The climate news has not been good. Deadly heat covers a large swath of the country, torrential rains are causing catastrophic floods, and wildfires continue to rage in Canada, sending unhealthy air south of the border. Even though it’s been hotter than usual here on the Cape, we’re lucky that we have ocean breezes and relatively cool nights to temper the worst of it.
Recently we interviewed Neal Shalom, whose Morris Island property abuts the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Monomoy Refuge headquarters. The erosion that’s eaten away at the bluff next door has flanked the revetment that’s protected his property for nearly 20 years. We detailed the steps being taken to forestall further damage in our previous email, and Neal told us he’s made overtures to the Fish and Wildlife Service to extend the revetment onto the agency’s property, but the federal bureaucracy moves slowly. He expressed frustration with the situation as well as a resolve to do what it takes to protect his home.
What does this have to do with “No Refuge: Cape Cod’s Coastal Crisis?” Neal’s story is not unique; many shorefront properties on Cape Cod will face similar situations in the coming years, as sea level rises and storms intensify. Revetments may be appropriate in some circumstances, but in other places shoreline retreat may be something local towns and property owners have to face.
We’ve just got a few more weeks to go on our Kickstarter campaign. If you haven’t contributed toward completion of our documentary, please consider doing so. Check out our Kickstarter page for rewards:
We’ll be screening both the “Explore Monomoy” documentary and a preview of “No Refuge” at the Chatham Orpheum Theater Aug. 17 and 19 at 10 a.m. At this time all tickets for both shows have been reserved, but the theater has a waiting list you can add your name to here:
https://chathamorpheum.org/upcoming-events
At past screenings there were plenty of seats available on the day of the show. Please spread the word!
Jan and Tim