top of page

South Portland

About

South Portland’s coastline features beaches, parks, trails, ecosystems, and coastal infrastructure such as Bug Light, the City’s lighthouse. It is home to one of the State’s largest marinas, a municipal boat ramp, and industrial energy ports. South Portland relies on its coastline economically, environmentally, and recreationally and its coastal ecosystems and infrastructure are at risk due to climate hazards such as erosion, storm surge, and flooding.


Priorities

Key coastal hazards for South Portland:

  • Flooding of roadways and low-lying areas

  • Damage of coastal infrastructure from severe storms

  • Development pressures to significant wildlife and open space habitat

South Portland will need to focus on flooding risks at Willard Beach and Knightville, both of which contain a number of at risk infrastructure. The City will need to ensure roadways and shoreline defenses are adequately maintained or bolstered, to safeguard working waterfronts and properties.

Vulnerable Sites



The profile presents technical data on coastal hazards and community resources including habitat, infrastructure, and socio-economic conditions, to visualize vulnerabilities and impacts. These profiles helped to identify the priorities and vulnerable sites listed above and are intended to help guide municipal staff in future planning.

View the South Portland Story Map Here 


Data Profile

Adaptation Strategies

How can the town address these vulnerable areas? There is a range of adaptation strategies the town can use to build coastal resilience—from nature-based solutions to policy. Every site is different and may require a mix of strategies.

  • Learn about potential different strategies on the Adaptation Strategies page

  • Visit the Renderings page to see conceptual drawings for how these strategies may look in practice

  • Explore projects around the region and how towns are applying different adaptation strategies

Projects

Resources

Click on each link to be directed to the town resource:


​This project is made possible through a grant from the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation, with support from Gulf of Maine Research Institute, The Builders Initiative, and Jane’s Trust Foundation.

The views and conclusions contained on this website are those of the authors and should not be interpreted as representing the opinions or policies of the U.S. Government or the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation and its funding sources. Mention of trade names or commercial products does not constitute their endorsement by the U.S. Government, or the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation or its funding sources.

bottom of page