Coastal Resiliency Task Force

Coastal Resiliency Task Force

April 8, 2024 

Charge: The purpose of the Coastal Resiliency Task Force (CRTF) is to prioritize and recommend to the Selectboard coastal resiliency goals and actions. The Task Force shall serve as the primary advisory body for coastal sustainability, risks and hazards to coastal infrastructure, relevant properties at or near the coast, businesses and residents, and the natural environment, and shall engage with a range of stakeholders to supplement their own expertise and experience. Furthermore, the scope of the CRTF Charge includes but is not necessarily limited to the following:  

1. Review, analyze, and summarize previous and ongoing plans and reports undertaken by the Town related to climate change and coastal vulnerability.
2. Coordinate all CRTF efforts with the Planning Department related to the following:
   • Defining the role of a Coastal Resiliency Planner;
   • Hiring of consultants as needed
   • Assisting with grant applications;
   • Planning coastal resiliency implementation.
3. Prioritize and recommend to the Selectboard the development of short‐ and long‐term action plans and policies to implement coastal adaptation. 
4. Identify, engage, and solicit participation and advice from stakeholders who may hold specific expertise, interest, and experience with coastal resiliency issues.
5. Conduct public outreach and education related to coastal risks, hazards, and adaptation in response to sea-level rise and storm surge.  Increase all stakeholders’ knowledge and understanding of climate change and coastal vulnerability.
6. Coordinate with other municipal and non‐municipal groups, committees, and organizations to enhance capacity and avoid overlap in the name of efficiency.
7. Identify and recommend grants and other funding to supplement staff and volunteer time and resources, through outside expertise and other means, to advance understanding, develop plans, and execute action items including capital improvements.
8. Report to the Selectboard on recommendations and/or progress to date on a quarterly basis.

Task Force Membership/Structure: The Task Force membership shall have five (5) to seven (7) members and shall be comprised of following:   

• One (1) Conservation Commission member;
• One (1) Planning Board member;
• One (1) Selectboard member;
• Two to four (2‐4) members-at-large appointed by the Selectboard based upon qualifications to advance coastal resiliency planning and implementation. Examples of relevant knowledge or expertise may include:

1. Environmental sciences related to wetlands, coastal systems, and the effects of climate change;

2. Engineering fields related to erosion control, coastal infrastructure, and adaptation strategies in response to sea level rise;

3. Landscape architecture;

4. Knowledge of state and federal grant funding opportunities.

CRTF Staff Contact/Participation

• Attend CRTF meetings whenever possible. 
• Attend meetings of department heads, staff, or appointees as required ‐ from the planning, conservation, water and sewer, municipal services, emergency, police/harbormaster, fire, public works, council on aging, and school departments – in connection with capital projects and programs addressing coastal resiliency and report to the CRTF coastal resiliency‐related information.

Staffing & Administration:  The Task Force shall consider necessary short‐ and long‐term resources to support their work from:

• Planning and Conservation departments;
• Town Manager: attendance at CRTF meetings or interaction with the members in advance of quarterly CRTF reports to the Selectboard.

Establishment

• The Selectboard voted to create the Coastal Resiliency Task Force at their meeting on October 24, 2022.
• The Selectboard voted on the above updated Charge on April 8, 2024.