Description:

Floodplains by Design (FbD) is a partnership of local, state, federal, and private organizations focused on coordinating investment in and strengthening of the integrated management of floodplain areas throughout Washington.

FbD leading partners include:

• Washington State Department of Ecology
• An NGO “backbone” team led by Bonneville Environmental Foundation with support from the Whitener Group
• Dozens of local agencies, tribes, NGOs, and landowners who build partnerships to plan and implement projects

Floodplains by Design projects seek to reduce flood hazards to communities and restoring natural functions of Washington’s rivers and their floodplains. These projects bring together many different uses in the floodplain to benefit the entire community and ecosystem, improve flood protection for towns and farms, restore salmon habitats, improve water quality, and enhance outdoor recreation.

Services provided: 

• Technical Assistance: FbD provides technical and grant management services provided by the Washington State Department of Ecology. Support for grant program implementation and communication is led by the FbD NGO “backbone” team (Bonneville Environmental Foundation with support from The Whitener Group.)
• Collaborative partnerships and Network: FbD creates and sustains local collaboratives to advance funding and implementation of integrated floodplain management. Individuals who participate in FbD-convend groups, events and activities are referred to as “the network”. Learn more about the FbD Network here.
• Developing Capacity and Providing Information: FbD hosts activities aimed at developing capacity, knowledge sharing, increasing funding and advancing productive policies to support integrated floodplain management. FbD provides a space for knowledge sharing via their Lunch & Learn series, which can be found on their Events Page.
• Funding: FbD offers funding for multi-benefit projects that reduce flood hazards to communities and restore natural functions of Washington’s rivers and in their floodplains. Learn more about FbD funded projects on the CHRN Funding Opportunities Page.

More information: 

• Floodplains By Design – About Us
• Floodplains By Design – Resources

Description:

Marine Resource Committees (MRCs) are county-based committees of volunteers who are appointed by their local elected officials. MRCs represent diverse perspectives related to our marine ecosystems and working with local governments. A typical MRC has representation from local government, tribal government, the local port district, local business, and the scientific, recreational and conservation communities.

Each MRC has specific projects that reflect local priorities in their areas, yet contribute to broader maine conservation goals. Projects carried out by MRCs include restoring nearshore, intertidal and estuarine habitats, protecting eelgrass beds, providing outreach and education to local communities, restoring native shellfish populations, installing rain gardens, and many more.

Services provided: 

• Advocating to local decision-makers: MRCs provide input to Board of Commissions and similar entities, when appropriate, to ensure the protection and restoration of marine resources.
• Projects: MRCs manage and support projects, such as kelp monitoring, oiled wildlife response training, forage fish monitoring, oyster restoration, and more.
• Education and Outreach: MRCs also participate in community education and educational outreach, including mentoring student interns to work on MRC projects.
• Funding: Learn more about MRC funded projects on the CHRN Funding Opportunities Page.

More information: 

• Northwest Straight Commission – MRCs
• Clallam County MRC (for west end of county, see North Pacific Coast MRC)
• Grays Harbor County MRC
• Island County MRC
• Jefferson County MRC (for west end of county, see North Pacific Coast MRC)
• North Pacific Coast MRC (west end of Clallam and Jefferson Counties)
• Pacific County MRC
• San Juan Islands MRC
• Skagit MRC
• Snohomish MRC
• Wahkiakum County MRC
• Whatcom County MRC

Description:

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) is a federal agency that seeks to predict changes in climate, weather, ocean, and coasts, to share that knowledge and information with others, and to conserve and manage coastal and marine ecosystems and resources nationwide. NOAA’s Coastal Management sector focuses on four programs: coastal zone management, national estuarine research reserves, digital coast (tools, data, and training), and coral reef restoration. 

NOAA Coastal Management programs focus on managing coastal areas to increase resilience, with an emphasis on balancing environmental, economic, and human wellbeing. Mandated by the Coastal Zone Management Act, the two federal programs designed for this task are the National Coastal Zone Management Program and the National Estuarine Research Reserve System. Programs are administered, on the federal side, by NOAA’s Office for Coastal Management, in partnership with the coastal states.

NOAA Coastal Management in Washington:

Washington Coastal Zone Management Program. Established in 1976, Washington was the first federally approved coastal zone management program. Administered by the Washington State Department of Ecology, the mission is to protect, restore, and ensure the responsible development of the state’s marine shorelines in Puget Sound and along the Pacific Ocean coast. The program covers 15 coastal counties and extends three nautical miles into the Pacific Ocean, excluding federal and tribal lands.

Services provided: 

• Training and Education: NOAA Digital Coast offers training, both on-demand and scheduled. Digital Coast training topics include working with lidar, funding and financing coastal resilience, coastal adaptation planning essentials, coastal economics, green infrastructure and nature-based solutions, and much more. Training is also offered through the Coastal Training Program (CTP), which is a part of a national initiative being implemented through the National Estuarine Research Reserve System. Its purpose is to help coastal managers gain a better understanding of environmental issues, science, and environmental regulations. The Program is funded through NOAA’s National Estuarine Reserves Division and implemented in the State of Washington by the Padilla Bay Reserve. CTP training topics include managing the effects of shoreline development, physical and biological processes, and shoreline and environmental laws and administrative procedures. 

• Data: NOAA Digital Coast offers data relevant for coastal resilience and adaptation. Data products include coastal land cover, elevation, imagery, socioeconomics, boundaries, and weather, climate and hazards. 

• Tools and guides: NOAA Digital Coast offers tools that can help turn data into useful information. Tools include a Sea Level Rise Calculator, Coastal Flood Exposure Map, Sea Level Rise Viewer, and Economics Explorer, and more. 

• Career development: NOAA hosts several fellowship programs, including Coastal Management, Coastal Resilience, Digital Coast, and Margaret A. Davidson (for graduate students to conduct collaborative research at one of the 30 national estuarine research reserves). 

• Funding: NOAA funds many coastal resilience projects nationwide, including in Washington. Learn more about NOAA funded projects on the CHRN Funding Opportunities Page.

More information: 

• NOAA Digital Coast Trainings

• Coastal Training Program – Course Catalog

• NOAA Digital Coast Data

• NOAA Digital Coast Tools

• NOAA Fellowships

Description:

The National Fish and Wildlife Foundation (NFWF) is one of the largest private conservation grantmakers in the United States. The NFWF focuses on conservation efforts across the nation through a wide variety of programs, including emergency coastal resilience, coastal resilience, conservation scholars, restoration, watershed programs, and more. 

NFWF was created by Congress in 1948 and works with both the public and private sectors to protect and restore the nation’s fish, wildlife, plants and habitats for current and future generations.

NFWF supports conservation efforts across all 50 states and U.S. territories by funding rigorously evaluated projects, awarded to both large environmental organizations and small local initiatives.

Services provided: 

• Funding: The main way to partner with NFWF is through their many funding options. NFWF funds many coastal resilience projects nationwide, including in Washington. Learn more about NFWF funded projects on the CHRN Funding Opportunities Page.

More information: 

• The National Fish and Wilidlife Foundation

Description:

The Washington Coast Restoration and Resilience Initiative (WCRRI, formerly the Washington Coast Restoration Initiative, or WCRI) was established by the State Legislature in 2015 to provide funding and technical assistance for communities along Washington’s coast.

WCRRI  promotes family-wage rural jobs, resilient coastal communities, clean water, healthy forests, and sustainable fisheries.

WCRRI pairs local partners with scientific experts to ensure long-term success in coastal watersheds. Partners develop projects based on local knowledge of the restoration and community needs and use scientific principles to restore healthy habitats for fish and wildlife and to reduce threats to coastal communities. Forward-thinking projects bring multiple solutions such as improved fish passage and reduced flood damage, reconnected flood plains and reduced bank erosion, restored native plants and reduced nutrient runoff in forests, prairies, and wetlands.

Services provided: 

• Funding: The main way to partner with WCRRI is through funding opportunities. Since 2015, the WCRRI has invested $34 million on the Washington coast and leveraged $6 million in existing federal, local, and private resources.  Restoration is real business for coastal communities. Eighty cents of every restoration dollar invested stays in the county where a project is located. Projects funded through WCRRI have employed everyone from young adults to veterans to former loggers and connected a trained, local work force with the lands and waters being restored. Learn more about WCRRI funded projects on the CHRN Funding Opportunities Page.

More information: 

• Coast Salmon Partnership – WCRRI
• WCRRI

Description:

Washington Conservation Corps is an AmeriCorps program that connects nonprofit or governmental organizations to work crews and individuals in order to complete projects such as critical habitat restoration, trails, and local and national disaster response. This added capacity can be a valuable resource for resilience projects.

Services provided: 

• Capacity Building: Washington Conservation Corps provides capacity to nonprofit organizations and governmental agencies to accomplish projects on public lands. Example projects include In-stream large woody debris placement, bank stabilization, fish barrier removal, wetland creation or restoration, riparian planting and maintenance, bridge construction and more. The majority of positions offered by the Conservation Corps are 11-month AmeriCorps crew positions, in which members serve on 5-member crews led by a supervisor. The Corps also provides 14, 11-month Individual Placement AmeriCorps positions, in which members serve individually with natural resource organizations across the state. There are limited six-month and three-month crew positions offered in spring and summer. Members are young adults (18-25) as well as recently returned veterans.

More information: 

• Department of Ecology – Partner with Washington Conservation Corps

Description:

Sea Grant is a federal-university partnership that brings science together with communities for solutions that work. The National Sea Grant College program was established by the U.S. Congress in 1966 and works to create and maintain a healthy coastal environment and economy.

The Sea Grant network consists of federal-university partnerships between the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) and 34 university-based programs in every coastal and Great Lakes state, Puerto Rico, and Guam. The network draws on the expertise of more than 3,000 scientists, engineers, public outreach experts, educators and students to help citizens better understand, conserve and utilize America’s coastal resources.

The Sea Grant program in Washington State is referred to as Washington Sea Grant (WSG). WSG envisions healthy, vibrant and productive marine ecosystems together with resilient, prosperous and engaged coastal communities in Washington state. The WSG mission is to help people and marine life thrive by supporting research, technical expertise and educational activities that foster the responsible use and conservation of ocean and coastal ecosystems.

Services provided: 

• Collaborative partnerships: WSG partners with local governments, conservation districts, state and federal agencies, tribes, nonprofits, engineers, and scientists on various coastal resilience initiatives. As a partner, WSG can provide scientific expertise, outreach and engagement services, network leveraging and facilitation, and more to these projects. 
• Training: Washington Sea Grant offers a range of classes and workshops that help marine professionals improve their skills, while promoting a safer, pollution-free environment. Other classes provide community members with tools for supporting their marine environment.
• Education and Outreach: From beach walks on Hood Canal and Kitsap Peninsula to Whatcom Water Weeks in Bellingham, WSG specialists offer fun outdoor activities for learning more about our oceans and coasts. WSG also partners with educators and marine-related organizations, to bring valuable opportunities and resources to the K-12 community – expanding awareness of and engagement in the marine and coastal environment, improving ocean literacy, and fostering interest in marine-related careers. See WSG’s Ocean Learning page to learn more. 
• Technical assistance: WSG provides technical assistance to coastal communities, organizations, and coastal resilience practitioners. WSG is a boundary spanner and can help connect individuals, organizations, and communities to resources that help achieve coastal resilience goals. See WSG’s Coastal Hazards page for examples on the type of services that WSg can provide. 
• Data and Tools: WSG partners with others to publish data and tools to provide helpful information about coastal resilience in Washington. WSG-led data products and tools include the 2018 Washington Sea Level Rise Projections, and more, the Washington Coast Economist Dashboard, the Washington King Tides Program, and more. 
• Career development: WSG offers many opportunities for student assistants, interns, and fellows. See more information on CHRN’s coastal resilience fellowships and internships webpage. 
• Funding: Washington Sea Grant offers multiple funding opportunities for many types of projects, with a focus on research, education, public engagement and administrative activities. Learn more about WSG funded projects on the CHRN Funding Opportunities Page.

More information: 

• WSG Student Opportunities – Internships, Fellowship, and more
• WSG Funding Opportunities
• WSG Current Research Projects
• WSG Coastal Hazards
• WSG Training Opportunities
• WSG Outreach Activities
• WSG K-12 Opportunities and Resources

Description:

The Washington State Department of Archaeology and Historic Preservation (DAHP) is Washington State’s primary agency with knowledge and expertise in historic preservation. DAHP advocates for the preservation of Washington’s irreplaceable cultural resources (historic and archaeological) which include significant buildings, structure, sites, objects, and districts. Through education and information, DAHP provides leadership for the protection of Washington’s shared heritage.

Services provided: 

• Information: The DAHP website contains information on historic buildings, the archaeology of Washington State, how to navigate the regulatory process and how to nominate properties to the State and National Register of Historic Places.
• Funding: Learn more about DAHP funding on the CHRN Funding Opportunities Page.

More information: 

• The Washington State Department of Archaeology and Historic Preservation

Description:

The Washington State Conservation Commission (SCC) is the coordinating state agency for all 45 conservation districts (CDs) in Washington State. Together, the SCC and CDs provide voluntary, incentive-based programs that empower people to practice conservation and ensure healthy natural resources and agriculture for all. 

Washington’s CDs are local, non-regulatory subdivisions of state government. CDs match local natural resource concerns and needs with applicable technical assistance and financial resources, solving on-the-ground conservation issues with proven effective conservation practices.

Services provided: 

• Projects and funding: CDs support voluntary projects related to farm planning, habitat restoration, stormwater management, and more. CDs may be able to help with planning and implementation costs for work that affects single or multiple properties. Learn more about CD funding on the CHRN Funding Opportunities Page.

More information: 

• The Washington State Conservation Commission
• Find Your Local Conservation District

Description:

The Washington State Department of Commerce (Commerce) is a lead state agency charged with enhancing and promoting sustainable community and economic vitality in Washington. Commerce touches on every aspect of community and economic development, including planning, infrastructure, energy, housing, business services and more. Commerce works with local governments, tribes, business and civic leaders throughout the state to strengthen communities so all residents may thrive and prosper.

Services provided: 

• Data and Resources: The Commerce website provides data and resources related to community and economic development, planning, infrastructure, energy, housing, and more. View the Commerce Programs page to learn more.
• Funding: Funding is available for a variety of projects, including salmon recovery grants, tribal clean energy grants, affordable housing initiatives, broadband services and much more. Learn more about COM funding on the CHRN Funding Opportunities Page.

More information: 

• The Washington State Department of Commerce

Description:

The Washington State Department of Ecology (ECY) is Washington’s environmental protection agency and is committed to protecting, preserving and enhancing Washington’s environment for current and future generations. 

ECY has several environmental programs, including Air Quality, Climate Pollution Reduction, Environmental Assessment, Hazardous Waste and Toxics Reduction, Nuclear Waste, Shorelands and Environmental Assistance, Solid Waste Management, Spill Prevention, Preparedness and Response, Toxics Cleanup, Water Quality, and Water Resources.

Services provided: 

• Assessments and Monitoring: Assess and monitor the environment, collect and share data.
• Policy and Regulation: Implement policies to reduce carbon emissions and protect the environment.
• Clean up and Assistance: Provide assistance to manage dangerous waste, prevent pollution, support community efforts for shorelands, wetlands, and floodplains, protect waters for recreation, drinking, public health, and more
• Funding: Learn more about ECY funding on the CHRN Funding Opportunities Page.

More information: 

• The Washington State Department of Ecology
• ECY Environmental Programs

Description:

The Washington State Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) is dedicated to preserving, protecting, and perpetuating the state’s fish, wildlife, and ecosystems while providing sustainable fish and wildlife recreational and commercial opportunities. 

WDFW sets regulations on fishing, shellfishing, hunting, and other activities that impact Washington’s wildlife. WDFW provides licenses for recreational hunting and fishing, commercial whale watching businesses, operators and paddle guides, and passes for wildlife viewing.

Services provided: 

• License, Permits and Information: WDFW provides licenses, permits, and information for hunting and fishing, accessing state-managed lands and water access sites, and construction projects that may affect wildlife or habitats.
• Funding: Learn more about WDFW funding on the CHRN Funding Opportunities Page.

More information: 

• The Washington State Department of Fish & Wildlife

Description:

The Washington State Department of Natural Resources (DNR) manages state trust lands and waters for the people of Washington. Under the elected leadership of the Commissioner of Public Lands, DNR manages seven specific trusts to generate revenue and preserve forests, water, and habitat. 

DNR has many divisions and programs, such as the Aquatic Resources, Recreation and Conservation, Forest Resiliency, Wildland Fire Management, Washington Geological Survey (WGS), and more. WGS is a team of more than 40 people committed to providing geologic information to the people of Washington. The team includes geologic mappers, geophysicists, tsunami scientists, landslide geologists, mine inspectors, mine reclamation geologists, hydrogeologists, GIS and data specialists, cartographers, and more.

Services provided: 

• Information: DNR provides information on things such as fire, forestry, maps and land surveys, geology, conservation, recreation and more. 

• Funding: Learn more about DNR funding on the CHRN Funding Opportunities Page.

• Some highlighted WGS services:

  • • systematically map the surface geology of the state,

    • contributes to assessment of the seismic safety of Washington schools, 

    • map landslides to provide information for planners, emergency managers, and those who live and work in landslide-prone areas

    • Moel tsunamis to develop inundation and evacuation maps for coastal communities

    • Collect, compile, and distribute high-quality lidar data

    • Maintain a variety of spatial datasets

More information: 

• The Washington State Department of Natural Resources

• Washington Geological Survey

Description:

The Washington State Department of Health (DOH) works with others to protect and improve the health of all people in Washington state and to defend the public’s health from threats in a rapidly evolving world. DOH fights to defend the public’s health from threats in a rapidly evolving world. DOH’s programs and services, implemented in collaboration with local health departments and state, federal and private partners, touch the lives of all Washingtonians and visitors to the state by providing comprehensive public health services and programs to the community.

Services provided: 

• Funding: Learn more about DOH funding on the CHRN Funding Opportunities Page.

Some Highlighted DOH Programs and Services:

• BEACH Program (led jointly by ECY) – monitoring beaches for fecal bacteria, notify the public when results are high to present saltwater swimming related illnesses
• Built Environment Section – environmental health issues related to new building projects, provides support for conducting health impact and other assessments, monitors wastewater for pathogens, and more. 
• Fish Consumption Advisories
• Environmental Health Assessments
• Indoor Air Quality
• Shellfish Program
• Wastewater Management
• Water Recreation, Pools

More information: 

• The Washington State Department of Health

Description:

The State Washington Department of Transportation (WSDOT) maintains the state’s highway system and strives to ensure the transportation system has a minimal impact on the natural environment and communities.

Services provided:

• Data: WSDOT provides roadway data and GIS maps and data layers for state routes and public roads. Explore data products on WSDOT’s Travel page. 
• Resources: WSDOT provides guidance documents, templates and checklists to support design efforts for bridges and structures, including seismic design. They also offer planning guidance for community, local, and tribal planning. Learn more about their design resources on their Engineering & Standards page and Construction & Planning page. 
• Funding: Learn more about WSDOT funding on the CHRN Funding Opportunities Page.

More information: 

• The Washington State Department of Transportation

Description:

The Washington Emergency Management Division (EMD) is a division of the Washington State Military Department. EMD leads and coordinates mitigation, preparedness, response and recovery in Washington State to minimize the impact of disasters and emergencies on people, property, environment and economy. During state emergencies, EMD manages the State Emergency Operations Center (EOC) located on Camp Murray, near Tacoma, and coordinates the response to ensure help is provided to those who need it quickly and effectively. The EOC is designated as the central location for information gathering, disaster analysis, and response coordination. At the EOC, information gathered is used by executives to make decisions concerning emergency actions and to identify and prioritize the use of state resources needed to respond to the emergency. The EOC may issue emergency warnings or disseminate critical information and instructions to government personnel and the public who may need to take emergency protective actions.

Services provided:

• Preparedness Resources: EMD offers resources for disaster preparedness to learn about the hazards, have a plan, and build at-home disaster ready kits. Explore preparedness resources on the EMD Preparedness page.
• Disaster Assistance: The EMD Individuals and Households Program and FEMA jointly administer programs related to national disaster declarations so individuals and households may begin to apply for assistance immediately. Learn more on EMD’s Disaster Assistance page. 
• Training & Exercises: EMD leads a comprehensive training program to ensure first responders, emergency managers, government leaders, non-governmental partners, and private citizens have the knowledge, skills and abilities needed to perform key tasks when disasters strike. Explore training resources on the EMD Training and Exercise page.
• Funding: Learn more about EMD funding on the CHRN Funding Opportunities Page.

More information: 

• The Washington Emergency Management Division

Description:

The Washington State Recreation and Conservation Office (RCO) provides statewide leadership and funding to protect and improve the best of Washington’s natural and outdoor recreation resources, now and for future generations. The RCO invests in Washington’s great outdoors by creating and maintaining trails, creating and improving parks, preserving farmland, conserving streams and shoreline, and much more.

Services provided:

• Data and Tools: RCO maintains an interactive map and dashboard that shows all recreation and conservation lands owned by cities, counties, and state and federal agencies. A secondary map displays state-owned lands by use (recreation, habitat, conservation, revenue generation). Explore these data on the Public Lands Inventory. RCO also maintains an Outdoor Recreation Inventory Dashboard, which includes information on more than 23,000 outdoor recreation areas, facilities, trails, and water access sites. The dashboard also includes a service area analysis for outdoor recreation opportunities, such as accessing a local park or trail.

• Funding: Learn more about RCO funding on the CHRN Funding Opportunities Page.

More information: 

• The Washington State Recreation and Conservation Office

Description:

The Coastal Hazards Organizational Resilience Team (COHORT) is a multi-agency organization that works with Washington coastal communities to address challenges in current and future natural hazards, including connecting communities with resources and providing technical assistance and support for developing grants and long-term projects.

Services provided:

• Learn more about the services that COHORT provides here.

More information: 

• COHORT

Description:

The Northwest Association of Networked Ocean Observing Systems (NANOOS) is the regional association of the national Integrated Ocean Observing System (IOOS) in the Pacific Northwest, primarily in Washington and Oregon. NANOOS maintains technical observation capability for data and models that support scientific research and coastal planning such as HF-radar, buoys and gliders, and estuary and shoreline monitoring.

NANOOS is a partnership of over 40 entities, including industry, state agencies, local governments, tribes, non government organizations, and educational institutions. NANOOS users of data and products include mariners, fishers, search and rescue personnel, oil spill responders, port authorities, state resource managers, tribal authorities, coastal managers, local government planners, and more.

Services provided:

• Education and Information: NANOOS has lesson plans and educational resources on ocean observing, harmful algal bloom forecasting, marine heatwaves, ocean acidification, and more. Explore educational materials on the NANOOS Education page.

• Data products: NANOOS provides observational and model data plus forecasts, decision-making tools, in several priority areas, including maritime operations, ecosystem impacts, regional fisheries, and coastal hazards (including tsunamis). Explore data products on the NANOOS Products page.

More information: 

• The Northwest Association of Networked Ocean Observing Systems

Description:

The University of Washington Climate Impacts Group (CIG) leads, supports, and advises science-based efforts to adapt to climate change through scientific research, training, education, and developing guidance for policymakers. CIG builds climate resilience by advancing understanding of climate risks and enabling science-based action to manage those risks. CIG creates impartial and actionable science and is a catalyst for building regional climate resilience. 

Services provided:

• Research: CIG works to develop the scientific data, tools, guidance, and capacity needs to manage climate risks. Explore research projects on the CIG Research page.

• Resources: CIG provides a range of technical resources that can be used to help address regional climate impacts. Explore datasets, analysis tools. Publications, and special reports on the CIG Resources page.

• Collaborative partnerships: CIG works to connect actionable science to decision-makers and communities across the region. Alongside partners, CIG identifies emerging climate impacts, risks and vulnerabilities, and evaluates strategies for ameliorating these risks in topics including water, coasts and oceans, forests and fires, people and society, and fish, wildlife and ecosystems. Learn more about these topics on the CIG Our Work page.

More information: 

• The University of Washington Climate Impacts Group

Description:

The Cascadia Region Earthquake Science Center (CRESCENT) is the nation’s first subduction zone earthquake hazards center and is a nexus for earthquake science and hazards research. CRESCENT seeks to develop a better foundational understanding of Cascadia Subduction Zone earthquakes and their associated hazards and to transfer this knowledge to other subduction zones. CRESCENT works to promote diversity and to train the next-generation of geoscientists to address the challenges presented by the planet. CRESCENT also provides a systematic approach to collaboration between researchers in academia and those in agencies that have mandates to produce hazard information that stakeholders, practitioners, and the public can trust and use.

Services provided:

• Science and Research: CRESCENT scientists conduct research to understand the important physical processes that drive convergent plate boundaries, like the Cascadia Subduction Zone. Learn more on the CRESCENT Science page. 

• Career development: CRESCENT seeks to prepare and diversify the next generation workforce by providing research and training opportunities for aspiring geoscientists. Research and training experiences and summer schools create opportunities for students to participate in subduction zone science and to build skills essential to research. Learn more on the CRESCENT Geoscience Education and Inclusion page. CRESCENT also offers a Geoscience Professional Development Fellowship for graduate students and postdocs interested in attending conferences or events focused on professional development. Learn more on the CRESCENT Geoscience Fellowship page.

• Education: CRESCENT supports cultural and geoScience Exchange (CASE) Programs, such as the Makah CASE seismology program and the Quileute CASE geomorphology curriculum, which are one-year high school STEM programs. Learn more on the CRESCENT CASE page.

• Partnerships and Applications: The CRESCENT Partnership and Applications Committee builds and maintains partnerships with stakeholders, community leaders, and educational efforts, to ensure that center-derived products and information lead to societal resilience. They aim to develop, strengthen, and expand center “science-to-society pipelines” in the Pacific Northwest. To achieve this, the PAC leverages existing efforts such as the Cascadia Lifelines Program (CLiP) and Cascadia Coastline and Peoples Hazards Research Hub (CoPes Hub) as well as builds partnerships with the private sector, the communities affected by hazards, and local, state and federal agencies all with the purpose of creating more a more resilient and prepared society throughout the Pacific Northwest.

More information: 

• The Cascadia Region Earthquake Science Center

Description:

The United States Geological Survey (USGS) is a federal agency created by Congress in 1879 that provides science for a changing world, which reflects and responds to society’s continuously evolving needs. As the science arm of the Department of the Interior, the USGS brings an array of earth, water, biological, and mapping data and expertise to bear in support of decision-making on environmental, resource, and public safety issues.

Services provided:

• Education and Information: The USGS creates and maintains educational resources related to biology, climate, coasts, energy, environmental health, geology, information systems, mapping, minerals, natural hazards, ocean, planetary science, water, and more. Explore educational materials and scientific information on the USGS Science Explorer page. 
• Data and Tools: The USGS creates and maintains data, maps, web tools, software, and more to explore scientific information. Explore data products on the USGS Products page. The USGS is leading the creation of the Coastal Storm Modeling System (CoSMoS) in Washington.

More information: 

• The United States Geological Survey (USGS)

Description:

The Cascadia Coastline and People (CoPes) Research Hub is a team of researchers funded by the National Science Foundation to increase resilience and advance knowledge about natural hazards and climate change risks coastal communities face.

The CoPes Hub works with communities in the Pacific Northwest, including Washington, Oregon, and Northern California to increase their ability to mitigate and adapt to impacts from hazards like earthquakes, tsunamis, sea level rise, landslides, erosion, and climate change.

Services provided:

• Coastal Hazard Resource Support: The CoPes Hub maintains the Cascadia Community Engaged Clearinghouse (CCERC), which links community needs with the Hub’s resources and services. Check out the CCERC to learn more.
• Research: The CoPes Hub research team conducts research related to tectonic geohazard sources and integrated probabilistic modeling, exposure to inundation and coastal change hazards, community adaptive capacity, broadening participation and inclusive steam education, and community engagement and co-production of coastal hazard knowledge. Learn more on the CoPes Hub Research page.
• Education and Information: The CoPes Hub maintains a series of informational products related to hazards in Washington, Oregon, and Northern California, including informational flyers, reports, published journal articles, videos and podcasts, and tools and datasets. Explore these on the CoPeS Hub Products page. The CoPes Hub also hosts 2 virtual seminar series to disseminate the latest scientific information.
• Career Development: The CoPes Hub hosts the Cascadia Coastal Hazards and Resilience Training, Education and Research (CHARTER) program, which offers formal and informal training, education and hazards science research across the middle school, high school, undergraduate, graduate, and postdoctoral levels. Learn more on the CHARTER Fellowship page.

More information: 

• The Cascadia Coastline and People (CoPes) Research Hub

Description:

The Surfrider Foundation is dedicated to the protection and enjoyment of the world’s ocean, waves and beaches, for all people, through a powerful activist network. Surfrider organizes a network of chapter volunteers that serve as the first response to local threats in coastal communities across the US. They are the boots on the ground who collaborate on both the local and national level with regional staff and issue experts to carry out our mission through campaign, program and educational initiatives in their local communities. Our network grows stronger with every chapter we add.

Surfrider fights for plastic reduction, ocean protection, beach access, coasts and climate, and clean water.

Services provided:

• Coastal Protection: The Surfrider Foundation’s Coasts & Climate Initiative protects shorelines. Surfrider  proactively addresses threats like coastal development, sea walls, and other types of shoreline armoring, as well as beach dredge and fill projects to ensure the protection of our coast. Surfrider’s grassroots network of volunteers works with community planners to help them make informed and responsible decisions about coastal development and to address the effects of rising sea levels. Learn more on the Surfrider Coasts & Climate Initiatives page.

More information: 

• The Surfrider Foundation – Washington Chapter

Description:

The Padilla Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve is one of 30 areas in the National Estuarine Research Reserve System (one of NOAA’s Coastal Management Programs). The site is protected for long-term research, water-quality monitoring, education, and coastal stewardship. The Washington State Department of Ecology, along with local partners, leads the day-to-day management of the facility. NOAA’s Office for Coastal Management provides funding, national guidance, and technical assistance.

This reserve protects one of the largest beds of eelgrass in the contiguous United States − nearly 8,000 acres. Located in the northern reaches of greater Puget Sound, at the saltwater edge of the large delta of the Skagit River in the Salish Sea, the reserve is eight miles long and three miles across. The site is surrounded by agricultural and industrial business, and the area is moderately populated. The area attracts tourists, artists, nature enthusiasts, birdwatchers, hunters, and fishermen.

Services provided:

• Education: The Reserve offers educational programs, including classes, child activities, group visits, teacher resources and workshops. Learn more here.
• Recreation and Exploration: When you enter the Breazeale Interpretive Center, you’re invited to browse through the exhibits and observe sea stars, urchins, and other marine life in the aquarium room. The Reserves nearby trails and overlook site give you the opportunity to see eagles, herons, ducks, and other birds that live here year round or pass through on their migratory paths. Learn more here. 
• Research: Research and monitoring of Padilla Bay and its watershed is carried out by our staff, students and faculty from various universities, and agency scientists. While these efforts generally focus on greater Puget Sound and other Pacific Northwest estuaries and watersheds, the gained information and knowledge makes a valuable contribution to the conservation and management of estuaries across the nation.
• Career Development: Graduate students can receive fellowships at Padilla Bay to support their post-graduate and doctoral work. Monitoring programs, specifically water quality and critical species issues, are important to helping us formulate science-to-management decisions. Data and resulting knowledge are transferred to local, regional, state, and national audiences.
• Training: The Reserve hosts the Coastal Training Program, which provides practical, science-based training to professionals who make decisions about shoreline management in Western and Eastern Washington.

More information: 

• The Padilla Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve – ECY

• The Padilla Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve – NOAA Office for Coastal Management