Overview:
Managers throughout the Puget Sound region often feel that information on sea level rise is not useful for developing resilience-based strategies for both the natural and built environments. To help fill this information gap, in 2016 the Habitat Strategic Initiative Advisory Team decided to fund a portion of a Near-Term Action (NTA 2016-0089) and leverage the work of the Washington Coastal Resilience Project to develop:
- Sea Level Rise Considerations for Nearshore Restoration in Puget Sound. Designed to assist restoration practitioners with identifying sea level rise impacts relevant for specific restoration actions. You can watch an introductory presentation to the guidance document following this link.
- Guidelines for Mapping Sea Level Rise Inundation in Washington State. Designed to support Geographic Information System (GIS) professionals in preparing maps that show the extent of relative sea level rise inundation.
How it was accomplished:
The restoration guidelines were developed with extensive input and engagement from coastal and restoration managers. The mapping guidelines were developed based on experience applying the NOAA mapping guidance to develop sea level rise maps in the region.
Why is this issue important:
Even without sea level rise, coastal flooding is a huge issue in our region – for both people and nature. Sea level rise makes this problem more acute. If we plan for these changes now, hopefully we can work towards a future that is more resilient.
Did you know: The Habitat Strategic Initiative hosted a workshop with community leaders to determine the most threatening aspects of climate change for the Puget Sound region and create partnerships to address those issues. Read the climate change section of the Shoreline Armoring Implementation Strategy to learn more.