Salt marshes are one of the most productive ecosystems on the planet, and these beautiful landscapes also protect our shorelines, provide habitat, and help preserve water quality. But salt marshes depend on their ability to migrate with rising sea levels. Martha’s Vineyard, Nantucket and the Elizabeth Islands have nearly 1,800 acres of marsh that sea level rise threatens to outpace, the second annual State of the Coast report finds. Some marshes may have a chance to migrate landward and survive where the absence of built barriers and natural topography allow.
In this webinar learn about The Trustees salt marsh restoration project underway on the North Shore, as well as models for managed retreat to protect these natural systems, which, if healthy, can serve as natural buffers to storm surge and sea level rise.
Presenters:
Liz Durkee, Martha’s Vineyard Commission Climate Change Planner
Cynthia Dittbrenner, Director of Coast and Natural Resources, The Trustees
Russell Hopping, Lead Coastal Ecologist, The Trustees