SOS Saco Bay Coastal Conference set for Oct. 8

The winter of 2023-24 will be remembered along the Maine coast as a devastating time.

Two major coastal flooding events in January of this year caused $70 Million in public coastal property damage alone. Worse yet, scientists are warning coastal communities that this is just the beginning. The Gulf of Maine is warming at an alarming rate. Climate change is resulting in rising seas and more severe coastal storm events, resulting in accelerating erosion and property damage.

Industry leaders will address these issues and many more at the Third Annual SOS Saco Bay Coastal Conference at the Ferry Beach Retreat and Conference Center in Saco on Tuesday, Oct. 8. The full day program (starting at 8:45 a.m.) will feature presentations addressing critical coastal issues, including salt marsh restoration, planning for coastal community resiliency, climate change and much more. Presenters include state and local government officials, coastal contractors, coastal design consultants, environmental educators and non-profits.

Save Our Shores Saco Bay is a non-profit advocacy ground committed to the restoration and preservation of our shorelines and natural beauty based in Saco. Kevin Roche, President of the organization recently addressed the organization’s goals for this annual education session.

“We feel education is the key to making the best possible decisions regarding coastal protection in the future. The full day event, with its education sessions and group discussions, is designed to encourage interaction, networking and learning,” he said.

In its brief history, the SOS Saco Bay coastal event has attracted student groups from the University of Southern Maine, the University of New England, the University of Maine-Orono, The University of New Hampshire, the University of Rhode Island, Portland High School, Thornton Academy and Kennebunk High School. The event organizers plan to build on that, and for the second consecutive year the agenda includes a dedicated student educational track. Many students will also be delivering poster presentations.

Public officials, non-profits and student groups can attend the workshop at reduced rates.

Registration, and more detailed information can be found at www.ferrybeach.org/sos-sacobayconference .