TNC is thoughtfully exploring how to help communities at the forefront of flood risk along the Massachusetts coast

August 11, 2025

https://www.nature.org/en-us/about-us/where-we-work/united-states/massachusetts/stories-in-massachusetts/coastal-communities-flood-relocation

Several years ago, Nature Conservancy in Massachusetts Climate Adaptation Director Emma Gildesgame was standing next to a marsh in Winthrop, talking about flood hazards in the neighborhood. She was with staff from the town, colleagues from partner nonprofits and consultants, who had all been working together on projects to increase resiliency for the people living along the shoreline.

The discussion focused on whether the projects could handle predicted flood levels for 2050—let alone 2070, as levels are projected to increase over time—and Gildesgame posed the question that started it all.

“Is anyone thinking or talking about helping people move out of harm’s way for a more long-term solution to the expected flooding?”

The answer from municipal staff? “We can’t talk about that.” That kind of action was too complicated, political and expensive, and just not an option that was “worth” discussing at the time.

Gildesgame asked if it would be helpful for TNC to start talking about it, laying the groundwork to help people come to terms with a future in which coastal residents and those in other flood-prone areas will need to relocate further away from these areas. The answer was yes.