Dewberry Innovation Case Study

Helping Maryland’s Largest Agricultural County Avoid Future Losses

Dewberry Consultants Incorporate Climate Change Adaptation Concepts into Hazard Mitigation Planning

When Maryland’s Frederick County engaged Dewberry to update its hazard mitigation plan, our consultants began their research by poring through the usual mountain of facts and data. One piece of information stood out: in a report on the potential impact of climate change issued by the Maryland Climate Change Commission (MCCC), the county was listed as potentially vulnerable to economic damage as a result of prolonged drought.

Maryland’s largest agricultural county with more than 202,000 acres of farmland and 1,400-plus farms, Frederick County’s farmers produce nearly $130 million of agricultural products annually. Clearly, the economic impact of increased drought occurrences over the next century as a result of climate change would be devastating not only to Frederick County but to the State of Maryland as well.

Taking It to the Next Level

Since the implementation of its new hazard mitigation plan, Frederick County has become a proponent of climate change adaptation. The work conducted as part of the plan allowed the County to understand how exacerbated events like drought and extreme heat could drastically impact transportation infrastructure and water resource sectors. Understanding these consequences allows them to proactively mitigate the effects by developing mitigation projects that deal with climate change issues.

Dewberry Innovation in Action

While we’ll never be able to prevent crippling natural events from occurring, Dewberry’s approach of proactively incorporating climate change adaptation concepts into standard hazard mitigation planning gives Frederick County a truly comprehensive stance and a considerable advantage in preparing for – and mitigating – a significant threat to its economic survival. This holistic approach typifies Dewberry’s commitment to enhancing the quality of life in the communities we serve.