Nature-Based Solutions for Stormwater Management and Erosion Control at the Main Beach Parking Lot in Ogunquit

Ogunquit’s Main Beach is a vital cultural and recreational resource. The municipally-owned beach parking area has been significantly damaged in recent years by coastal storms. To make the parking area more resilient to coastal hazards, preserve a vital source of revenue for the Town, and protect the surrounding natural environment, the Town of Ogunquit sought to identify locally-appropriate nature-based strategies (NBS) to make the area more resilient to storms and climate change.

The project involved completion of a site assessment of the parking lot area and surrounding beach, tidal river, and marsh; identification of suitable NBS based on site conditions and coastal vulnerabilities; community engagement to identify priority NBS; and development of conceptual designs and associated implementation plan of the selected priority NBS. The work resulted in the identification and selection of nine nature-based strategies that were deemed relevant for the site based on conditions and vulnerabilities and appropriate for Ogunquit based on community values and goals for the site. The implementation plan provides an overview and conceptual design of the nine NBS and outlined cost information, opportunities to connect with other NBS, operations and maintenance considerations, and permitting requirements for each NBS.

Using the implementation plan, the Town was able to select two NBS to pursue implementation of in the near-term. The two NBS were chosen based on cost considerations, implementation timeframe, and identification as being smaller scale projects that could help demonstrate nature-based approaches for coastal resilience. This project, through its assessments, NBS conceptual design, and implementation plan, is positioning Ogunquit as a leader of advancing NBS for coastal resilience in the state of Maine.

Project Partners: Town of Ogunquit, GEI Consultants, Ogunquit Conservation Commission, and Healthy Rivers Ogunquit

Work Products:

• Implementation Plan for Nature-Based Strategies
• Draft concept designs for nature-based strategies at Main Beach parking area 

Funding: Maine Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry Municipal Planning Assistance Program - Coastal Community Grant

Project Contact: Abbie Sherwin, Resilience Division Director