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Introduction to Sea Level Rise

Addressing Sea Level Rise

The Washington State Shoreline Management Act (SMA) requires that Pierce County, along with other jurisdictions, maintain a Shoreline Master Program for the purpose of guiding activity along the state's shoreline areas. Pierce County's Shoreline Master Program (SMP) guides the use of the shorelines of the State, protecting their ecological, cultural, economic, and social value.

The SMA will require Pierce County to plan for mitigating the impacts of Sea Level Rise in 2029. To prepare for this, Pierce County is preparing a Sea Level Rise Vulnerability and Risk Assessment to study what assets in our shorelines may be affected and how to protect them.


 

1. How concerned are you about the impacts of Sea Level Rise in your area?
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2. Do you have any experiences related to Sea Level Rise or know of someone who has?
What type of impact have you experienced?
 

  • Coastal Flooding
    When ocean water floods land during storms with strong winds, often because waves go over barriers or raise water levels in rivers near the sea.

  • Coastal Erosion
    When waves or floods gradually wear away the land along the coast, which can include cliffs, beaches, and sand spits.

  • Salt Water Intrusion
    When salt water moves onto land or into underground freshwater sources, usually during high tides or flooding.

  • Habitat Loss
    When natural coastal areas like beaches, wetlands, and estuaries are affected to the point that local plants and animals are harmed.

Please select from the following images.
Please share locations where you are concerned about flooding, erosion, salt water intrusion or habitat loss on our mapping tool:
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