Changing Expectations for Water – KELT’s first 2011 Fall Lecture

For Immediate Release

Date: September 12, 2011

BATH- The Kennebec Estuary is changing. As in many New England locations, temperatures are rising, the frequency of storms is increasing, waves lap at higher points on the shore and the composition of native plants and animals is starting to shift.

The Kennebec Estuary Land Trust (KELT) is exploring these changes in their 2011 environmental lecture series titled Changing Expectations: our climate, our landscape our needs. The first lecture of the three part series is on September 28th at 7:00pm on the Changing Expectations for Water focuses on the expected infrastructure challenges due to shifts in stormwater frequency and intensity and sea level rise.

Researchers at Manomet Center for Conservation Sciences are developing climate adaptation plans for several locations in the Northeast, including the Kennebec Estuary. Jackie Sartoris of Manomet said, “Local action is the most likely venue for climate response right now, and this series is part of an overall effort to build momentum in the greater Sagadahoc region.” Maine State Geologist Peter Slovinsky will share maps projecting sea level rise based on LiDAR data. Light Detection and Ranging (LiDAR) is an optical technology that measures properties of a target by illuminating it with light, and it provides very accurate elevation information. The increase in intensity and frequency of storms, tropical storm Irene being a recent example, illustrate the destructive role that storm water plays on the landscape and our built environment. Ray Sirois of engineering firm Wright-Pierce will discuss some of the ways that communities can prepare for this through “climate ready” engineering methods.

Since 2008 KELT has presented a public lecture series that explores a balanced view of an environmental issue of national significance and local relevance. Topics have included Quality of Place, Alternative Energy and Ecological Recovery. This year the series explores recent shifts in fresh and salt water systems, forestry and agriculture. Alicia Heyburn, outreach director for KELT and the organizer of the annual series asks, “As the landscape adapts to change, can we also adjust our own needs and expectations?”

The following lectures are October 27 – Changing Expectations for Forests & Agriculture and November 16 – Planning for a Changing Landscape. All talks take place at the Maine Maritime Museum’s Long Reach Hall in Bath and are open to the public. A $5 donation is suggested at the door and refreshments are served. For more information please visit www.kennebecestaury.org.

This series is generously sponsored by Bath Savings Trust Company and Manomet Center for Conservation Sciences.

The Kennebec Estuary Land Trust is a membership supported non-profit organization dedicated to conservation of the natural, historic, scenic, cultural and recreational resources of the Kennebec Estuary.  It holds easements on over 700 acres of private land and owns seven preserves open for public enjoyment.