New app shows softer side of Puget Sound

Timber bulkhead at Luhr Beach along the Nisqually River delta in south Puget Sound. Photo courtesy Hugh Shipman.

We are pleased to announce we have created a new online tool showing examples of Puget Sound beaches where traditional “hard shoreline armoring” has been removed and more environmentally friendly solutions were installed.

Our new “Examples of Puget Sound Soft Shore and Armor Alternative Projects” application shows a map of Puget Sound with 29 different beachfront projects that have employed “soft” shoreline design techniques.

Users can view before-and-after photos of project sites, like the photos of Luhr Beach above and below, using the tool or by visiting our Flickr page.

Luhr Beach after log bulkhead removed and construction of new gravel beach. Photo courtesy Hugh Shipman.

The web tool is designed to spread the word about alternatives to hard armoring to homeowners, our local government partners, and anyone interested in the health of Puget Sound shorelines.

What is shoreline ‘armoring?’ 

Throughout Washington, shoreline property owners have often installed concrete bulkheads and rock revetments to help stabilize the shoreline, control erosion and protect—or “hard armor”—coastal development.

Cornet Bay in Island County before removing bulkhead. 

Photo courtesy Hugh Shipman

Shoreline erosion occurs naturally in Puget Sound, the nation’s second largest marine estuary. Physical process such as winds, waves, storms, tides, and plate tectonics all work to constantly shape and reshape the Sound’s 2,600 miles of marine coastline.

The majority of Puget Sound shorelines experience low to moderate levels of erosion. However, about 700 miles of marine shoreline—27 percent of the estuary’s entire coastline—currently has some type of hard armoring in place.

Most shoreline armoring was built decades before the state adopted tighter shoreline management regulations. Today, proposals for new armoring are carefully evaluated to determine if the structure is needed.

Big deal about bulkheads

While bulkheads and similar structures can reduce erosion and protect upland development from flooding, they can have serious consequences for coastal ecosystems and the long-term preservation of Puget Sound beaches.

Cornet Bay after bulkhead removed, shoreline regraded, 

beach nourished, backshore vegetation planted, and anchored

wood placed on beach. Photo courtesy Hugh Shipman.

Armoring can disrupt natural patterns of sediment movement along the shoreline, resulting in erosion and the loss of the beach.

Historically, many armoring structures in Puget Sound were constructed far out onto the beach. This approach covered up backshore beach areas and disrupted shoreline ecosystem processes.

Beaches play an important role in the lives of forage fish, a key food source for salmon. Bulkheads and rock walls block forage fish from spawning on the beach, leaving fewer fish for salmon to eat.
Endangered southern resident killer whales in Puget Sound eat salmon almost exclusively, so restoring forage fish spawning grounds has impacts across the ecosystem.

These structures also limit human uses of the beach. Concrete walls make it difficult to stroll down to the beach, and climbing over sharp and slippery rock revetments can be dangerous. At some places, water comes right up to the bulkhead during high tide, leaving no room for walking.

Encouraging ‘soft’ shorelines

Nowadays, there are a variety of techniques that can be employed to “soften” the shoreline by removing rigid walls and using materials naturally found on the beach. These techniques can reduce erosion while protecting ecosystem functions.

Seahurst Park in King County with bulkhead in place. Photo by Hugh Shipman.

At some sites, it can be as easy as simply removing the hard armoring and letting nature take its course.

Should a site need some erosion control measures, there are several options to mimic a natural beach.
For example, fish-friendly sand and gravel can be placed on the beach—sometimes called beach nourishment—to provide extra material and elevate the shoreline.

Another approach is placing logs and woody debris on the shoreline to reduce wave energy and hold sediment on the beach. In some cases, the wood needs to be anchored in place.

The applicability of these techniques depends on the specific conditions and concerns of the site. More and more, these soft shore projects are being installed throughout the Puget Sound region.

Why softening the shoreline matters

Seahurst Park after bulkhead removed and historic fill excavated. 

Photo courtesy Hugh Shipman.

Removing hard structures from the beach and using more environmentally-friendly erosion control techniques allows Puget Sound shorelines to return to a more natural state. When natural erosion and sediment movement are allowed to occur, beach processes and habitats are restored. Once disconnected, the forested uplands and marine ecosystems can function again in harmony.






With fewer obstacles in the way, it’s easier for all beachgoers—fish, birds, and humans alike—to make use of Puget Sound’s treasured coast.

Give us your feedback!

Let us know what you think of our new tool. To provide feedback, please use this survey link.

McCleary’s first shoreline master plan proposal ready for public input

The first of anything only happens once. So, here’s your chance to get in on the ground floor and comment on the first Shoreline Master Plan proposal for the City of McCleary. Public comments are open now through Sept. 26, 2016. The proposal addresses uses and development on Wildcat Pond and a small segment of the shorelands associated with Mox Chehalis Creek. If approved, the proposal would meet the requirements of the Shoreline Management Act and the Shoreline Master Program Guidelines. 

What’s a Shoreline Master Program?

Shoreline Master Programs are local plans developed by cities and counties to manage shoreline use. These local programs protect natural resources for future generations, provide for public access to public waters and shores and plan for shoreline uses and development.

City of McCleary’s shoreline plan

McCleary’s new shoreline program establishes vegetative buffers to accommodate existing development, reflects the city’s underlying zoning, and references a restoration plan that identifies potential projects for future restoration efforts. To schedule a time to read paper copies of the proposal, contact the City of McCleary or Ecology Regional Planner Kim Van Zwalenburg at the address below.

All comments should be sent to Kim Van Zwalenburg. There are four ways to do it:

By email:             kim.vanzwalenburg@ecy.wa.gov

By mail:                Southwest Regional Office

                              PO Box 47775
                              Olympia, WA 98504-7600

In person:            300 Desmond Drive
                              Lacey, WA 98503

By phone:            360-407-6520

Ecology must receive comments no later than 5 p.m. on Sept. 26, 2016.

Comment summaries and the city’s response will be posted to the City of McCleary Shoreline Master Program page on Ecology’s website.

By: Dave Bennett, Southwest Region communications manager

Wetlands aren’t wastelands

by Camille St. Onge, communication manager, Shorelands and Environmental Assistance Program

Once regarded as wastelands, wetlands are now recognized as important features of our landscape. In fact, healthy coastal wetlands are among the most productive ecosystems on the planet, comparable to rainforests and coral reefs. Wetlands are part of a diverse and complex set of ecosystems that are vital to Washington’s economy and an important part of our natural heritage.

Coastal wetlands and estuaries have long provided fish, waterfowl and building materials that supported native populations and early settlers. Today, wetlands comprise less than 10 percent of the nation’s land area yet support a significant number of wildlife species, including 75 percent of migratory birds, nearly 80 percent of fish and shellfish, and about half of all our threatened and endangered species. Sadly, wetlands in coastal watersheds in the U.S. are experiencing a net annual loss of about 80,160 acres according to a new study by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.

Wetlands’ economic benefits

In addition to being a fundamental part of our ecosystem, wetlands bring economic benefits to communities. If a community had to build flood control or water treatment systems to replace those functions provided by wetlands, the costs could far outweigh the land purchase price of preserving the natural wetland systems.

Similarly, when wetlands lose their value as fish habitat, this value is difficult to replace, and the consequent losses to the recreational and commercial fishing industries can be significant. There are as yet no precise formulas that we can use to determine the accurate dollar value per acre of wetland, but the more we learn about wetlands, the higher that value becomes.

Ecology grants enhance and restore diminishing wetlands

Ecology was recently awarded $2.2 million in grant funding by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to support three critical coastal wetland projects in Washington state. Using matching funds from this grant program, Ecology has a long history of successful partnerships with tribes, cities, counties, federal and state agencies and others to acquire, restore and enhance coastal wetlands throughout Washington.

The projects selected for the 2014 grant funds will help restore and enhance Washington’s wetlands. The grant program is a significant opportunity for the selected communities to leverage their local dollars with matching federal grant funds. These projects will help preserve wetlands for future generations.

About the projects

Lower Naselle – Ellsworth Creek Acquisition
Ecology, in partnership with The Nature Conservancy (TNC), was awarded $921,767 to conserve 386 acres of estuarine wetlands and adjacent uplands at Willapa Bay in Pacific County. This project includes estuarine tidal lands along the Lower Naselle River and within TNC’s adjacent Ellsworth Creek Preserve. The project supports ongoing conservation efforts of a large number of agencies and partners, including the nearby Willapa Bay National Wildlife Refuge, to protect and restore the bay.

Skokomish Estuary Restoration
Ecology, in partnership with the Mason Conservation District and Skokomish Tribe, was awarded $1 million to complete the restoration of estuarine wetlands located on the Skokomish Reservation at the mouth of the Skokomish River in Mason County. The project builds upon the successful work of Phase 1, with the goal of restoring natural processes, functions, and species to an 825-acre area of the Skokomish estuary, which contains a variety of nationally declining wetland types.

Elliott Slough Acquisition
Ecology, in partnership with the Chehalis River Basin Land Trust was awarded $310,000 to permanently protect 175 acres of high quality coastal surge plain and six miles of sloughs at the head of Grays Harbor, in Grays Harbor County. This acquisition is part of a larger effort to conserve the Chehalis River Surge Plain and is located next to a State Natural Area Preserve and an Audubon Society preserve.

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Governor looking for marine advisory council candidates

By Jennifer Hennessey, ocean policy associate, Shorelands & Environmental Assistance Program

Gov. Jay Inslee is accepting applications for membership on the Washington Coastal Marine Advisory Council.

New law establishes council, names Ecology as supporting agency

New state law, Engrossed Senate Bill 5603, establishes the marine advisory council at the Governor’s office and assigns Ecology to support the council.

The advisory council will advise the Governor’s office, state and local agencies, and the Washington legislature on ocean policy and management issues along Washington’s Pacific Coast.

Applications due Aug. 21

Applications are due Wednesday Aug. 21 and are available online. The Governor will review applications and appoint members to the advisory council.

Advisory group represents broad range of interests

The advisory council includes gubernatorial appointments for representatives of various stakeholder interests, including:

• Citizens
• Commercial fishing
• Conservation
• Economic development
• Energy
• Education
• Ports
• Recreation
• Recreational fishing
• Science
• Shellfish aquaculture
• Shipping

Each coastal Marine Resource Committee will also select one representative to serve on the advisory council – and state agencies and the Governor’s office also will name representatives.

Expectations

Applicants are expected to participate in a collaborative process. The advisory council will meet a least twice year – and four times during the upcoming year. There is no compensation for serving on the council.

For more information

If you have questions about the council, contact me by email or call me at 360-407-6595.

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Public asked to weigh in on scope of coastal marine spatial plan

By Jennifer Hennessey Coastal Planner, Shorelands & Environmental Assistance Program

From now through September 23, the state Ecology Department wants to get public input about what should be covered in a marine spatial plan for Washington’s 375 miles of ocean coastline.

Ecology also is seeking concurrent comment regarding the goals, objectives, boundaries and other scoping issues that should be assessed under a related environmental impact statement (EIS) for Washington’s outer coast.

The EIS will evaluate the alternatives and potential significant adverse impacts associated with developing the marine spatial plan.

Reviewing documents, how to comment

Those interested in reviewing the draft marine spatial planning and related EIS documents can comment electronically by replying to mspcomments@ecy.wa.gov. Ecology also is accepting comments by mail at:

Department of Ecology
Shorelands and Environmental Assistance Program
PO Box 47600
Olympia, WA 98504-7600

Spatial planning helps balance ocean uses and environmental protection

Washington adopted a marine spatial planning law as an approach to reduce conflicts among ocean uses and balance the benefits humans receive from the ocean while decreasing human-caused environmental damage.

The planning process collects, interprets and uses data to develop a framework for making informed, coordinated decisions without adding new regulations. The goal is to bring different interests together to balance the needs and goals of the public, our economy and marine environment.

Earlier workshops designed to move process forward

Earlier this year, Washington Sea Grant and the State Ocean Caucus conducted a series of workshops to help with planning. The sessions included representatives from local and tribal governments, state and federal agencies and the Washington Coastal Marine Advisory Council.

The marine advisory council is made up of a diverse group of coastal stakeholder representatives including coastal Marine Resource Committees. The council advises the State Ocean Caucus. A recently adopted law will reestablish this council in the Office of the Governor.

Once complete, Ecology will submit the marine spatial plan to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) for review and approval. NOAA will authorize including the plan as part of Washington’s federally-approved coastal zone management program.

More information

For questions or more information about the coastal marine spatial plan or related EIS documents, please call me 360-407-6595.

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Boots on the Ground: Unexpected service in New York

First person accounts by WCC responders
compiled by Bridget Mason and Janna Sargent, Ecology Washington Conservation Corps

WCC Supervisors provide updates via smart phones and Skype™


A gymnasium serves as a makeshift shelter for displaced residents at Lehman College inBronx, NY


Nor'easter dumps snow andadds new challenges for responders


AmeriCorps members serve food and coffee to evacuees.

Eight Washington Conservation Corps (WCC) crews recently drove across country to the East Coast to respond to Hurricane Sandy.

A total of 40 AmeriCorps members and eight supervisors are currently in New York where they are assisting with shelter operations in the New York City Boroughs of Brooklyn, Bronx, Manhattan, Queens, and Staten Island. In the past few weeks, we have seen them featured in newspapers and interviewed on the radio.

WCC often on the front lines

In recent years, the WCC has responded to disasters across the county, including tornadoes, floods, wildfires, as well as other hurricanes. Often, it is difficult to receive regular updates from our responders due to lack of power, downed cell towers, and the hectic nature of disaster response.

Smart phones keep us linked

This is the first incident where the majority of our responders have smart phones, enabling more frequent updates – requiring ample patience on their part while drafting multi-paragraph summaries on a 3-inch screen.

We recently received the following updates from several of our responders requesting anonymity and to receive no special recognition, adding, “All of the responders here are working very hard.”

Daily grind of shelter operations

Up to 600 displaced New Yorkers are currently sheltered at Queens College. There are 41 AmeriCorps volunteers supporting them including the WCC, Montana Conservation Corps, and Minnesota Conservation Corps. These volunteers are responsible for operating the family and pet shelters. This means rather than the physical cleanup assignments that our members were expecting when leaving Washington, they are working directly with displaced residents of New York. Their daily tasks include:

• Cleaning at the shelter
• Serving meals
• Helping children get to school
• Clothing people
• Finding answers, occasionally finding translators
• Sharing stories with shelter residents
• Loading and unloading trucks and sorting donations
• Helping elderly residents with day-to-day needs
• Constructing cots, cribs, and assembling toys
• Entertaining children
• Defusing volatile situations

Election Day at a shelter

To add to the commotion, Election Day presented its own challenges. The day was fast approaching and evacuees did not know how or where to vote.

AmeriCorps volunteers took on the challenge of researching and publicizing the revised voting policy for evacuees and helping them find the nearest polling site. After some effort, we managed to connect a laptop to a monitor and stream live election results while the entire family shelter gathered to watch the results. It was an electric day and night.

The American right of voting, that secures all other rights, was salvaged that day in the shelter.

Other challenges

Another opportunity for creative problem-solving presented itself when a “nor’easter” hit New York on Nov. 7. A refrigerator that had been storing food for 150 people suddenly ceased working, resulting in spoiled food.

Volunteers used their phones to reach out for help from local churches, non-profits, and businesses. Three hours later, a call came from PC Richards and Sons letting us know that, despite the blizzard, they were bringing us a brand new 21 cubic foot refrigerator

Staying positive

WCC members and supervisors are staying positive and, often times, fighting just to stay awake, despite the work being mentally and emotionally challenging. The night shift has been especially taxing since this means our few sleeping hours happen when all other shelter residents are awake. Many of us await the call requesting assistance with debris cleanup.

Running chainsaws, mucking out houses, and clearing debris sounds easy at this point!

Washington proud

In the meantime, our members are doing an excellent job representing the Washington Conservation Corps and AmeriCorps. The logo on their uniforms has become a powerful symbol – both as an all-access pass to get through multiple levels of security and a sign of their responsibility.

A popular saying is that the AmeriCorps ‘A’ stands for answers. When evacuees see the A on our shirts, it means they can ask for help and they will be heard.

Read more about them!

On Nov. 9, the New York Times wrote a story about what AmeriCorps, including the WCC, are doing in response to Sandy.

On October 31, the Department of Ecology issued a News Release as WCC crews deployed from Ellensburg, Washington.

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Boots on the Ground: WCC crews supporting ongoing firefighting efforts

By Bridget Mason, WCC Coordinator, Washington Conservation Corps

WCC crew moving fuel cans for equipment
Credit: Ernie Farmer

Ecology’s Washington Conservation Corps (WCC) members have been busy this wildfire season. We currently have two 10-person AmeriCorps crews responding to wildfires in Washington – with a third 10-person crew joining the response this evening.

Here’s a summary of the five Washington wildfires to which WCC has responded:

Navarre Fire near Entiat

A six-person WCC crew was deployed to the Navarre Coulee fire near Entiat on July 7. The crew spent five days acting as a camp crew, serving meals, coordinating camp logistics, and supplying equipment to the fire line.

Taylor Bridge near Cle Elum

The recent Taylor Bridge fire near Cle Elum was a lengthy response effort due to high winds and dry weather conditions – fueled by diseased timber. The fire was sparked by a welding project on the Taylor Bridge that destroyed over 60 homes and burned nearly 24,000 acres. There were also a significant number of farms and farm animals lost in the fire.

On Aug. 13, WCC deployed eight AmeriCorps members and two crew supervisors to assist with efforts to contain the fire. AmeriCorps members from Bellevue, Ellensburg, Seattle, Wenatchee and Yakima established a base camp by setting up yurts, telephone lines and supply trailers. The team also coordinated donations, served meals and supplied equipment to the fire line.

When additional resources were requested midway through the response effort, we expanded to include 13 AmeriCorps members directed by two WCC crew supervisors. The team stood down 12 days later on Aug. 25 when the Taylor Bridge fire was downgraded.

The team spent their final day helping nearly 800 responders demobilize and inventorying supplies – including re-coiling and packaging more than 17 miles of fire hose for future responses.

Highway 141 near White Salmon

An AmeriCorps crew of two WCC supervisors and eight WCC members from the Ellensburg/Yakima area are on their sixth day of responding to the Highway 141 fire near White Salmon in the Columbia Gorge.

The crew is coordinating logistics at the fire camp, delivering hose and equipment to the fire line and providing assistance as an engine crew. The fire is burning in very steep country but containment efforts have gone well. We expect our crew to demobilize Thursday or Friday.

Manila/Columbia Complex

On Sept. 10, a 10-person crew made up of WCC members and supervisors from Ellensburg, Olympia, Seattle and Tacoma arrived at the Manila/Columbia Complex Fire near Grand Coulee on the Confederated Tribes of the Colville Reservation.

Six crew members are part of our inaugural Washington Conservation Corps Veterans crew. The supervisor and all five WCC members all served as members of the military prior to joining AmeriCorps. They are two weeks from completing their one-year service in AmeriCorps. It has been quite a year for these Veterans – from removing tsunami-related marine debris along Washington’s coast to assisting with firefighting efforts in Eastern Washington.

The Manila/Columbia Complex fire is 60 percent contained but there are numerous fires burning in area shrub and grasslands. The crew is helping manage the camp, delivering equipment and supplies, as well as undertaking engine crew work and line construction.

Okanogan Complex near Twisp

We are in the process of deploying a 10-person crew to the Okanogan Complex of fires near Twisp. Projects will consist of camp crew activities – including camp management and equipment/supply delivery.

More about WCC response work

The WCC has 70 members and staff certified to fight wildfires that are available for wildfire response, if needed. This certification is just one of several offered in the WCC program. We provide crews at a moment’s notice. We have provided first-hand assistance to citizens in Washington and across the nation during floods, fires, hurricanes and other natural disasters.

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Three vacant positions on ocean policy advisory group

By Jennifer Hennessey, Shorelands and Environmental Assistance Program

Do you know someone who might be interested in helping direct and guide ocean policy and management issues along Washington’s Pacific Coast?

Ecology is seeking to fill current vacancies on an advisory group for ocean policy. We need experts to help represent three distinct interest groups:

• Energy
• Recreation
• Tourism

Advisory group helps State Ocean Caucus

The group advises the State Ocean Caucus – an interagency team made up of the governor’s office and state agencies with a management role or expertise in ocean and coastal issues. Ecology coordinates this team and formed the advisory group on behalf of the State Ocean Caucus.

Nominees needed for energy, recreation, and tourism interests

We need experts to fill three vacant positions covering energy, recreation, and tourism interests. We’re looking for people interested in and knowledgeable about ocean and coastal issues on Washington’s Pacific Coast – western Clallam and Jefferson counties, and Grays Harbor, Pacific, and Wahkiakum counties.

The unpaid advisory group will meet about four times a year. Members will serve up to a three-year term and may be reappointed. The Coastal Advisory Body will review nominations received and provide recommendations to Ecology Director Ted Sturdevant who will appoint the members.

How to nominate a candidate

Ecology must receive all nominations by 5 p.m. Friday, July, 13, 2012.

Any group or individual can nominate a candidate to the advisory group. We also accept self-nominations and candidates don’t need to be affiliated with an organized group.

Nominations must include specific information – see our online directions for nominations. Nominations can be sent electronically – or mailed to:

Jennifer Hennessey
Washington Department of Ecology
PO Box 40173
Olympia, WA 98504-7600

For more information, contact Jennifer at jennifer.hennessey@ecy.wa.gov or call 360-407-6595.

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Stakeholders working with state agencies on ocean and coastal issues

By Jennifer Hennessey, Ocean Policy Associate, Shorelands & Environmental Assistance Program

On May 11, 2012, a new coastal advisory group will meet from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Grays Harbor College, Building 2000, Room 2101, 1620 Edward P. Smith Drive, in Aberdeen.

The advisory group was created in December 2011 to advise the State Ocean Caucus – an interagency team made up of state agencies with a management role or expertise in ocean and coastal issues.

The Washington Department of Ecology coordinates this team and formed the advisory group on behalf of the State Ocean Caucus. This will be the advisory group’s second meeting.

May 11 meeting open to the public

The public is welcome to attend the Friday meeting and an agenda is available here. At the May 11 meeting, advisory group members will: 

• Learn about and discuss ocean energy.
• Receive updates about agency activities.
• Provide input on marine spatial planning and other policy topics.
• Discuss the group’s operating procedures.

Local participation crucial

When it comes to coastal management issues, our coastal communities have important perspectives and knowledge to share. The advisory group is important because it provides a mechanism for improving state engagement with our coastal communities. The group gives them a stronger voice in critical issues affecting their communities.

For example, the 2012 Washington Legislature passed and Gov. Chris Gregoire approved $2.1 million in new state funding for supporting marine spatial planning for Washington’s Pacific Coast. This means the advisory group will have strong role in shaping projects and activities.

Advisory group represents broad range of interests

People on the advisory group represent a wide array of coastal and ocean interests, including: 

• Each of the four coastal Marine Resource Committees
• Local citizens
• Ports
• Shipping
• Economic development
• Shellfish aquaculture
• Commercial fishing
• Recreational fishing
• Science and research
• Education
• Conservation

For more information

If you have any questions about the coastal advisory body, please call me at 360-407-6595 or send me an email. I hope to see you in Aberdeen on Friday.

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