San Rafael, CA – Marin County coastal residents are invited to get involved with the effort to address the long-range effects of impending sea-level rise.
The Marin County Community Development Agency (CDA) has scheduled a kickoff meeting July 10 for a project called Collaboration: Sea-level Marin Adaptation Response Team (C-SMART). The meeting will be from 6:30-8 p.m. at the at Point Reyes National Seashore’s Red Barn Classroom near Olema.
The County of Marin is eager to have residents who live along the Pacific coast and Tomales Bay participate in discussions about C-SMART’s assessment of the vulnerabilities of coastal towns to potential rising ocean levels and intensifying storms. Key takeaways from the meeting will include areas expected to be impacted by rising waters and future public involvement opportunities.
Scientific evidence shows that sea-level rise is accelerating because of thermal expansion of the oceans and the melting of glaciers and ice sheets. Climate experts predict that the sea-level could rise about 65 inches between now and the year 2100, putting communities such as Bolinas, Stinson Beach, Muir Beach, Point Reyes Station, Inverness and Marshall at risk. Additionally, the intensity and frequency of storms are expected to increase, compounding potential hazards. Natural resources, such as wetlands and habitat areas, also are in jeopardy.
C-SMART’s mission is develop an understanding across the Marin coastline so that, while there is still time, residents can prepare to meet the challenges of sea-level rise and help secure safety for future generations.
A new website, www.marinSLR.org, keeps the public abreast of education and participation opportunities. Community members who are interested a more intensive role are encouraged to apply for the C-SMART Stakeholder Advisory Committee (SAC). Members of the SAC will work to inform and involve local communities during the two-year project and provide a channel for feedback on C-SMART documents, progress and proposals. Applications for the SAC are due by 5 p.m. July 31, and the first SAC meeting will be in autumn 2014.
This program is partially funded with grants from the Ocean Protection Council and the California Coastal Commission. Additional partner organizations include the Gulf of the Farallones National Marine Sanctuary, the U.S. Geological Survey, Point Blue Conservation Science, the Marin County Department of Public Works, Caltrans, the National Park Service and the Federal Emergency Management Agency.
The Bear Valley Visitors Center is at 1 Bear Valley Road outside of Olema, near the junction of Shoreline Highway.