By Libby Gier

March 1, 2018


Overview: This project establishes the foundation to monitor, assess, and report information regarding the footprint and performance metrics for functional and degradation of floodplains. The result will be a map of baseline conditions across all major rivers in Puget Sound.

What we are doing:
In an effort to improve our strategic investments towards floodplain protection and restoration, and better track and communicate progress, this project will inform decision-makers about progress being made towards our recovery goals. The project has the following major objectives:

  • Develop a regionally accepted floodplain “footprint” and attributes of function and degradation.
  • Develop regionally consistent criteria and metrics for on-the ground activities that contribute towards improving and protecting floodplain conditions.
  • Improve the Puget Sound Partnership Vital Sign targets.

How we’re doing it:
The Puget Sound Partnership,  the Washington State Department of Ecology, and Environmental Science Associates will convene a set of pilot watershed groups and an advisory team to refine our method for incorporating multiple regional and locally developed geospatial data sets that delineate floodplain extent and categorize function and condition.

Why is this issue important:
To receive and maintain support for community investments in floodplain protection and recovery it is essential to be able to set achievable goals and communicate progress towards them- beginning with a common baseline.

What you can do:
To contribute towards Puget Sound floodplain recovery let your community leaders know that you support investments in projects that restore floodplain functions and protect people and property from further harm.

About our organization:
The Washington State Departments of Ecology and Puget Sound Partnership are public institutions with missions to protect and restore the environment we love for all to benefit.

More information

Did you know: The Habitat Strategic Initiative is working to refine and implement the Floodplains Implementation Strategy which aims to support integrated floodplain management and increase the connection of rivers in Puget Sound’s largest river deltas. Today is the second meeting of the advisory team.

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