Smith Island is fighting hard to stay afloat as the rising sea levels and erosion of coasts are pushing it into the bay. The small island, located just off the tip of Maryland, has been home to people for almost 350 years. However, now, as storms are brewing stronger than before and its shoreline is threatened, Smith Island's residents may be the first of the country's climate refugees.
Smith Island is located less than 100 miles from D.C. and Baltimore and is home to many a marshland, creeks, and mud flats. As reported by CBS, the current population stands at only 200, as it has been dwindling over the years since the turn of the millennium. The Army Corps of Engineers has reported that erosion chips away as much as 12 feet of shoreline every year.
Smith Island's residents refuse to budge, says they've witnessed the impact of climate change in real-time
The Smith Island population has been dwindling since the 90s, and everyone and everything comes inland by boat: the pastor, groceries, doctors, and workers. It has no airport or bridges, and the islanders have no choice but to give in to whatever Mother Nature throws their way. Eddie Somers, Smith Island United, said to CBS News,
"It's hard to beat...the people, the place, the uniqueness, it's not for everybody, we know that."
Rep. Andy Harris (R-1st District) also told the outlet:
"Their families have been here for centuries. This is a way of life. This is something we really out to preserve as part of Maryland's heritage."
In an article that came out yesterday, a native, Mary Ada Marshall, reflected on what it is like to live out there:
"Alright well, I've been here my entire life. I don't feel isolated, but people that come here sometimes they feel like, "I can't get off. I can't get to my car. I can't"-- we learn we're survivors. We learn how to adapt with the weather, it's like a big family."
In 2013, Maryland proposed to buy out and demolish all the homes on the tiny archipelago. However, while the offer was rejected, it was enough to concern the residents. Per CBS, Watermen and retirees began applying for grants and pushing for legislation in their favor. Thus far, they have received over $43 million, all of which went toward improving roads, restoring buildings, and attracting tourism.
Per a 2017 article from WBAL TV, Jennifer Dize, a resident, said she's been privy to the effects of climate change in real-time:
"Been here all my life, except going away for school and things like that. (We had grills), a big island area to go to for our youngsters to have fun with -- all of that has washed into the bay in my lifetime."
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Back in 2017, Somerset County and the Army Corps of Engineers joined forces to launch the "Save Smith Island" project. Although it was years in the making, the project aimed to save chunks of land, and homes, and work on jetty projects.
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