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Long Island

About

Long Island is 3 miles long and 1 mile wide but is home to a diverse coastline of beaches, dunes, and harbors. As an island community, coastal hazards pose an immediate threat to Long Island. Low-lying infrastructure, such as the Island’s ferry dock, could face damage due to flooding and erosion. Long Island’s coastline will also be at risk of bluff instability and landslide hazards.

Priorities

Key coastal hazards at risk on Long Island:

  • Coastal shorelines such as sand dune, bluffs, and riprap at risk of overtopping

  • Erosion of coastal bluffs

  • Flooding of critical access roadways, that limit access around the island

The town will need to focus on ensuring critical shoreline defenses and roadways are adequately maintained or bolstered, to safeguard continued access to the island and to support the working waterfront. The town should also consider capacity to complete and maintain these projects.

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 Long Island 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

  • Calling your Bluff: Great Diamond Island, Little Diamond Island, Long Island, Chebeague Island, brought together experts and hosted a symposium to discuss the best ways to protect coastal bluffs due to sea level rise, erosion, and climate impacts.

    • Click here to learn more about Calling Your Bluff

Resources

Click on each link to be directed to the town resource:

​This project is made possible through a grant from the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation, with support from Gulf of Maine Research Institute, The Builders Initiative, and Jane’s Trust Foundation.

The views and conclusions contained on this website are those of the authors and should not be interpreted as representing the opinions or policies of the U.S. Government or the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation and its funding sources. Mention of trade names or commercial products does not constitute their endorsement by the U.S. Government, or the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation or its funding sources.

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