A Salt Marsh Advancement Zone Assessment of East Lyme, Connecticut
This report evaluates salt marsh advancement in East Lyme, Connecticut using The Nature Conservancy’s Coastal Resilience Program. It identifies areas for marsh migration, current land use, and key parcels needed to support planning, reduce flood risk, and maintain natural infrastructure.
Subject Tags
- Climate resilience
- Coastal
- Conservation Planning
Introduction
This report assesses salt marsh advancement zones in East Lyme, Connecticut using tools developed through The Nature Conservancy’s Coastal Resilience Program. Established in 2006, the program supports communities in evaluating coastal flooding scenarios from sea level rise and storm surge, and assessing ecological, social, and economic impacts. This study applies a salt marsh advancement model to identify where marsh habitats are expected to migrate upslope as sea levels rise. It examines current land use and highlights priority parcels critical for sustaining natural infrastructure and reducing hazard risk. Findings support future planning, restoration, and policy strategies to protect wetlands, floodplains, and coastal ecosystems. The report emphasizes the importance of natural infrastructure in reducing flood impacts, maintaining ecosystem services, and improving long term community resilience in East Lyme and across Connecticut.
Citation
Pardo, S. and A. W. Whelchel. 2013. A Salt Marsh Advancement Zone Assessment of East Lyme, Connecticut. The Nature Conservancy, Coastal Resilience Program. Publication Series #1-B, New Haven, CT.