Falmouth
About
Falmouth features a rocky coast, beaches, the Presumpscot river, and Mackworth Island. As the Town begins to face more severe and frequent coastal flooding, the environmental, economic, and community benefits of these sites are at risk. Coastal risks in Falmouth include flooding of low-lying sites, eroding shorelines, and damage of coastal infrastructure from severe storms.
Priorities
Key coastal hazards for Falmouth include:
Sea level rise threatening tidal marsh migration, especially along Presumpscot River outlet
Overtopping of coastal defenses and flooding of critical access roadways, such as Route 1 and the bridge to Mackworth Island
Flooding of Town Landing
Falmouth has several coastal infrastructure at risk of flooding, particularly the Town Landing and the bridge to Mackworth Island. In addition, significant tidal marshes along the Presumpscot River abut development which will prevent migration and limit flood protection to the surrounding neighborhoods.
Vulnerable Sites
The profile presents technical data on coastal hazards and community resources including habitat, infrastructure, and socio-economic conditions, to visualize vulnerabilities and impacts. These profiles helped to identify the priorities and vulnerable sites listed above and are intended to help guide municipal staff in future planning.
View the Falmouth Story Map here
Data Profile
Adaptation Strategies
How can the town address these vulnerable areas? There is a range of adaptation strategies the town can use to build coastal resilience—from nature-based solutions to policy. Every site is different and may require a mix of strategies.
Learn about potential different strategies on the Adaptation Strategies page
Visit the Renderings page to see conceptual drawings for how these strategies may look in practice
Explore projects around the region and how towns are applying different adaptation strategies
Projects
Town Landing Resiliency Study: Falmouth’s Town Landing is at risk of flooding. The Town completed an assessment to develop recommendations to improve the facility and adapt to the effects of sea level rise and storm surge.
Click here to learn more about the Town Landing Resiliency Study
Resources
Click on each link to be directed to the town resource: