The most recent estimates for sea-level rise in Maryland encourage planning for a rise of approximately two feet over 50 years, and as much as 3.7 feet by the year 2100. Of more immediate concern is that the intensity of coastal storms and the height of coastal flood waters, such as those generated by Hurricane Sandy, may increase as a result of the changing climate, creating additional risk. With vulnerability to rising tides and storm surges varying along the coast, planning for sea-level rise must take place on a local level.

As the Chesapeake Bay and rivers and streams within the watershed were the primary historic and prehistoric trade and transit routes in Maryland, the coastal areas of the Chesapeake contain a high concentration of vulnerable historic architecture and archaeological sites. The Lower Eastern Shore, including the internationally significant historic places associated with Harriet Tubman, is particularly threatened.

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With funding from the Certified Local Governments program, the Maryland Historical Trust is partnering with the City of Annapolis on a pilot project to apply FEMA's guidance on hazard mitigation planning for cultural resources to help build resilience to sea-level rise. The process includes documentation, a vulnerability assessment, and the prioritization of intervention for historic and cultural resources as key steps. The process includes documentation, a vulnerability assessment, and the prioritization of intervention for historic and cultural resources as key steps.