The Southport Climate Action Team (SCAT) is excited to share some great news! Our town has received two grants to help make Hendricks Head Beach better and more resilient to climate change. 

First, we got $50,000 from the Maine Infrastructure Adaptation Fund (MIAF). Then, the Island Institute gave us another $10,000. This money will help us manage the project, study water flow, and plan new designs for the beach and nearby areas. This includes the marsh, parking areas, Beach Road, and Lighthouse Lane. 

Our community-driven project aims to protect several vulnerable assets: Beach Road, Lighthouse Lane, the Hendricks Head Beach seawall, and parking lots. These areas are at risk due to frequent storm surges and flooding. Recently, storms have left trees, large stones, and seaweed on Beach Road, making it impassable for emergency vehicles. On Jan. 10, 2024, the seawall, which protects the road and fortifies the parking lot, was undercut. A portion of the parking area was severely eroded, and the pavement over the northern parking lot was destroyed. 

This project is implementing one of the top priorities for climate action identified through the Community Resilience Partnership enrollment process: coastal protection. By addressing this priority, we aim to strengthen our defenses against the impacts of climate change on our coastal areas. 

The project also focuses on the protection and restoration of wetlands, which are crucial for maintaining estuarine water quality and achieving carbon sequestration goals. By restoring tidal flow to these coastal wetlands, we aim to enhance their ability to absorb carbon dioxide, thus helping in the fight against climate change. 

Our goal is to create a nature-friendly design that can handle changes in the climate. To do this, we've hired Shri Verrill from Sunrise Ecologic to be our Project Manager. Shri will work closely with SCAT Co-Chairs Smith Climo and Ella Long, along with team members Kathy Jacobs and Claire Tomlin. They will ensure that the solution is nature-based, feasible, and has the support of the community. 

By developing a more resilient infrastructure design, we hope to prevent future damage and ensure these areas remain accessible and safe for everyone. Our project will include hydrological modeling and engineering to better protect Hendricks Head Beach and its surrounding areas from the impacts of climate change. Additionally, improving the health of our wetlands will support local wildlife and preserve the natural beauty of Southport. 

We believe this project will not only protect our beautiful beach but also have the support of our whole community. Stay tuned for more updates! 

Co-Chairs: Smith Climo and Ella Long; Members: Kathy Jacobs, Claire Tomlin 

Please contact SouthportClimate@gmail.com with any questions.