Project Overview
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The impacts of climate hazards are increasing rapidly in the State of Maine. The storms that hit the area in late 2023 and early 2024 brought flooding and power outages to inland Maine and disrupted services. In addition to more frequent and extreme storms, we are also experiencing climate hazards such as warmer temperatures, shorter Winters, drought, and sea level rise. While New Gloucester is not directly on the coast, there can still be indirect impacts from sea level rise.
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With climate change creating new risks, the Town of New Gloucester wants to better understand where we are at risk and how we can better prepare our community for the changing climate. In 2023, New Gloucester enrolled in the Governor's Office of Policy Innovation and the Future (GOPIF) Community Resilience Partnership. Click here to learn more about that process. Through the Partnership, New Gloucester was awarded the Community Action Grant, and partnered with Greater Portland Council of Governments to conduct a Climate Vulnerability Assessment.
Background
Assessment
The Climate Vulnerability Assessment will use local, regional, state, and national data to identify potential impacts from climate hazards. It will assess how certain resources related to infrastructure, ecosystems, and the community are impacted by climate hazards through mapping and analysis tools. The assessment will also rely on data gathered through conversations and surveys with municipal staff and community members. ​​​
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Key Partners:
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The Greater Portland Council of Governments
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New Gloucester Environmental Resources Committee
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Sabbath Lake Shaker Committee
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Royal River Conservation Trust
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BLING-Building Livability in New Gloucester
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The program is funded by the Community Resilience Partnership Community Action Grant through the Governer's Office of Policy Innovation and the Future.
Outcome
The final report will be a summary of the data and analysis on the highest risk areas and assets in the community. The report will provide a list of recommended next steps for New Gloucester to respond to the vulnerabilities identified in the assessment. This will focus municipal efforts and guide existing committees and municipal staff on implementation.
Project Timeline
Fall 2024-Winter 2025
1
Fall-Winter 2024
Data Collection
&
Interviews
2
Winter-Spring 2025
1st Workshop
&
Survey
3
Spring-Summer 2025
Mapping
&
Analysis
4
Summer-Fall 2025
Report Writing
&
Priority Setting
5
Fall-Winter 2025
2nd Workshop
Community Engagement Ongoing Throughout
Workshops / Survey / Education Series