Newburyport
Newburyport’s waterfront and nearby beaches are an important gateway to the Merrimack River and the surrounding coast. Through MRBA, Newburyport partners with Salisbury and Newbury to coordinate planning, funding, and construction.
Plum Island
Plum Island is a barrier that is similarly limited in its ability to adjust to climate change due tot eh presence of a federal jetty at its northern end. This barrier also protects the coastal communities of Ipswich, Rowley, Newbury, and Newburyport. Additionally, A large part of the Great Marsh is located behind the barrier. The Northern section of Plum Island, located in Newbury and Newburyport, is developed with seasonal and year-round homes. The remaining barrier island is part of the Parker River National Wildlife Refuge and the Sandy Point State Reservation. Then Plum Island Barrier plays a vital role in protecting the blue carbon resources of the Great Marsh. Plum Island and Salisbury Beach are separated by the Merrimack River. On the inside of the Plum Island Jetty (river side) an area known as Reservation Terrace has experienced significant sand loss since the Jetties were repaired nearly a decade ago. Additionally, the Merrimack River federal channel continuously fills with sand and the ebb delta has been expanding the areas of shallow water outside the mouth of the river. The maintenance with the federal channel and natural wildlife refuge provides a basis for a federal role to help the communities protect this valuable barrier resource.
Focus areas include:
- Public access and waterfront connections
- Flood resilience
- Environmental protection