Search
Close this search box.
21
June
2023
EWN Engagements

EWN Workshop Explores Nature-Based Solutions at Saint Croix Island, Maine: Balancing Resilience and Preservation

Multi-day Event (June 21-
22, 2023)

Purpose

A team of subject matter experts and collaborators met at Saint Croix Island, ME, 21-221 June 2023 to identify nature-based solutions to preserve the island and its cultural heritage.

In the heart of Passamaquoddy Nation ancestral territory, a workshop was recently conducted to explore nature-based solutions (NBS) at Saint Croix Island aimed at enhancing resilience and preserving the island’s historic resources. This workshop, which forms part of a broader research task focused on Engineering with Nature (EWN) applications in cold regions, brought together stakeholders, experts, and representatives to collectively address the challenges faced by the island due to erosion and sea-level rise exacerbated by climate change. ERDC researchers included: Jeff King (EL), Lauren Bosche (CRREL), and Nick Cohn (CHL). Collaborating organizations included: National Park Service; Passamaquoddy Nation; National Research Council-Canada; Parks Canada; University of Virginia; and EA Engineering, Science, and Technology, Inc., PBC

Saint Croix Island, a 6.5-acre uninhabited island, holds immense historical significance. Managed by the National Park Service (NPS) as an International Historic Site under a formal agreement with Parks Canada and in consultation with the Passamaquoddy Tribe, the island has faced substantial erosion over the centuries, endangering its original ‘habitation’ footprint and the ancient cemetery where 35 French settlers are buried. The island’s location is a challenging region known for its cold climate brings additional hurdles, including swift tidal currents, a tidal range exceeding 20 feet, and powerful winter storms and ice that batter its shores.

Recognizing the island’s archaeological and historic significance, the workshop aimed to explore NBS alternatives that would work effectively for this unique site. The project partners, led by the US Army Corps of Engineers’ Engineering With Nature® (EWN®) program, are committed to understanding and harnessing the potential of nature-based solutions to protect the island from further erosion and preserve its cultural heritage.

The workshop objectives were multifaceted. A site visit to Saint Croix Island provided attendees with first-hand experience and deeper insights into the current conditions and anticipated vulnerabilities. Participants collaboratively shared information about the project site and its surrounding system, contributing their thoughts and ideas for proposed NBS design alternatives through breakout group exercises and other activities.

Saint Croix Island, a 6.5-acre uninhabited island that holds immense historical significance for the Passamaquoddy Nation, Canada, and the US.  EWN is leading an effort to reduce risk at the island from erosional forces and sea-level rise.
Sunset in coastal Maine following the workshop to support nature-based solutions at Saint Croix Island Historic Site.

Presentations

Related Research

Cold Region (CR) environments experience unique environmental stressors such as loss of permafrost and ice sheets fro...

Image Gallery

Use or reproduction of any slides/graphics or portions of figures etc. found herein shall contain an acknowledgment of the author/institution and be by permission of the author.

Point of Contact

Research Physical Scientist, CRREL-AKRO, ERDC

National Lead, USACE EWN Program

Collaborators

Logo_of_the_United_States_National_Park_Service.svg
passamaquoddy
NationalResearchCouncil-Canada
ParksCanada
uva_primary_logo-crop
ea-engineering-science-technology-crop
Facebook
Twitter
LinkedIn
Email

More Engagements

Recent Engagements