Block Island Times Reports on Coastal Risk Tools

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Ann Street Pier, Newport, during Hurricane Irene in 2011. (Credit: RI Sea Grant)

Many factors contribute to building true coastal resilience. The GIS-based Coastal Environmental Risk Index (CERI) tools developed with support from CRC are an important element. Check out this article in The Block Island Times featuring CRC-ers to learn more.

CRC Leads Effort to Bring Resilience Tool to R.I. Homeowners

Tree damage to a South Kingstown, R.I., home from a “microburst” in August 2015 . (credit: Pam Rubinoff/CRC)

Thanks to the work of CRC and its colleagues at R.I. Coastal Resources Management Council, R.I. State Building Commission and R.I. Sea Grant, the Insurance Institute for Business and Home Safety is bringing its national Fortified Home program to Rhode Island. The building and remodel certification program requires upgraded standards to make structures more resilient to natural hazards, such as storm damage.

CRC’s Pam Rubinoff has been on the frontlines of this work, not only as a coastal management professional but as a homeowner, and she is sharing her story to help get the word out about the Fortified Home program.

The topic of designing and building coastal homes that can withstand impacts from climate change, increased storminess and sea level rise is a timely one in Rhode Island.  Learn more about a Charlestown, R.I., architectural firm’s approach to the issue.

Jennifer Critcher Joins CRC as Assistant Director

jennifercritcherJennifer Critcher, an executive leader who specializes in both nonprofit and higher education administration, has been named assistant director at CRC. Critcher comes to CRC from URI’s Institute for Immunology and Informatics, where she managed a $6.5 million budget and oversaw human resources functions and business strategy.

Prior to joining URI, Critcher was CFO of The Retreat, a $4.5-million nonprofit comprehensive domestic violence services organization located in Long Island, New York. She co-lead this agency in a manner that prioritized financial stewardship while emphasizing operational, programmatic and strategic planning for the organization.

She committed her tenure at The Retreat to engaging the community and its leaders while thinking creatively and coordinating the support of a diverse team, field staff and consultants. This effort generated significant, multi-year grants from federal agencies for innovative programming. These programs included permanent  housing, transitional housing and engaging men in the effort to end domestic violence.

Critcher serves as a board and finance committee member for the Audubon Society of Rhode Island and volunteers and is a board member for Clinica Esperanza, a free medical clinic in Providence. She and her family are relocating to Richmond, R.I., where she plans to be active locally.

URI Students Work on Green Infrastructure Project

Read more about CRC’s efforts to help local communities such as Warwick, RI., make science-informed choices about how best to use green infrastructure — vegetation and other natural elements — to stem flooding and erosion. URI landscape architecture students also gained experience in green infrastructure work through through this project. Read more about the Oakland Beach seawall work.

Beach SAMP Pilot Study to Use Coastal Risk Index Tool

At the recent Beach SAMP stakeholders meeting Rhode Island’s Coastal Resources Management Council introduced a pilot study that will use the GIS-based Coastal Environmental Risk Index (CERI) tool to determine risks to buildings and infrastructure from climate change and sea level rise impacts. The cities of Warwick and Charlestown were chosen as pilot sites as part of this Beach SAMP activity. Read more in this Westerly Sun article.

CRC’s McCann to Take Part in Ocean Planning Live Chat

Jen 2014Jennifer McCann, director of the U.S. Coastal Program at CRC and extension director for Rhode Island Sea Grant, will take part in a live chat about ocean planning on Tuesday, March 8 at 1 p.m.

The chat focuses on a new series of video interviews, “Insights from Leaders: Practical Solutions on Ocean Planning,” that were captured at URI GSO last October at the 2015 International Marine Spatial Planning Symposium: Sharing Practical Solutions/14th Annual Ronald C. Baird Sea Grant Science Symposium, which was sponsored by CRC and Sea Grant.

Greenfire Productions produced the film project. To join the chat, email OpenChannels Project Manager, Nick Wehner.