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Date: 7/25/2023
MONSON — The town of Monson is working with consultant Jamie Caplan to update its Hazard Mitigation Plan. The plan emphasizes risk assessment and community engagement, as discussed in a July 20 online meeting.
The proposed plan focuses not only on risk assessment but efficient resource allocations. Caplan stressed the importance of community involvement in determining the town’s mitigation strategies.
“We’re asking for general information, where are your high-hazard areas, who live in different parts of Monson, and how are you using the land?” Caplan said, emphasizing the importance of understanding the town’s unique conditions.
She brought into discussion potential hazards that could occur due to climate change. “We don’t consider it a standalone hazard. We looked at it in terms of how it may impact other hazards,”
Caplan unveiled various types of mitigation actions featured in the plan, including activities related to infrastructure, environmental protection, and education. She stressed executing the measures to mitigate risk efficiently.
“Each action we put in the plan comes with a description that includes what can be mitigated, why the action should happen and some essential details,” Caplan said. The details include the responsibilities for implementation, potential sources of grant funding, timelines and collaborating departments or agencies.
Specific mitigation actions mentioned included the maintenance of a high-hazard dam and improving flood control and rural drainage. She emphasized preparedness rather than reacting to disasters.
“Long-range planning and executing good and forest health is really good. But we’ve seen the impacts of invasive species over the last years,” Caplan said.
In addition, the plan also includes educational and awareness programs. Caplan believes these initiatives are vital in fostering a culture of hazard mitigation and protecting the environment.
Residents will be able to review the draft plan both in hard copy and online. “When you look at the plan, you’ll see what Federal Emergency Management Agency requires and how we’re meeting that requirement,” Caplan said.
The introduction reviews the previous plan and the changes in the town over the past five years. The plan then outlines Monson’s development trends, infrastructure, land usage and critical facilities.
The risk assessment is the most significant chapter in the process, covering potential hazards and problems that could arise with each threat. Recommendations are provided for the town to increase its capacity.
The mitigation strategy outlined the most essential part of the plan, addressing all the identified issues.
The last part shifts to plan maintenance over five years. This section discusses how the town will meet regularly, engage the public and implement the plan. Caplan clarified that FEMA expects only some identified actions to be implemented.
“There’s no penalty for not doing them. There needs to be a reward for doing them. The key thing is to make sure that there’s a thorough list and that all the identified hazards have a mitigation action for them,” Caplan said.
She reiterated the importance of residents actively contributing their ideas and concerns and that community engagement was crucial for the plan’s implementation.
The Monson Hazard Mitigation Plan strives to save lives, reduce risks to people and property, and strengthen the town’s capacity to mitigate risks.
Kaplan expects the plan to be available for the public in the coming weeks. To submit comments, email Conservation Agent Toni Uliana via the town’s official website.