Washington partners with Jamestown Tribe for new bathymetric lidar project

During the recent Clallam County Commissioner’s Work Session, a significant partnership was announced aimed at enhancing local environmental data collection. The county will collaborate with the Jamestown S'Klallam Tribe and Washington Sea Grant to implement a cutting-edge bathymetric lidar project. This technology, often referred to as "green lidar," is capable of penetrating water, allowing for detailed mapping of underwater and shoreline features.

The project will cover a vast area from Admiralty Inlet to Cape Flattery, capturing data from the upper tidal influence down to mean low water. This continuous data set is expected to provide crucial insights into shoreline conditions, including the extent of tidal reach and the status of armored shorelines. Such information is vital for understanding environmental changes, particularly in the context of rising sea levels and shifting ecosystems.

The data collected will serve multiple purposes, including modeling and planning for future environmental management efforts. By establishing a comprehensive baseline, the county and its partners aim to monitor changes over time, which is essential for effective conservation and resource management.

This initiative reflects a broader commitment to leveraging technology for environmental stewardship in Clallam County, ensuring that local communities are better equipped to address the challenges posed by climate change and habitat preservation. As the project progresses, it promises to enhance the county's ability to respond to ecological shifts and support sustainable development in the region.