The most pressing topic of discussion was coastal erosion and the need for government funding to implement measures to protect the beaches and nearby homes. The urgency of this issue was highlighted by concerns over recent storm impacts on areas such as Riverside, Oak Island, and Point of Pines. Erosion was a central concern, with attendees suggesting the implementation of mitigation strategies akin to those utilized on the Gulf Coast. The success of Rosa rugosa bushes in preventing water encroachment at Point of Pines was noted as a positive step towards natural defense mechanisms.

Participants also addressed the need for maintaining the cleanliness of the sand and water, along with the enhancement of non-motorized sports and entertainment options. The importance of the beaches as a venue for leisure activities was acknowledged, with a call for educational elements to inform visitors about the beach’s history.

The significance of beach accessibility for individuals of all abilities was a recurring theme throughout the meeting. A presentation highlighted the current situation at Riviera Beach, detailing flooding and inundation zones, and stressed the need to adapt to a changing coastline. The commission discussed prioritizing adaptation strategies and the importance of preserving the beach’s history and natural habitats.

Chris Mancini, the executive director of Save the Harbor Save the Bay, initiated the session by discussing climate resilience with the community. Mayor Patrick Keefe and state representative Jeff Turco both acknowledged the value of the beaches and the necessity of protecting them amidst climate change. Save the Harbor’s efforts to clean up Boston Harbor and the value of Revere‚Äôs ecosystem as a barrier beach were commended.

The contribution of various stakeholders, including local officials and community partners, was recognized. The speakers emphasized the need to understand the return on investment in coastal resilience efforts and concentrate on grant writing to secure essential funds. The meeting concluded with plans to engage with residents in the coming months to further address the issues discussed and incorporate community feedback into recommendations for the next year.

The commission’s meeting was part of a series of hearings across the Commonwealth aimed at gathering feedback on improving and maintaining public beaches. The commission aims to incorporate the feedback into their recommendations for the next year. A representative highlighted past focus areas of the commission, such as beach cleanliness, accessibility, and programming, and noted recent actions taken by the DCR commissioner, including adding multilingual signage and improving accessibility at beaches.

Attendees were divided into small groups to discuss their ideal beach day and potential improvements.