Washington
Overview
Washington’s coastal environments are diverse -from the bustling cities along Puget Sound to the rural shorelines of the Outer Coast. While different, each region is valued for the natural resources and opportunities that it provides. Living and working along these coastlines does not come without its challenges. High tides, storm surges, and rising sea levels pose risks to life along the coast. Impacts from coastal hazards like erosion and inundation are causing us to re-think how we develop the shoreline. Spatial modeling tools provide a starting point to understand how a changing environment alters our resilience to coastal hazards. By using these tools, communities can plan for an adapted future where there is a balance between the needs of humans and nature.
Regional Projects & Solutions
Partners
The Floodplains by Design partnership is led by The Nature Conservancy, Puget Sound Partnership, and the Department of Ecology. Participating partners on the Floodplains by Design partnership also include the Federal Emergency Management Agency, King County, Kramer Consulting, Carol MacIlroy Consulting, Master Builders Association of King and Snohomish Counties, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, Normandeau Associates, Pierce County, Skokomish Tribe, Snohomish County, Snohomish County Sustainable Lands Strategy, Tulalip Tribe, United States Army Corps of Engineers, United States Environmental Protection Agency, United States Geological Survey, Washington Military Department Emergency Management Division, Washington State Dairy Federation, Washington State Department of Fish and Wildlife, and the Washington State Department of Transportation.
Resources
For the latest reports, publications, and information on Puget Sound Coastal Resilience and Floodplains by Design, please visit www.floodplainsbydesign.org
Related Stories and News
Progress made on climate projections and impact on local agriculture
Flood and groundwater climate change modeling is underway to inform development of resilience projects for the local farming community. Learn about the latest progress of this initiative here.
Developing an plan for resilient agriculture in Snohomish County
Get the latest on development of an Agriculture Resilience Plan for Snohomish County in Washington. The goal of this farmer-led initiative is to implement a strategy to maintain agricultural viability in the face climate related changes and a growing population.
Learn How We’re Mapping Sea Level Rise in Southwest Washington
The Nature Conservancy is working with the state Department of Ecology, Sea Grant and others through the Washington Coastal Resilience Project (WCRP) to update Washington’s coastal planning guidance on sea-level rise, and are using Coastal Resilience to visualize flooding potential for communities in the hopes of influencing restoration decisions to maintain resilience along a changing coastline.
The Threats and Opportunities of Climate Change
Join us on a journey through Washington’s ecosystems, to find out how climate-change impacts each individually — as well as comprehensively. By understanding how our landscapes, neighborhoods and climate are all connected, we can better forge our own connections to adapt together.
Let Nature be the Guide to Shore Up our Coasts
Washington has more than 2,300 miles of coastline that sustain communities, livelihoods, recreation and diverse ecosystems. Though robust, our coasts are especially vulnerable to climate-change impacts, including flooding, sea-level rise, increased erosion and others.
Floodplains by Design Blog
Floodplains by Design uses science, collaboration and partnership to create and integrate projects that improve flood protection for towns and farms, restore salmon habitats, improve water quality and enhance outdoor recreation.
Floodplains by Design
The Floodplains by Design partnership is carrying out integrated projects that improve flood protection for towns and farms, restore salmon habitats, improve water quality, and enhance outdoor recreation.