with data obtained from the Town’ GIS database on land
use, natural resources, parcels, and public infrastructure to identify the degree to
which infrastructure and natural resources are vulnerable relative to the estimated
levels of erosion and SLR.
• Review the Town’s past assessment of impacts of SLR on groundwater to identify
additional coastal impacts.
2. Identifying a range of adaptation opportunities for the Town to consider based on current
and predicted future conditions along the coast and public consensus. These adaptation
opportunities may include, but are not limited to: retreat of natural and built resources,
wetland migration, regulations on future development, land acquisition, retrofits of
existing properties and structures, and alternative access.
3. Developing a matrix of adaptation strategies identifying the magnitude of costs and level
of benefit, e.g. no regrets, low regrets and climate-justified.
4. Identifying potential trigger points for action, e.g. what condition or threat triggers a
specific action.
March 4: Draft Strawman Outline of Brewster Coastal Adaptation Strategy
Purpose of the Document:
Many difficult management decisions are needed to adapt to future climate change impacts The
Brewster Coastal Adaptation Strategy will provide guidance to the Brewster Board of Selectmen,
town departments and regulatory boards and commissions and organizations, and individuals that
manage coastal areas and resources within the Town.
The Strategy is intended to lay the groundwork for future discussions and the development of an
implementation plan- the Brewster Coastal Resource Management Plan. Furthermore, the
Strategy will set the stage for the legal and regulatory changes that are likely to be necessary to
implement adaptation approaches. Prior to the completion of the Management Plan, the Strategy
can guide the incorporation of climate resilience into proposed Town projects. Finally, the
document may assist the Town in identifying and applying for additional funding to improve the
Town’s climate resilience.
Guiding Principles:
• Protect Brewster’s unique coastal resources
• Promote sustainable and meaningful access to Brewster’s coastal resources
• Build community consensus on vulnerabilities and options for action
• Use best available science
• Apply ecosystem-based approaches
• Build strong partnerships
Components of the Strategy:
1. Identification and assessment of risks, vulnerability, and potential climate changes
impacts such as erosion, sea level rise, storm surges, and changing ocean conditions and
how these changes will impact public coastal resources.
2. Evaluation of coastal adaptation strategies to address these impacts.
3. Identification of adaptation opportunities including estimating financial implications of
recommended adaptation strategies; identifying additional research and data needs;
developing an iterative process for updating the Strategy/Resource Management Plan
based on new information and analyses and establishing mechanisms for ongoing
coordination and communication with the public.