7/16 Coastal Erosion at Longnook Beach Truro Update

The Town of Truro is consulting with the Center for Coastal Studies, Provincetown and the Woods Hole Group regarding safety measures and access due to coastal erosion at Longnook Beach, Truro. Currently, the parking lot and beach access is closed. The Center for Coastal Studies conducted a site visit on July 2, 2024, and will conduct four (4) Unoccupied Aerial System (UAS or drone) surveys, which will yield high-resolution and high-accuracy data. The first survey will be conducted as soon as possible, with the second survey to be conducted one week later to document change along the entire study area. Results from the first two surveys will be presented to town staff and a decision will be made as to when to conduct the third and fourth surveys.

The Woods Hole Group’s scope of work will begin as soon as the Center for Coastal Studies’ work is completed. The Woods Hole Group will review and analyze the data collected by the Center for Coastal Studies, perform a wetland delineation, conduct a land survey to determine property bounds, and present three design alternatives for consideration for repairing access at Longnook Beach. There will then be permit level design plans for the chosen alternative to support a Notice of Intent (NOI), which will be submitted to and reviewed by Emily Beebe, Health Agent, and the Conservation Commission. Based on visual inspections by town staff and the Center for Coastal Studies, conditions are severe and concerning enough for the beach to remain closed without any human intervention, which will require the Woods Hole Group‘s analysis and recommendations, or major natural environmental changes.

The Town of Truro will provide updates as they are available. Please email questions to Katie Riconda, Communications Coordinator, at kriconda@truro-ma.gov.