DCR’s Parkways Climate Change Vulnerability Assessment

DCR's mission is to protect, promote and enhance the state’s natural, cultural, and recreational resources for the well-being of all. With this responsibility comes the need to understand and protect these resources from the long-term climatic impacts associated with coastal and drainage flooding. 

The DCR Parkways Climate Change Vulnerability Assessment (Parkways CCVA) is a comprehensive, data-driven study designed to proactively identify and address current and future flooding risks along Massachusetts’s  historic parkways. This initiative lays the groundwork for strengthening the resilience of the state’s transportation infrastructure in the face of climate change.

Why This Matters

Our historic parkways are vital corridors that not only connect communities but also reflect our cultural and natural heritage. As climate change accelerates, these critical assets face increasing threats from extreme weather events including:

• Coastal storms
• Sea level rise
• River flooding
• Heavy precipitation events

The Parkways CCVA evaluates how these risks affect DCR-managed parkways today—and how they may evolve in the future.

Key Findings

• Planning for the Future
  DCR will integrate this vulnerability data into the agency’s planning and investment strategies, helping prioritize where and how we make resilience improvements.
• Tailored to DCR Parkways
  This study provides unique insights into how different types of flooding may impact various parts of the parkways network.
• Alignment with Climate Goals
  This assessment supports the 2023 ResilientMass Plan [Link to: https://www.mass.gov/info-details/2023-resilientmass-plan] and aligns with  Massachusetts’s climate investment goals. Funded by the EEA Climate Office, the study  is a high-priority action for enhancing resilience across state assets.
• Geospatial Integration
  Using GIS technology, DCR evaluated over 200 miles of parkways for current and projected flooding vulnerability. This analysis includes climate-related flood risks based on flood exposure models that reflect current and future climate conditions and potential economic and mobility impacts  —forming a robust basis for action and stakeholder engagement.

Links to Materials

DRAFT Parkways CCVA Report

DRAFT Parkways StoryMap

Virtual Open House

DCR Parkways CCVA Municipal + Nonprofit Virtual Open House

• Link to CCVA recording
• Parkways Climate Vulnerability  Assessment Presentation 6/3/2025

Feedback and comments were accepted through June 13, 2025