Resilience

The Reserve’s low elevation and proximity to large bodies of water, coupled with coastal development and abundant impervious surfaces, greatly increases the risk of flooding, erosion, and storm surge damage in our coastal communities. This paired with sea level rise indicates a need for incorporating resilience into planning efforts. Resilience is the ability of a system to withstand shocks and stresses while still maintaining its essential functions. Natural features, such as living shorelines, can mitigate risks posed by natural hazards in many ways and are important components to resilience planning. To improve the resilience of the Reserve, there is a need to address current impacts and prepare for future disturbances. 

Resilience issues addressed in the CMP include: 

• Natural System Impacts 
  • Sea level rise 
  • Physical impacts from storms 
  • More intense rainfall events 
• Management Driven Impacts 
  • At-risk structures and properties 
  • Shoreline erosion management 
  • Increasing impervious surfaces 
  • Wetland barriers 
  • Inadequate onsite wastewater disposal systems