Resilience Initiatives In Action
Resiliency is the ability to bounce back in the face of environmental imbalances and stresses
HOW?
(1) Honoring and leading with local expertise
(2) Connectedness and cohesion of social networks and relationships
(3) Grassroots communication
(4) Capacity to prepare for, bounce forward from, and thrive in the face of adversity and uncertainty
. ( Brad Lander)
- Falmouth is making an impact on the preservation of our natural resources and habitats
Falmouth is working in a good direction as far as preservation of natural resources as habitats, especially since the resilient woods hole began making plans to protect vulnerable ecosystems. They have a natural resources division that enforces regulations around fishing, hunting and shellfish and herring runs in the town. They also have to follow the Wetlands Protection Acts. This department also monitors where recreational vehicles drive and illegal dumping of hazardous materials and pollution. They have wildlife protection agents.
- Falmouth being proactive in their ability to respond to a major weather events
Falmouth joined a pilot project called Storm Smart Coasts and they are in the process of developing a hazard and evacuation plan to minimize impacts of a major weather event such as a hurricane. The plan includes ways to access the area with flooded roads and to have economic resources available to the community. They also have a new alert text message system to notify about evacuation routes and other important items like shelters and protecting pets. They have a comprehensive multi hazard mitigation plan.
- Falmouth is protecting its salt marshes .Sea level rise affects this vulnerable ecosystems
Salt marshes in Falmouth are being stressed by sea level rise. A recent report (BUZZARDS BAY SALT MARSH VULNERABILITY ASSESSMENT) shows a loss in salt marshes. They are an important ecosystem because they filter nutrients and store carbon and protect coastal properties from sea level surge. They have wildlife that can survive being submerged with water, but the life there has limits as to what they can adapt to. They can not survive when completely submerged during high and low tide cycles. Most of the loss of biodiversity can be blamed on climate change.
Other Resiliency Projects:
Project 1: relocation of structures
Project 2: freshwater initiative, drinking water threat
Project 3: dune replacement and maintenance to stop storm surge
Project 4: low lying roads project
Project 5: community education on climate change
Project 6: identify cause of low oxygen in water killing fish and shellfish
Project 7: restring degraded salt marshes and enhancing climate resiliency
FUNDING
“Grants are used to create projects that will reduce emissions. For example we are exploring solar power in rooftops of places like schools and to put solar canopies over parking lots. Grant money will help pay for this. Another thing we are doing is getting funding for more electric car charging stations” Falmouth Sustainability Director
Grants from the coastal zone flood management are matching funds to help assist with current projects. Some examples are 20.6 miles of roads are being assessed as well as 1,089 buildings and solutions are being proposed that include redesigning eclectic lines and sewage lines, moving and raising roadways, and rebuilding dunes and building sea walls. The Project are mostly looking for nature based solutions that will keep the historical feel of the community intact.