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Impact
Maryland Coastal Flood Explorer Uses UMCES Data to Show How Flooding Could Impact Homes

As Maryland faces increasing challenges from sea-level rise and coastal flooding, access to accurate, science-based tools is essential for preparing communities and protecting natural resources. The newly launched Maryland Coastal Flood Explorer, developed by the Maryland Department of Natural Resources, draws on research and data from institutions including the University of Maryland Center for Environmental Science (UMCES) to deliver an interactive mapping tool that shows how flooding could impact homes, neighborhoods, and ecosystems—both now and into the future. This innovative resource exemplifies how UMCES science is being used to inform public policy, guide resilience planning, and empower Marylanders with the knowledge to respond to a changing climate.