Amidst flooded roads, extreme high tides, and heavy rain, nearly 40 Alna residents gathered at the fire station on Saturday, Jan. 13 to discuss the local impacts of climate change.

Following a brief presentation by the Alna Climate Action Committee and service providers from Lincoln County Regional Planning Commission and Coastal Rivers Conservation Trust, participants assembled in small groups to share their insights and concerns, suggest possible solutions, and identify steps the town should take to prepare for and adapt to climate change. 

Although each group discussion was independent, the outcomes were surprisingly united: Participants were most concerned with helping their neighbors.

Key topics that emerged included managing the impacts of abundant precipitation on Alna’s fields, roads, culverts and residences; preparing for power outages; and developing a system to share resources and information during extreme weather events. 

The town is in the process of enrolling in Maine’s Community Resilience Partnership, a program that aligns with the state’s climate action plan, “Maine Won’t Wait.” Once Alna completes the enrollment process – which includes evaluating the town’s climate-related challenges, hosting a public workshop to identify priority actions, and passing a municipal resolution – the town will become eligible for up to $50,000 in exclusive grant funding about three times every two years towards projects related to preparing for and adapting to climate change. Alna aims to complete the enrollment materials and submit its first grant application in March.