Channel Migration Zones - FbD Lunch & Learn Series
2024-12-05 12:00 - 13:00 (America/Los_Angeles) | https://us02web.zoom.us/j/2125469094
Join us on December 5th, from 12 – 1pm to hear about how Channel Migration Zone (CMZ) delineations support integrated floodplain management. Heather Rogers, Fluvial Geomorphologist at the Washington State Department of Ecology, will share updates on statewide resources to support channel migration zone delineations across Washington. Jessica Hamill, Community Floodplain Solutions Manager at Snohomish County Surface Water Management, will provide a case study on how a CMZ delineation influences integrated floodplain management on the Lower Skykomish River, informing decisions on how to balance needs for flood reduction, habitat restoration, and agricultural viability.
The principal goal of delineating the Channel Migration Zone—the area where a stream or river is susceptible to channel erosion—is to predict areas at risk for future channel erosion due to fluvial processes. CMZ delineations help reduce risks to communities by guiding development along river systems away from such areas. Additionally, CMZ delineations can guide management strategies aimed at reducing loss of critical aquatic and riparian habitats, helping assure that fluvial process are accommodated and that the river landscape is not permanently degraded or disconnected by development.
***
The FbD Lunch & Learn Series is open to everyone. The topics of the monthly Lunch & Learn Series are informed by the Floodplains by Design network of practitioners and partners.
You can view all the past Lunch & Learn recordings and the associated slidedecks on our Culture & Capacity Action Group page here.

As always, we welcome feedback and ideas for upcoming topics so please don’t hesitate to reach out to myself (Allan Warren awarren@b-e-f.org), Carol MacIlroy (cmacilroy@gmail.com), Lisa Nelson, (lnel461@ecy.wa.gov) or Matt Gerlach, (mger461@ecy.wa.gov).
Zoom Link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/2125469094
Passcode: 1234

Permitting Coordination Check-in
2025-01-08 10:00 - 10:50
Meeting Agenda
1. Habitat Recovery Pilot Program 2. Smartsheet basket of solutions – review and prioritize for 20253. Other updates4. Next meeting agenda
Join Zoom Meeting:https://us02web.zoom.us/j/3424790936?omn=88416267344Passcode: 1234

The Impact of the Habitat Recovery Pilot Program and Efforts to Make it Permanent - FbD Lunch & Learn
2025-01-09 12:00 - 13:00 | https://us02web.zoom.us/j/2125469094
*Note: we moved this month’s Lunch & Learn back a week to adjust for the holidays. We look forward to seeing you all this Thursday!
Join us on January 9th, from 12pm – 1pm to hear how the Habitat Recovery Pilot Program has increased the efficiency of habitat restoration project investments. Gina Piazza, HRPP Coordinator for the Dept. of Fish and Wildlife will provide an overview of the program and highlight significant impacts it’s making; Don Gourlie, Legislative Policy Director for the Puget Sound Partnership will give an update on legislative efforts to make the program permanent before it sunsets on June 30th, 2025; and Jason Griffith, Environmental Program Manager for the Stillaguamish Tribe of Indians will provide a specific example of how the tribe has coordinated with project partners to navigate the new HRPP process program to accelerate their projects and save money.
The Habitat Recovery Pilot Program (HRPP) is designed to streamline the local and state environmental permitting process for habitat recovery projects. Over the past four years, the HRPP has helped streamline permitting for over 40 projects statewide, with implementation partners reporting saving up to $80,000 and a year on project timelines. Absent legislative action the program will expire in June 2025. Many FbD network partners have benefited from the program and expressed a desire to make it permanent, so join us to share and learn more about its impact and how you may be able to support legislative efforts this session.

Zoom Link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/2125469094
Passcode: 1234
While we update the specific details of the Lunch & Learn sessions monthly, the topics are informed by feedback from the Floodplains by Design network of practitioners and partners.
As always, we welcome feedback and ideas for upcoming topics so please don’t hesitate to reach out to myself (Allan Warren awarren@b-e-f.org), Carol MacIlroy (cmacilroy@gmail.com), Lisa Nelson, (lnel461@ecy.wa.gov) or Matt Gerlach, (mger461@ecy.wa.gov).

Permitting Coordination Check-in
2025-01-22 10:00 - 10:50
Meeting Agenda

MART Updates: Diane Hennessey (EPA), Ahren Stroming (PSP)
Governor’s Executive Orders (Jim Thornton, ORIA and all) https://governor.wa.gov/office-governor/office/official-actions/executive-orders
Salmon recovery accelerator bill (Todd Myers, Washington Policy Center) https://app.leg.wa.gov/BillSummary/?BillNumber=5305&Year=2025&Initiative=false
Tentative: CLOMR updates
Other Updates

On deck, when timely:

Dig in deeper with FFRMS
Flood Hub Development

Join Zoom Meeting:https://us02web.zoom.us/j/3424790936?omn=88416267344Passcode: 1234
Click here to view previous meeting notes: Permitting Meeting Notes

Lessons from the Tulalip Tribes' Conservation Work in the Snohomish Basin
2025-02-06 12:00 - 13:00 | https://us02web.zoom.us/j/2125469094
Join us on Thursday, February 6th from 12 – 1pm for an insightful lunch and learn with Brett Shattuck and Joe Sambataro, two leaders in conservation efforts with the Tulalip Tribes, as they share their experiences and insights from a recent floodplain acquisition project in the Snohomish Basin at the confluence of the Skykomish and Snoqualmie Rivers. This session offers a deep dive into the acquisition strategies, challenges, and lessons learned during their work to protect and restore in the future a critical floodplain area. This session will also explore the broader significance of riparian conservation projects and the importance of long-term, scalable funding strategies.

Joe Sambataro Bio
Joe Sambataro is Conservation Advisor in the Restoration, Acquisition and Stewardship Program at Tulalip Tribes with the primary role of managing acquisition projects and strategies of natural and cultural resources in Tulalip Tribes’ Usual and Accustomed areas, including upland forestland, floodplain, shoreline, and estuaries. Joe has been at Tulalip Tribes since November 2023 and brings over 20 years of experience in conservation acquisitions, multi-partner collaborations, funding/financing, and land management.
Brett Shattuck Bio
Brett Shattuck is the Restoration, Acquisition and Stewardship Program Manager for the Tulalip Tribe’s Natural Resources Department and has worked for over 17 years primarily in the Snohomish and Stillaguamish River Basins from the Cascade Mountains to the Puget Sound nearshore on various scales of restoration projects. His current focus is protection and restoration of natural riverine and floodplain processes through land conservation and habitat connectivity.
If you would like to explore some of the topics and themes that emerged from our 2023 Input Gathering, you can view the themes here.
You can view all the past Lunch & Learn recordings and the associated slidedecks on our Culture & Capacity Action Group page here.

As always, we welcome feedback and ideas for upcoming topics so please don’t hesitate to reach out to myself (Allan Warren awarren@b-e-f.org), Carol MacIlroy (cmacilroy@gmail.com), Lisa Nelson, (lnel461@ecy.wa.gov) or Matt Gerlach, (mger461@ecy.wa.gov).
Zoom Link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/2125469094
Passcode: 1234

FbD Grant Update Advisory Group Meeting #1
2025-02-12 09:00 - 11:00
Issue #1: The Floodplains by Design (FbD) pre-application process requires significant time and capacity by applicants and Ecology (ECY) that may no longer be needed at this stage.
Goal: Reduce the time required in the pre-application process without compromising local processes or critical requirements such as Tribal notification that lead to the high-quality projects the FbD program is known for. Changes to the pre-application and pre-app process are described in the proposal below. We hope to hear from local experts regarding additional ideas and reflections to help ensure changes will be beneficial.
——————————————View the recording of this meeting: FbD Grant Update Advisory Group Meeting #1Meeting notes can be found here: FbD Grant Update Group Meeting #1 Notes

Permitting Coordination Check-in
2025-02-19 10:00 - 10:50
Meeting Agenda
1) Informational updates on legislation
– HRPP
– Permitting Accelerator
– CLOMR/LOMR Fed

2) Timely to develop anything for Governor’s office?

3) Other updates and check ins – how are folks being impacted by changes
Join Zoom Meeting:https://us02web.zoom.us/j/3424790936?omn=88416267344Passcode: 1234

Permitting Coordination Check-in
2025-03-05 10:00 - 10:50
Meeting Agenda

Habitat Recover Pilot Program did not make it out of Fiscal. What now and what next?
Updates on FEMA accessibility and note about FbD FPAG meeting Tuesday March 11 from 10-12 – one agenda item will include a lawyer who will offer some perspective on: Proposed Changes to FEMA and the Future of Federal Disaster Response: how recent executive actions may reshape disaster management and their potential impact on affected communities
Steps to making permitting more timely, fair, and predictable
Other updates and next steps

Notes from previous Permitting Group Meetings can be found here
Join Zoom Meeting:https://us02web.zoom.us/j/3424790936?omn=88416267344Passcode: 1234

Bolstering Resilience Through Hazard Mitigation Planning
2025-03-06 12:00 - 13:00 | https://us02web.zoom.us/j/2125469094
Join us on Thursday, March 6th from 12 – 1pm for an insightful lunch and learn with Ellen Chappelka and Kevin Zerbe, two leaders in hazard mitigation with the Washington State Emergency Management Division. Ellen and Kevin will share their experiences, insights, and recommendations on how to intersect hazard mitigation planning with community conservation, resilience and restoration goals. The session will include a brief introduction to hazard mitigation planning with a focus on data and resources to support practitioners in making the most of their mitigation plans.
This lunch and learn will be co-hosted with the Washington Coastal Hazards Resilience Network (CHRN) to stimulate cross-network connections between floodplain managers working in coastal, estuarine and riverine environments. The Washington Coastal Hazards Resilience Network’s (CHRN) mission is to strengthen the resilience of Washington’s coastal communities through collaboration, education, and knowledge exchange. CHRN does this through:

Supporting a peer network of coastal hazards practitioners
Providing coastal hazards information for Washington
Sustaining network capacity while adapting to changing needs of Washington’s coastal communities and resilience practitioners

Please check out the CHRN’s website with a curated selection of relevant science, best practices, and other resources related to coastal hazards in Washington.

Ellen Chappelka Bio
Ellen Chappelka is a Coastal Resilience Specialist for the Washington State Emergency Management Division. Ellen works on the interagency Coastal Hazards Organizational Resilience Team (COHORT) with Washington Sea Grant, WSU Extension, and Washington State Department of Ecology. She assists communities in addressing coastal hazards through coordination, resource connection, technical assistance, and planning. She’s particularly interested in strengthening connections between state agencies and local communities.

Ellen holds a master’s degree in public health from Harvard University’s T.H. Chan School of Public Health. She also holds a bachelor’s degree from Tulane University in New Orleans where she double majored in Public Health and Homeland Security. Her time in Louisiana helped her develop a lifelong passion for coastal areas and the hazards that impact them.

Kevin Zerbe Bio
Kevin Zerbe is the Hazards Analysis & Resilience Planning Program Supervisor at Washington Emergency Management Division. Hazards Analysis & Resilience Planning, HARP for short, is responsible for providing the state with a scientific basis for effective and data driven decision-making for disaster resilience. This includes statewide natural hazard risk assessments, developing state and local hazard mitigation plans, and working directly with local partners to identify and design effective risk reduction projects. Kevin’s background is in climate adaptation and spatial statistics, and he’s been with WA EMD for about five years.”

As always, we welcome feedback and ideas for upcoming topics so please don’t hesitate to reach out to myself (Allan Warren awarren@b-e-f.org), Carol MacIlroy (cmacilroy@gmail.com), Lisa Nelson, (lnel461@ecy.wa.gov) or Matt Gerlach, (mger461@ecy.wa.gov).
Zoom Link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/2125469094Passcode: 1234

FbD Funding & Policy Action Group Winter Meeting
2025-03-11 10:00 - 12:00
Join Zoom Meeting https://us02web.zoom.us/j/3424790936?omn=83353379400
Meeting ID: 342 479 0936

Passcode: 1234

Meeting Agenda
1. Welcome & Brief Updates

Federal Hazard Mitigation Funding (Mary Huff, WA Dept. of Ecology)
Orientation to FbD priority issues and engagement opportunities (Kas Guillozet, BEF)
Washington Climate Resiliency Strategy (Jimmy Kralj, Ecology)

2. 2025 Washington Legislative Updates

Legislative Session Update (Scott Richards, BEF contract lobbyist)
Columbia River Inter-Tribal Fish Commission Policy Updates and Priorities (Anna Allen, Regional Government Affairs Director – CRITFC)
Questions & Discussion

3. Local Planning and Collaboration for integrated, multi-benefit outcomes:

Planning (Joe Tovar, FAICP, Lecturer in Urban and Environmental Planning)
Questions & Discussion

4. Ecology Becoming State LOMR Partner: Meaning, Impact, and Timeline (Lynn Schmidt and Jonathon Loos, WA Dept. of Ecology)

Overview of ECY effort to build in-state technical capacity building through FEMA CTP near-term and long-term, and the anticipated benefits for mapping, permitting, and other technical support.
Current ECY CTP supports training of ECY flood engineer on various projects statewide, presentation of example project outcomes

5. Federal Funding and Impacts – A Legal Perspective and a Conversation

Legal Interpretations and the Future of Federal Disaster Response (Hannah Perls, Senior Staff Attorney, Environmental & Energy Law Program at Harvard Law School)
Broader discussion regarding federal funding and capacity information, needs, concerns.

6. Closure

The FbD Funding & Policy Action Group serves as the go-to convenor for floodplain funding and policy efforts across the state and to leverage current momentum for integrated floodplain management into innovative approaches that can better position partners for funding, address barriers to implementation, and improve coordination across all levels of government.View the notes from the last FPAG meeting:December 17, 2024 Meeting Packet

Permitting Coordination Check-in
2025-03-19 10:00 - 10:50
With some difficult news shared last meeting on WA permitting bills, we closed the meeting on 3/5 with a request for a conversation about how to seize this moment in time with respect to permit streamlining for the greater good. Refinements welcome, but here are proposed discussion prompts:

How to better educate legislature on permitting and how benefits of state streamlining efforts affect budgets
Planning for 2026 leg session
Engagement with the Governor’s Office
Opportunities for Tribes
Priorities for informational/educational resource development and outreach
Understanding and socializing new/emerging constraints (local govs, Tribes, state and fed regulators, expert sources).
Opportunities and concerns regarding federal legislative changes
Expertise we need to bring in

This is certainly more than we can manage – we could consider chunking this conversation, breakout rooms or similar. Please reach out in advance with input on where you would like to start, or feel free to make edits in Box.

Notes from last meeting here. Please note there is a highlighted update in notes since last meeting on changes to R10 FEMA staff guidance. Please check that out if relevant to you and feel free to offer edits.
Join Zoom Meeting:https://us02web.zoom.us/j/3424790936?omn=88416267344Passcode: 1234

FbD Grant Update Advisory Group Meeting #2
2025-03-25 09:00 - 11:00
Issue #2: The Floodplains by Design (FbD) application process begins with a Request for Proposal release in early November and ends with a ranked list in August. Are there shifts to timing of key application steps or a different sequencing that better aligns with applicant and reviewer needs?
Goal: Revisit the timeline and sequence of the FbD grant program to determine if shifts in timing or sequences delivers benefits.
Registration Link

FbD Lunch & Learn Series – Topics Updated Monthly
2025-04-03 12:00 - 13:00
While we update the specific details of the Lunch & Learn sessions monthly, the topics are informed by feedback from the Floodplains by Design network of practitioners and partners. If you would like to explore some of the topics and themes that emerged from our 2023 Input Gathering, you can view the themes here.
As always, we welcome feedback and ideas for upcoming topics so please don’t hesitate to reach out to myself (Allan Warren awarren@b-e-f.org), Carol MacIlroy (cmacilroy@gmail.com), Lisa Nelson, (lnel461@ecy.wa.gov) or Matt Gerlach, (mger461@ecy.wa.gov).
Zoom Link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/2125469094
Passcode: 1234

Permitting Coordination Check-in
2025-04-16 10:00 - 10:50
Join permitting coordination every other Wednesday to track progress, share insights, and collaborate effectively.
Notes from previous meetings here.

Join Zoom Meeting:https://us02web.zoom.us/j/3424790936?omn=88416267344Passcode: 1234

FbD Permitting Priority Effort Meeting
2025-04-29 13:00 - 14:30
Please hold this time for a meeting related to the Floodplains by Design permitting priority effort. We will send out more information at least one week before the meeting.
Join the meeting: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/5653221882?omn=89010559082
Passcode: 1234

Permitting Coordination Biweekly check-in
2025-04-30 10:00 - 10:50
Agenda:
1. State budget updates – HRPP status and next steps
2. FEMA R10 staffing updates
3. Whitepaper updates
Meeting agenda and previous meeting notes: https://app.box.com/s/t4fkxbjvrbxpztpebx1nqqe5dk6pqbso
Smartsheet: https://app.smartsheet.com/sheets/4C6w9Cxg6CVHQfQG4vpPJQRWwCq27FQX4v3G3jh1
Join the meeting: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/3424790936?omn=88416267344
Password: 1234

Tribal Perspectives on Flooding
2025-05-01 11:30 - 13:00
(Updated Speakers)
Join this 90-minute conversation featuring David Troutt, Anna Allen, Donella Miller, Jaime Pinkham, and facilitated by Bobby Whitener. Panelists will provide insights into their perspectives on flooding, flood dynamics in specific geographies, and reflections on cultural values.
Speaker Bios
David Troutt (Natural Resources Director, Nisqually Indian Tribe)
*
David has served as the Natural Resources Director for the Nisqually Indian Tribe since 1987. He heads a diverse department focused on salmon, shellfish, wildlife and the environment in general, with duties including management, legal, administration, budget development, research and monitoring. Throughout his career at the Nisqually Indian Tribe, he worked closely with late Billy Frank, Jr. He also serves as chair of the Nisqually River Council and president of the Nisqually River Foundation, and he is the chair of the Puget Sound Salmon Recovery Council. David previously served on the Washington Biodiversity Council, the Executive Committee of the Tri-County Response to the Endangered Species Act, the Development Committee of the Shared Strategy for Puget Sound, the Steering Committee for the Hatchery Reform Project, and as a voting member of the Resource Advisory Committee for the Mount Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest. Mr. Troutt received his bachelor of science degree from the University of Washington School of Fisheries.
Anna Allen (Shoshone-Bannock, Regional Government Affairs Director, Columbia River Inter-Tribal Fish Commission)
* Anna is the Regional Government Affairs Director at the Columbia River Inter-Tribal Fish Commission (CRITFC), where she works on advancing the interests of the Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation, the Nez Perce Tribe, the Confederated Tribes of the Warm Springs Reservation, and the Yakama Nation. Her work involves navigating complex governmental landscapes, building relationships with regional entities, and ensuring that the voices of the Columbia River tribes are heard in policy decisions that affect their cultural resources. Prior to her work at CRITFC, Anna held a number of positions across regional governments, including Tribal Affairs Advisor, Senior Project Manager, and Policy Advisor at Multnomah County. And served as the Equity and Inclusion Director with the City of Bend.
Jaime Pinkham (Nez Perce, Former Principle Deputy Assistant, Army Corps)
* Jaime A. Pinkham (Nez Perce) served as the Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary of the Army for Civil Works for the Biden Administration from April 2021 to January 2025. Prior positions include Executive Director for the Columbia River Intertribal Fish Commission and Vice President of the Bush Foundation in St. Paul, MN. From 1990 to 2002, he worked for the Nez Perce Tribe where he was elected twice to the Nez Perce Tribal Executive Committee. He was also a department manager responsible for Tribal fisheries, forestry, wildlife, cultural resources, and agriculture programs. He has served on various conservation boards including The Wilderness Society, American Rivers, Defenders of Wildlife and the Bonneville Environmental Foundation. He has a forestry degree from Oregon State University.

Donella Miller (Yakama, Fishery Science Manager, Columbia River Inter-Tribal Fish Commission)
* Donella is the Fishery Science Department Manager at the Columbia River Inter-Tribal Fish Commission (CRITFC). With over 29 years of experience in Columbia River fisheries resource management, she previously served as the Yakama Nation Fisheries Program Manager. Donella has also held roles such as the Yakama Nation Fisheries White Sturgeon Project Manager and has contributed to various projects throughout the Columbia Basin.
As always, we welcome feedback and ideas for upcoming topics so please don’t hesitate to reach out to myself (Allan Warren awarren@b-e-f.org), Carol MacIlroy (cmacilroy@gmail.com), Lisa Nelson, (lnel461@ecy.wa.gov) or Matt Gerlach, (mger461@ecy.wa.gov).
Zoom Link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/2125469094
Passcode: 1234

FbD Agriculture Priority Effort Meeting
2025-05-01 14:00 - 16:00
Please hold this time for our meeting of the FbD Agricultural Priority Effort. We will send more information at least one week ahead of the meeting.
Join the meeting:
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/5653221882?omn=81031999426
Passcode: 1234

FbD Grant Update Advisory Group Meeting #3
2025-05-27 10:00 - 12:00
Issue #3: Reduce, integrate, and refine focus of the full application.
Do to unforeseen circumstances, we are moving the Grant Update Advisory Group topic on the full application originally scheduled for April 17th to the May 27th Advisory Group meeting time slot.
Registration is now open: https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/fmEq5dG5SfGmbcayjqOEew

Permitting Coordination Bi-Weekly Check-In
2025-05-28 10:00 - 10:50
There are pulses of activity and different forums where permitting efforts are taking place, making it challenging for people to track and engage effectively. Join our permitting coordination check-ins every other Wednesday to track progress, share insights, and collaborate effectively.
Meeting agenda and notes: https://app.box.com/s/t4fkxbjvrbxpztpebx1nqqe5dk6pqbso
Smartsheet: https://app.smartsheet.com/sheets/4C6w9Cxg6CVHQfQG4vpPJQRWwCq27FQX4v3G3jh1
Agenda
1. Line item vetos by Gov. Ferguson, including HRPP:
https://app.box.com/s/k958eakgl8hjupm70odvm1g38n1au8zj
2. New FEMA Bill Discussion draft:
https://transportation.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=408626#:~:text=The%20FEMA%20Act%20of%202025%20establishes%20a%20Recovery%20Task%20Force,agencies%20involved%20in%20disaster%20recovery
3. Whatcom discussion item
4. White paper update
5. Other items

FbD FPAG Spring Meeting
2025-05-29 10:00 - 12:00
Join Zoom Meeting https://us02web.zoom.us/j/3424790936?omn=83353379400
Meeting ID: 342 479 0936;
Passcode: 1234
Purpose of spending time together today: To share timely updates and provide a forum for information sharing and discussion among Washington’s integrated floodplain management community.
Agenda
10:00-10:05 – Welcome and networking – we will start promptly at 10:00
10:05-10:20 – 2025 Washington Legislative Updates
10:20-11:05 – The Development-Flood Risk Dilemma: What choices and trade-offs can we consider to best support WA communities now and into the future?
11:05-11:45 – Federal Policy and Funding – legal perspectives and conversation
11:45-12:00 – Federal Legislation and Local Integration
Information packet can be found attached or at this link: https://app.box.com/s/c8lto6aym8lh9xjhuap4xueoh399glir

Topics Updated Monthly - FbD Lunch & Learn Series
2025-06-05 12:00 - 13:00
While we update the specific details of the Lunch & Learn sessions monthly, the topics are informed by feedback from the Floodplains by Design network of practitioners and partners.
As always, we welcome feedback and ideas for upcoming topics so please don’t hesitate to reach out to myself (Allan Warren awarren@b-e-f.org), Carol MacIlroy (cmacilroy@gmail.com), Lisa Nelson, (lnel461@ecy.wa.gov) or Matt Gerlach, (mger461@ecy.wa.gov).
Zoom Link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/2125469094
Passcode: 1234

Field and Flow Day 1: Strengthening Community & Statewide Collaboration
2025-06-09 12:45 - 19:00 | Northern Quest Resort & Casino (100 N Hayford Rd, Airway Heights, WA 99001, United States)
We’ve got some fresh updates to help you prepare for Field and Flow!
Event Webpage: https://floodplainsbydesign.org/field-and-flow-fbd-convening-2025/
Check out the latest info on speakers, site tours, and more.
Full Event Program:
The full program is now attached to this calendar invite as a PDF. It includes the venue map, keynotes speakers, presentations, and site tour information. We can’t wait to connect, learn, and see you all soon!
————————————————————————-
Join us for Field and Flow, a free two-day, in-person convening of partners working to restore and protect Washington’s floodplains. This collaborative event will bring together Tribal staff, Washington Department of Ecology, floodplain managers, ecological restoration specialists, and community leaders to connect, learn, and advance shared solutions for resilient watersheds. Together, we’ll strengthen the relationships needed to move this work forward.
Agenda, Monday, June 9:
Welcome to the Flow
12:45 – 1:30PM
Opening remarks from DR Michel (Upper Columbia United Tribes) and Curt Holmes (Kalispel Tribe Vice Chairman)
In the Field
1:30 – 2:30PM
Speakers from around the state share insights on their integrated Floodplain Management projects at different stages of implementation.
Stevens County (MJ Braley & Adam Cares),
Pierce County (Kristin Williamson, Kathleen Berger),
Okanogan (Lee Webster) and Columbia County (Catherine Billor)
Break
2:30 – 3:00PM
Defunking the Flow
3:00 – 3:30PM
Brief presentation on the development of the Columbia County CFHMP, with a focus on challenges and opportunities to use integrated floodplain management strategies to reduce the need for dredging within the City of Dayton’s Touchet River levee system (Marjorie Wolfe).
Permit Me to Restore
3:30 – 4:00PM
Breaking down barriers to habitat restoration and hazard mitigation.
For the Fish
4:00 – 5:00PM
A conversation about the Intertribal Effort to Restore Fish Passage in the Upper Columbia (John Sirois, Tom Biladeau, Conor Giorgi, and Jake Brown)
Evening Reception
5:00 – 7:00PM – Remarks from Director Sixkiller and Senator Riccelli and Friends of Floodplains Award
Location: Northern Quest Casino, Spokane Washington
Cost to Attend: Free.
RSVP: https://wkf.ms/3EzHb46
Rideshare Sheet: https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1AkEZkrS4_q5w2WU4KCViMVvPIo07_iao24nLxsIXOYM/edit?usp=sharing
————————————————————————-
We’ve secured discounted room rates at Northern Quest Casino for attendees of Field and Flow: Strengthening Community and Statewide Collaboration. There is limited availability, so please book ASAP.
*
$139/night
*
Call (509) 481-6000 to book
*
Mention Bonneville Environmental Foundation or Booking ID 33121
Important: You must book by phone to receive the discounted rate – online bookings cannot apply the discount. If you are interested in receiving government per diem rate rooms, please email Austin (abernales@b-e-f.org).
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We are proud partners with Alaska Airlines and gladly offer a 5% discount using meeting code: ECMO328 for flights to and from Spokane between June 7-11.

Field and Flow Day 2: Strengthening Community & Statewide Collaboration
2025-06-10 07:30 - 15:00 | Northern Quest Resort & Casino (100 N Hayford Rd, Airway Heights, WA 99001, United States)
We’ve got some fresh updates to help you prepare for Field and Flow!
Event Webpage: https://floodplainsbydesign.org/field-and-flow-fbd-convening-2025/
Check out the latest info on speakers, site tours, and more.
Full Event Program:
The full program is now attached to this calendar invite as a PDF. It includes the venue map, keynotes speakers, presentations, and site tour information. We can’t wait to connect, learn, and see you all soon!
————————————————————————-
Join us for Field and Flow, a free two-day, in-person convening of partners working to restore and protect Washington’s floodplains. This collaborative event will bring together Tribal staff, Washington Department of Ecology, floodplain managers, ecological restoration specialists, and community leaders to connect, learn, and advance shared solutions for resilient watersheds. Together, we’ll strengthen the relationships needed to move this work forward.
Agenda, Tuesday, June 10:
Continental Breakfast
7:30 – 8:30AM
Fresh fruit display Daily selection of breakfast pastries Assorted muffins Yogurt, and house-made granola.
Table Discussions
8:30 – 9:00AM
Opening Plenary
9:00 – 9:15AM
Joenne McGerr, Ecology, delivering day two opening remarks.
WA Department of Ecology
9:15 – 10:30AM
Floodplains by Design Overview, Grants, and the Flood Control Account Assistance Program.
Site Tours
11:00AM – 3:00PM
Option A: Grouse Creek Ranch, A Unique Reach Scale Project on Hangman Creek The Grouse Creek Ranch restoration project on Hangman Creek is a reach-scale project that has unique potential in the watershed. The project site is located approximately 13 miles south of the City of Spokane and is just upstream from Rock Creek, which is a major tributary of Hangman Creek.
Option B: Waikiki Springs Nature Reserve, Little Spokane River. After consulting with experts in forest management, wildlife habitat, water resource management, and cultural history, Spokane Tribe, WDFW, and Inland Northwest Land Conservancy have created an extensive, multi-year management plan for the area that will help restore areas that have been damaged by overuse.
Location:
Northern Quest Casino, Spokane Washington
Cost to Attend: Free.
RSVP: https://wkf.ms/3EzHb46
Rideshare Sheet: https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1AkEZkrS4_q5w2WU4KCViMVvPIo07_iao24nLxsIXOYM/edit?usp=sharing
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We’ve secured discounted room rates at Northern Quest Casino for attendees of Field and Flow: Strengthening Community and Statewide Collaboration. There is limited availability, so please book ASAP.
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$139/night
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Call (509) 481-6000 to book
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Mention Bonneville Environmental Foundation or Booking ID 33121
Important: You must book by phone to receive the discounted rate – online bookings cannot apply the discount. If you are interested in receiving government per diem rate rooms, please email Austin (abernales@b-e-f.org).
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We are proud partners with Alaska Airlines and gladly offer a 5% discount using meeting code: ECMO328 for flights to and from Spokane between June 7-11.

Permitting Coordination Bi-Weekly Check-In
2025-06-11 10:00 - 10:50, 2025-06-25 10:00 - 10:50, 2025-07-09 10:00 - 10:50
There are pulses of activity and different forums where permitting efforts are taking place, making it challenging for people to track and engage effectively. Join our permitting coordination check-ins every other Wednesday to track progress, share insights, and collaborate effectively.

Agriculture & Floodplains - Opportunities and New Resources - FbD Lunch & Learn Series
2025-06-12 12:00 - 13:00
Update: Hilary Aten is no longer able to attend and Paul D’Agnolo will be joining us to speak about the Office of Farmland Preservation.
Join us for a conversation with Paul D’Agnolo (Office of Farmland Preservation Specialist) and Mike Poteet (Voluntary Stewardship Program Coordinator) from the Washington State Conservation Commission, as we explore how agricultural land use and floodplain management intersect and where we’re seeing new opportunities.
With new staff and program expansions at the Commission, this session is a chance to get up to speed on how the Voluntary Stewardship Program (VSP) and the Office of Farmland Preservation (OFP) are evolving, and what opportunities they present to partners throughout the Floodplains by Design network.
Mike and Paul will lead a discussion about:
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The intersection of agriculture and farmland preservation with floodplain resilience
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How VSP tracks stewardship progress across counties and where it’s facing criticism and potential
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Current challenges and innovations in farmland conservation policy, and how WA can learn from other states
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Where funding is constrained and how collaboration is essential to move forward
This session will also help bridge knowledge gaps, clarify common misconceptions, and lay the groundwork for stronger, more strategic partnerships between floodplain managers and agricultural stakeholders. This is the first session of a 2-part agricultural series, “How to Get Farmers to the Table.”
While we update the specific details of the Lunch & Learn sessions monthly, the topics are informed by feedback from the Floodplains by Design network of practitioners and partners. If you would like to explore some of the topics and themes that emerged from our 2023 Input Gathering, you can view the themes here.
As always, we welcome feedback and ideas for upcoming topics so please don’t hesitate to reach out to myself (Allan Warren awarren@b-e-f.org), Carol MacIlroy (cmacilroy@gmail.com), Lisa Nelson, (lnel461@ecy.wa.gov) or Matt Gerlach, (mger461@ecy.wa.gov).
Zoom Link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/2125469094
Passcode: 1234

Innovative Ways to Support Ag Viability and Build Trust With Farmers - FbD Lunch & Learn Series
2025-07-10 12:00 - 13:00
Join us on Thursday, July 10th for a discussion with Linda Neunzig, Division Manager of Snohomish County’s Agriculture Office, and Ty Meyer, Ag Manager at Spokane Conservation District exploring how innovative technologies and practices can support agricultural viability and lead to greater engagement with farmers.
Linda will highlight the Ag Tech Program, an initiative to bring leading-edge technology and data-driven insights to farmers, which is reducing their costs for irrigation, fertilizer, and labor, while leading to direct conservation outcomes. Funded by Floodplains by Design, this pilot program is bringing these benefits to farmers at no cost to them and is something that could be replicated in other watersheds to support the ag community and build trust with conservation partners.
Ty will give an overview of various programs his program has deployed with farmers over the last 20-years including a state revolving loan program, no till technologies, and most recently an effort to create a Pacific Northwest Regenerative Ag Network. Ty is currently working with 22 large scale farms implementing BioFarming techniques on over 150,000 acres. He’ll highlight efforts to build a peer-to-peer network of farmers to shift practices away from high cost, soil depleting industrial ag.
This discussion will be full of insights and tips for how to strategically engage the farming community in ways that put the farmer first, helping build trust, engagement, and long-term partnerships.
As a follow up to this Lunch & Learn, we will also be hosting an Ag Tech Field Day on July 22nd at Swan Trail Farm in Snohomish County, where attendees will get to see and demo some of the technologies Linda will feature in her talk. Click here for more information and to RSVP, or email Allan at awarren@b-e-f.org.
While we update the specific details of the Lunch & Learn sessions monthly, the topics are informed by feedback from the Floodplains by Design network of practitioners and partners.
As always, we welcome feedback and ideas for upcoming topics so please don’t hesitate to reach out to myself (Allan Warren awarren@b-e-f.org), Carol MacIlroy (cmacilroy@gmail.com), Lisa Nelson, (lnel461@ecy.wa.gov) or Matt Gerlach, (mger461@ecy.wa.gov).
Zoom Link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/2125469094
Passcode: 1234

Ag Innovation Demo Day
2025-07-22 10:00 - 16:00 | 7301 Rivershore Rd, Snohomish, WA, United States
Join us at Swans Trail Farm for a field demonstration of innovative agricultural technology that is supporting local farmers and leading to multi-benefit outcomes. Farmer and Snohomish County’s Agricultural Office Division Manager, Linda Neunzig will highlight the Ag Tech Program, an initiative to bring leading-edge technology and data-driven insights to farmers, which is reducing their costs for irrigation, fertilizer, and labor, while leading to direct conservation outcomes. Funded by Floodplains by Design, this pilot program is bringing these benefits to farmers at no cost to them and is something that could be replicated in other watersheds to support the ag community and build trust with conservation partners. We invite you to come join us to learn more about how this program might be replicated in your own watershed or on your local farms. As a farmer first approach, we see opportunities to replicate this model in other watersheds to help engage farmers, build trust, and ultimately help lead to better multi-benefit outcomes and we look forward to discussion with partners throughout the region to explore the scalability of the program.
RSVP: https://forms.monday.com/forms/69f8ee88284c3eb8ea4a8adce32deed4?r=use1
