The meeting introduced a new project aimed at assessing Westport’s barrier beaches: Atlantic Beach, the Nuble at the mouth of the Westport River, and East Beach Road. Excluding Horse Beach due to its status as a Department of Conservation and Recreation property, the project focuses on these beaches’ dynamic nature and their role as crucial storm buffers. Connor Austin from the Woods Hole Group, a coastal scientist overseeing the project, emphasized the importance of these beaches to the town’s coastal landscape and infrastructure protection.

The project, supported by grants from the Coastal Zone Management and Municipal Vulnerability Preparedness programs, seeks to develop barrier beach management plans. These plans address vulnerabilities to erosion, flooding, and storm impacts. The project commenced in January, with data collection and literature review underway. A draft report is expected by June 30th, followed by community outreach in July.

Austin detailed the scientific aspects of barrier beaches, describing them as dynamic structures formed by wave action and currents. He explained their susceptibility to seasonal changes, with summer conditions leading to expansion and winter storms causing erosion. The project includes mapping topography, collecting sediment samples, and conducting wetland surveys to understand these beaches’ dynamics better. These efforts aim to inform management strategies that can adapt to shifting environmental conditions.

Public concerns about the potential for outdated data in the project were addressed, noting that while construction timelines might affect the data’s relevancy, immediate construction is not the project’s goal. Instead, it aims to establish a baseline for understanding current beach conditions. Questions about beach nourishment were raised, prompting an explanation that it involves placing sand on beaches to counteract erosion. It was clarified that while beach nourishment can be essential, it is not a universal solution and can be costly if repeated.

The meeting also discussed the need to consider sea-level rise projections when planning for beach resilience. Current data from NOAA’s tide stations will be utilized to establish baselines, with considerations for high-risk scenarios like a potential four-foot rise by 2070. However, it was cautioned that such projections might seem daunting, potentially hindering effective planning efforts. The project will also explore alternative options beyond beach nourishment.

Efforts to gather community input are integral to the project, with plans for meetings and workshops to delve into specific beach management topics. The outreach will focus on June and July, aligning with the arrival of seasonal residents. Informational materials and surveys will be distributed through various channels to keep the community informed and involved.

Atlantic Avenue, known as Elephant Rock Beach Club, features a wide sandy beach with gravel patches. Noble Beach’s ledge rock outcrop acts as a sediment anchor, with maintenance practices under review to ensure longevity. East Beach Road, heavily impacted by past storms, raises concerns due to its proximity to developments and utilities.

The significance of these beaches as storm buffers, wildlife habitats, and economic and recreational assets was underscored. The project aims to balance conservation efforts with human usage, identifying strategies to reduce storm damage and enhance resilience. Public interests and concerns will be addressed through the establishment of existing conditions and the creation of a draft near-term beach management plan, a formal document requiring town and state approval.