Building Resilience Across the Watershed
Project Overview
Climate change is a challenge the scale and breadth of which are unmatched by any other in our lifetime. Adapting to the impacts of climate change is a daunting task but many local cities and towns are already taking steps to do so. Having the best possible information on the impacts of climate change locally is critical to guiding local investment and regulatory changes.
The fifteen communities (listed below) that are part of the Charles River Climate Compact (CRCC) have teamed up to develop a Charles River watershed flood model. This initiative is intended to produce both much needed technical information about where and when precipitation driven flood-risk in the watershed is expected to be exacerbated by climate change, and bring consistency across watershed communities in regards to how we are planning and governing for expected climate impacts, thus promoting a more comprehensive and synergistic approach. The model will allow us to test the flood mitigation impacts of various nature-based solutions and you can learn more about it by reviewing this presentation.
Participating community representatives were asked: What is your primary goal(s) for the use of this model and its output?
The fifteen communities (listed below) that are part of the Charles River Climate Compact (CRCC) have teamed up to develop a Charles River watershed flood model. This initiative is intended to produce both much needed technical information about where and when precipitation driven flood-risk in the watershed is expected to be exacerbated by climate change, and bring consistency across watershed communities in regards to how we are planning and governing for expected climate impacts, thus promoting a more comprehensive and synergistic approach. The model will allow us to test the flood mitigation impacts of various nature-based solutions and you can learn more about it by reviewing this presentation.
Participating community representatives were asked: What is your primary goal(s) for the use of this model and its output?
The watershed flooding model is being developed by a highly-experienced team at Weston & Sampson using the software package PCSWMM. This model will provide residents and municipal leaders better information on where and when flooding will occur. This will help local communities begin to adapt both on-the-ground infrastructure and policies and permitting procedures, supporting CRCC a data driven approach to investing adaptation resources. The watershed model will assist municipal staff in protecting their citizens, especially vulnerable populations, and help engage residents and businesses in climate preparedness and resilience efforts.
The watershed flood modeling project is an ongoing project and depends upon put from community members like you. To better help us with this effort, we ask that you please take a moment to complete this quick Building Resilience Across the Charles River Watershed Resident Survey, available in English and Spanish.
The watershed flood modeling project is an ongoing project and depends upon put from community members like you. To better help us with this effort, we ask that you please take a moment to complete this quick Building Resilience Across the Charles River Watershed Resident Survey, available in English and Spanish.
Community Engagement Meetings
Having the best possible information on the impacts of climate change within your community can inform effective local investment and regulatory changes. It's with that in mind that CRWA is developing a Charles River watershed flood model to provide simulations on different kinds of flooding events and possible solutions like green infrastructure.
What kind of flooding events are most important in your community? What kind of solutions do you think will work best? Check out the local community discussions we held to collect feedback and determine how this tool can best be used!
4/1/2021 MIDDLE WATERSHED COMMUNITY DISCUSSION (watch on YouTube)
4/7/2021 UPPER WATERSHED COMMUNITY DISCUSSION: (watch on YouTube)
What kind of flooding events are most important in your community? What kind of solutions do you think will work best? Check out the local community discussions we held to collect feedback and determine how this tool can best be used!
4/1/2021 MIDDLE WATERSHED COMMUNITY DISCUSSION (watch on YouTube)
4/7/2021 UPPER WATERSHED COMMUNITY DISCUSSION: (watch on YouTube)
Next Steps
This project is currently in Phase 1 which will run through June 2021 and include:
Are you a watershed resident interested in receiving updates about this project and letting your voice be heard in this important model development phase? Sign up for project updates
CRWA presented on Building Resilience: Across the Charles River Watershed. The webinar gave an update on the watershed flood model and development of the project. Watch the video to learn how you can be involved and help us spread the word with this community flyer.
- Development of a watershed model (computer simulation of the watershed) that forecasts expected flooding scenarios under different climate conditions
- Assess the impacts of possible flood mitigation strategies such as dam removal or land conservation
- Public meetings and engagement with watershed residents, especially climate vulnerable populations, for input on model development and selection of flood mitigation measures
- Communication of results including through an online interactive map
Are you a watershed resident interested in receiving updates about this project and letting your voice be heard in this important model development phase? Sign up for project updates
CRWA presented on Building Resilience: Across the Charles River Watershed. The webinar gave an update on the watershed flood model and development of the project. Watch the video to learn how you can be involved and help us spread the word with this community flyer.
Questions?
Julie Dyer Wood, Deputy Director
jwood@crwa.org
(781) 788-0007 x225
jwood@crwa.org
(781) 788-0007 x225
Participating Communities
|
Arlington
Dedham Franklin Holliston Medway Millis Natick Needham |
Newton
Norfolk Sherborn Watertown Wellesley Weston Wrentham |