Planning Ahead for the Total Solar Eclipse in April

As Eclipse Day, April 8, 2024, draws nearer, leaders from across the region shared how their localities and regions in the path of totality are preparing for the big day.

In our Feb. 13 webinar, To the Moon: Planning for the 2024 Eclipse – part of our Building the New Forest Future series –panelists from places in the path of totality discussed how communities have been preparing for an influx of visitors, as well as providing programming for residents.

Mike Wilson, senior program director at the Center, facilitated a discussion among the four panelists who gave insight into their planning processes for emergency management, visitor experience, and educational programming. We recorded the discussion for you to listen to – just click the link below.

Our panel included:

Michelle Clement is the Director of Marketing for the Regional Office of Sustainable Tourism based in Lake Placid, New York. She has been collaborating with partners to provide information, resources, and tools for communities and businesses across the Adirondack region.
Gillian Sewake is the Executive Director of Discover St. Johnsbury, Vermont. She has been working with stakeholders across the community to coordinate events for residents and visitors, prepare for alternative scenarios, and maximize engagement in the downtown.
Deborah Yeager is the Chief of Community Services for the New Hampshire Department of Safety, Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Management. She has coordinated monthly virtual planning sessions to coordinate emergency response teams, traffic control, communications, and more.
John Brenenstuhl is the Training Officer for the Greenville Maine Fire Department and is serving as the local Incident Commander for the 2024 eclipse. He also serves as planner with the Piscataquis County Emergency Management Agency.

Each panelist talked about how they engaged stakeholders — including local governments, emergency management, schools, businesses, and others — in their regions to start the multi-disciplinary planning process. With unpredictable weather conditions in early April, there are many factors that could affect the viewing experience and safety. Snow and ice or rain and mud are all possible in early April, raising concerns for travel and safety. The panel shared how they are planning for multiple weather scenarios and back-up options, such as designated viewing locations and live streams, in case of clouds .

A large influx of visitors to the region in what is traditionally a shoulder season for tourism presents additional planning needs. Many are working to ensure businesses and residents are aware of the event and are prepared to welcome people coming to view the eclipse. Additionally, to generate the most economic benefit and reduce traffic congestion, communities are developing programming and events to entice people to stay in the region longer.

Watch the video to hear what the panel had to say on these and other topics. Please share it with others who are interested in this topic.

Building the New Forest Future: Center Webinar Series

Building the New Forest Future is a webinar series that amplifies stories, practices, and lessons from community development, sustainable tourism, and rural economy in the Northern Forest. Read more

Staff Contact

Isabella Ronson-Amrein

Program Manager

Cell: 804-912-7145