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Whatcom County outlines short, mid and long‑term adaptation options; emphasizes sequencing, outreach
Summary
County staff and consultants presented a library of adaptation approaches — from sandbags and updated codes to nature‑based solutions and relocation — and said strategy choice depends on local values, jurisdiction and timing.
Mike Chang, director at Cascadia Consulting Group, summarized adaptation options for Whatcom County shorelines and river corridors, telling the virtual workshop that "adaptation choices are values choices" and that strategies must balance protection, co‑benefits and feasibility.
Presenters grouped strategies by typical planning horizons: short‑term emergency responses (temporary flood protections, sandbags, updated emergency protocols); near‑term code and practice updates (flood‑proofing existing structures, better stormwater management, beach nourishment and best management practices); mid‑term actions designed to protect assets through the 2080s (natural or soft armoring such as habitat restoration and floodplain reconnection, or hard armoring and elevating structures); and long‑term approaches that remove assets from hazard zones (acquisition, relocation and concentrating future development in lower‑risk areas through zoning).
Chang said different tools address different hazards and scales — some target coastal flooding, others riverine flooding, and many require different lead agencies and permitting. He highlighted tradeoffs: hard armoring can provide protection in a location but often limits future nature‑based options there. He also noted sequencing needs: "before we restore or relocate certain assets, we need to make sure that we have land acquisition strategies implemented beforehand." The presentation included examples from Washington state and other U.S. jurisdictions and a planned "library" of adaptation strategies the county is compiling.
Presenters emphasized governance and jurisdictional complexity. Rachel (Whatcom County staff member) said the project team includes representatives from county cities, tribes (Lummi Nation and the Nooksack Tribe), Port of Bellingham, Washington Sea Grant, the USGS and state agencies, and that the Washington State Department of Ecology is also updating guidance for local governments. The county encouraged jurisdictions and residents to participate in upcoming workshops to weigh values, costs and tradeoffs for local choices.
When asked whether relocation and code changes should happen now, presenters said relocation typically yields long‑term protection but does not necessarily require long lead times to begin; near‑term code updates and early planning can reduce future damage and costs. Presenters also stressed outreach and education to reach varied landowners and communities and flagged that funding, permitting and maintenance are recurring constraints that shape which strategies are feasible.
The county invited attendees to a more detailed, in‑person workshop in Birch Bay and said the project will post updated maps and the final phase 2 story map and report on the county website when available.
