Presenters outline retreat and buyouts as deliberate options for ‘getting out of harm’s way’

Jessica Brunicini, director of the coastal training program at the Wells National Estuarine Research Reserve, framed retreat — often called 'getting out of harm's way' — as a strategic, long-term approach that can include property buyouts and infrastructure relocation. She said buyouts are typically voluntary, are often funded by federal programs (FEMA, HUD, Natural Resources Conservation Service) and require returning the land to nature in perpetuity.

Brunicini cited examples to show how retreat is already used: Oakwood Beach (post–Superstorm Sandy) as a before-and-after example, Cape Elizabeth and Scarborough planning to remove routinely flooded road sections, and Wiscasset voters approving relocation of a wastewater treatment plant with municipal funding allocated. She noted buyouts can take years to complete, may reduce municipal property-tax revenues, and usually do not include long-term maintenance funds for bought-out parcels.

Speakers highlighted equity and community engagement as essential. Brunicini recommended embedding retreat options into long-term planning and ensuring communication and facilitation are trauma-informed and community-centered. She pointed to existing resources including the Maine Won’t Wait Climate Action Plan recommendation for statewide support and national examples of statewide buyout programs.

During Q&A, presenters acknowledged gaps and constraints — for instance, limited federal funding historically for second homeowners and open questions about which funding programs best support municipal infrastructure relocation — and they directed audiences to networks and technical resources for follow-up.