On Oct. 8, 2017, an op-ed piece appeared in The Day paper, written by Kevin Blacker of Noank, assisted by his brother, Andrew, concerning the use of rocks and boulders to fortify our northeastern coastline against rising sea levels. His comments include the following:

“Climate change will continue to cause sea level rise with more frequent and powerful storms. Fortifying the coastline offers the state and its residents a huge economic opportunity and could also have significant benefit to the state’s agricultural industry. Relaxed coastal regulations could facilitate the ability of individuals to fortify their coastal property. Insurance companies could provide incentives by decreasing property insurance premiums. The state could provide further incentives through cost sharing or grants.”

Kevin goes on to indicate “Through changes in regulations, the state can encourage the harvesting of rocks and boulders to create new cropland in the state. These rocks could then be used to fortify the coast. Sale of rock will help farmers offset the cost of land clearing. The state or towns could place a tax on sale of rocks and boulders, structuring it in a way to encourage stone from agricultural sources. Protection would still be given to the state’s existing stone walls, which are a cultural resource.”

Considering the fact that Connecticut seems to “grow” rocks, as Kevin would know first-hand as a well-educated landscaper and farmer, his idea has merit as presented. And we already use rocks to protect soil erosion into our rivers and harbors. The difference is that Kevin presents it as a very worthy large scale project.

And apparently, having the op-ed in the paper encouraged Kevin and brother Andrew to go farther, and on Nov. 5, a huge, full-page ad appeared in The Day, filled with many methods to improve our way of living. These ideas deserve closer scrutiny, so I will have material to present from these ideas, separated into smaller segments for a few months with this column.

In the meantime, save your large rocks. They might be valuable.

Ed Johnson lives in Noank.