How can Pacific County protect built and natural assets against coastal hazards and mitigate shoreline erosion along North Willapa shoreline?
This is the central question posed by Pacific County and its consultants as it embarks on the Willapa Erosion Mitigation Master Plan effort. We invite you to be a part of this important conversation.
Project Overview
In 2021, Pacific County received a grant through FEMA Cooperative Technical Partners (CTP) Program to develop a master plan for erosion mitigation of coastline. The goal of this project is as follows:
Establish a long-term vision (broadly supported by stakeholders) for mitigation of shoreline erosion along North Willapa shoreline and protection of built and natural assets against coastal hazards.
Coastal Erosion in North Willapa
Stretches of coastline along the southwest coast of Washington at the north side of entrance to Willapa Harbor have been receding at about 100 feet per year. The erosion started sometime between 1890 and 1910 and this stretch of coastline holds the record for having the highest rate of long-term erosion observed along the Pacific Coast of the United States.
Just a few years ago, this was the fastest-eroding shoreline on the U.S. Pacific Coast; locals here in North Cove, Washington, dubbed it “Washaway Beach.”
The historic coastal erosion has led to the loss of several private properties, the Willapa Lighthouse, a Coast Guard station, the severing of State Route (SR) 105 and replacement of a local pioneer cemetery.
What is at Risk if Erosion Continues?
Ongoing erosion of coastline puts at risk community lifelines, as well as cultural, natural, and built assets. Some of these community lifelines and assets at risk are as follows:
State Route (SR) 105 is a community (transportation) lifeline. Undermining of this road will be loss of accessibility to schools, law enforcement/emergency response services, health clinics, medical supplies, and patient movement.
The cultural/historical lands of the Shoalwater Bay Indian Tribe are exposed to erosion and flooding.
Private residential properties are at risk of erosion/inundation and could experience deterioration.
Agricultural lands: cranberry bogs are susceptible to long-term crop failure (local economy loss of $3 to $5 million per year).
Valuable marsh, wetlands, and habitat for snowy plover are at risk.
Project Study Area
The Project Study Area was defined in coordination with the stakeholder committee and extends from the Intersection of the Shoreline with Midway Beach Road on the northwest to Toke Point on the southeast. Furthermore, the study area was broken into seven smaller reaches (from northwest to southeast): Warrenton Cannery, Seamobile, Smith Anderson, SR 105, Graveyard Spit, Shoalwater Bay Tribe Empire Spit Dune, and Tokeland.
Source: Moffatt & Nichol, 2023
Project Planning Process
This project schedule outlines the general overview of the Willapa Erosion Mitigation Master Plan effort.
Source: Moffatt & Nichol, 2023
Engage with Us
This Master Plan is the first step in finding a long-term solution for mitigation of erosion along the North Willapa Shoreline. The Master Plan provides recommendations for next steps while documenting the short-term and long-term issues. Below are several ways for you to engage on the draft Willapa Erosion Mitigation Master Plan:
- Participate in our upcoming Online Open House.
All are invited to attend the upcoming Online Open House scheduled for June 6. This meeting will seek input from the general public on the draft Master Plan. The meeting will be recorded and available for viewing on this project website. You can pre-register for the Open House at the top of this webpage.
Online Open House – June 6, 2023: 5:30 – 7:00 PM
- Provide Feedback
Have thoughts on the draft Master Plan you’d like to share? We’d love to hear from you! Please email willapaerosionmitigationmp@PublicInput.com by June 16, 2023.
Project Team and Partners
Available Presentations and Downloads
Please find below links to our presentations and downloads, including the draft Willapa Erosion Mitigation Master Plan, which will be made available on June 6, 2023.