
the Dungeness River and enhance the viability of agriculture on the Sequim Prairie for future generations.
Credit: Joe Holtrop, Clallam Conservation District
Washington State has released the State Climate Resilience Strategy, a project developed by10 agencies and the University of Washington Climate Impacts Group. The study and actions reflect the range of climate risks and challenges facing the state, such as drought, changing ocean conditions, flooding, extreme heat, and wildfires and smoke.
As the director of Washington’s Department of Ecology, Laura Watson, said, “Washington got lucky this summer. We had fewer major wildfires and more moderate drought. We know that was just a temporary reprieve… We have to prepare now so we’re ready for what’s to come.”
Various agencies under the coordination of the Department of Ecology will implement their own goals to create resiliency. For instance, the Washington Dept of Fish & Wildlife’s will implement their plan to enhance WDFW’s Puget Sound marine fish monitoring and forage fish resilience. Elements include habitat restoration, measuring sea surface and sea bottom temperatures, researching vulnerability of hatcheries and restoring cool water habitat for salmon fisheries.
The Strategy will be updated every two years going forward to assess increased risks, measure progress, and recommend needed changes.