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Protecting Cape Cod’s Coastline—Reflecting on Hurricane Milton’s Devastation and Local Action 

As Hurricane Milton has passed, the west coast of Florida is reeling from devastating storm surges, flooding, and tornados. For many Cape Codders with friends, family, and property in Florida, this disaster is a stark reminder of the vulnerability of coastal communities to such threats. While Cape Cod may not face hurricanes as frequently, we are still exposed to risks like sea level rise, storm surges, and coastal erosion. These risks could reshape our beaches and significantly impact our local economy. 

The Aftermath of Hurricane Milton—A Wake-Up Call 

The devastation in Florida underscores the importance of preparedness. Cape Cod’s $730 million tourism industry depends on our beautiful coastline, but that coastline is under threat from rising sea levels and intensified storm surges. As Shannon Hulst, Cape Cod Cooperative Extension’s Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution Sea Grant Floodplain Specialist, noted in her recent interview with The Guardian newspaper, 

“If we don’t have beaches that draw in visitors anymore, then our economy is going to look very different.” 

Visualizing the Threat: The Barnstable Harbor Installation 

Thanks to Barnstable High School students, the threat of sea level rise is easier to understand through an art installation at Barnstable Harbor’s Millway Marina. The installation vividly shows how rising sea levels—up to five feet—could affect Cape Cod. This visual reminder of our potential future brings home the urgent need for action. 

One student shared with local NPR station, CAI: 

“When someone says, ‘Sea level rise in 20 years might be this much higher,’ I can look at that piling and see exactly how high the water could be.” 

How Cape Cod Cooperative Extension and Local Communities Are Taking Action 

At Cape Cod Cooperative Extension, we are committed to addressing the challenges posed by sea level rise and coastal erosion. Our team works alongside local towns to restore natural coastal buffers—like dunes, marshes, and wetlands—that provide protection against storm surges and erosion. 

One of our most impactful efforts is through the Community Rating System (CRS) program. The CRS helps towns take steps to reduce flood risks, and Extension’s Shannon Hulst is actively working with Cape Cod towns to implement this program. When a town participates in CRS, it can help its residents and businesses save significantly on flood insurance premiums. While the decision to participate is made at the town level, this partnership encourages community-wide flood preparedness, ensuring that towns are better equipped to handle future storm impacts. 

Image of a graph illustrating the flood insurance savings with the CRS program. Background image is a beach at sunset. Title is "SANDWICH REDUCED FLOOD INSURANCE COSTS WITH CRS PROGRAM". The graph compares the years before CRS, 2019 and 2024. Before CRS there was a 0 Rating and 0% savings. In 2019 the town received a class 7 rating and 15% savings. In 2024 the town received a class 8 rating and 20% savings. Below graph is the text, "Total savings to flood policy holders are $112,000 annually."
Starting October 2024, Sandwich residents and business owners will save 20% on flood insurance premiums, totaling $112,000 in annual community savings. Each policyholder will see an average of $280 saved per year thanks to FEMA’s Community Rating System (CRS) program.

We also provide resources to help residents evaluate these threats and take steps to protect their property and community. From understanding flood risks to taking action on coastal erosion, our team is here to help you prepare for the future. Learn more by visiting www.capecod.gov/flood

What You Can Do Next 

  • Visit Barnstable Harbor’s Millway Marina to view the student art installation illustrating the potential impact of sea level rise on Cape Cod’s coastlines. 
  • Join efforts to restore natural coastal defenses, such as dunes and wetlands, that act as buffers against storm surges and erosion. 
  • Reach out to the Cape Cod Cooperative Extension Flood and Erosion team for resources that can help you evaluate flood and erosion threats, and take steps to protect your property and community. Learn more at www.capecod.gov/flood

As we extend our thoughts to those in Florida recovering from the storm, let’s also reflect on how we can better prepare and protect our beloved Cape Cod coastline for future generations. 

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