County presents sea-level-rise workshops: communities favor phased adaptation and habitat restoration

Tyler Davis of the Department of Environmental Stewardship summarized the findings of community workshops held as part of the Backshore Roads Feasibility Study, an RCO-funded project assessing shorelines and roads threatened by sea-level rise.

Davis said the workshops were designed to educate the public and collect feedback on four case-study road sites representing roughly 13 miles of threatened shoreline roads. Consultant Herrera produced a technical alternatives analysis; the workshops were hybrid (in-person and virtual) and included targeted postcard outreach to directly affected residents. Attendance increased between the first and second workshops; combined participation across islands was about 179.

Workshop feedback varied by site but common themes emerged: urgency (especially for Blind Bay), preference for phased approaches that balance short-term protections with long-term sustainability, interest in inland alternative routes where feasible, habitat restoration as a priority where road protection would be environmentally harmful, and strong demand for continued engagement. Davis said three of the four sites had community members requesting follow-up meetings and that the draft final report will include roadmaps for next steps and funding options.

Staff noted potential next steps including pursuing additional funding, collaborating with public works on engineering options, and exploring a pilot local improvement district in partnership with Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife for targeted projects such as Blind Bay and Port Stanley.

Council members praised the engagement approach and asked for cross-department coordination to link these findings to transportation and capital planning. The department will finalize the report with Herrera and return with funding and implementation options.