Field and Flow

A Floodplains by Design Convening

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Site Tour Selection

Strengthening Community & Statewide Collaboration

WHERE

Northern Quest Casino

100 N Hayford Rd, Airway Heights, WA 99001

WHEN

Monday and Tuesday
June 9 and 10, 2025

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A Floodplains by Design Convening

Join us for Field and Flow, a two-day, in-person convening held at Northern Quest Casino 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.

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Keynote Speakers

Hear from inspiring leaders shaping the future of Washington’s lands and waters. Keynote speakers Director Casey Sixkiller, Curt Holmes, Joenne McGerr, and DR Michel bring leadership, vision, and deep-rooted experience from state, tribal, and local perspectives.

Director Casey Sixkiller

14th Director of the Washington State Department of Ecology

DR Michel

Upper Columbia United Tribes Executive Director

Joenne McGerr

Program Manager | Shorelands and Environmental Assistance of the Washington State Department of Ecology

Senator Marcus Riccelli

3rd Legislative District - Spokane, Floor Leader

Presentation Speakers

Join us for grounded insights and real-world projects, from field updates on floodplain restoration to deep dives into permitting hurdles and fish passage solutions. Hear from tribal leaders, local experts, and agency partners tackling flooding, habitat, and community resilience head-on.

Amelia Peterson

Statewide Floodplain Planner, WA Dept. of Ecology

Chad Atkins

Watershed Planning Unit Supervisor for Eastern Washington, WA Dept. of Ecology

Marjorie Wolfe

President of Wolfe Water Resources

Kristin Williamson

Salmon Restoration Biologist

John Sirois

Colville Confederated Tribes

Catherine Billor

Hydraulic Engineer

Conor Giorgi

Spokane Tribal Fisheries, Anadromous Program Manager

Amanda Richardson

Senior Floodplain Management Planner, WA Dept. of Ecology

MaryJordan Braley

Natural Resources Manager

Lee Webster

Public Works Director

Eric Berntsen

Kalispel Tribe NR, Water and Habitat Program Manager

Joseph Ezell

Colville Confederated Tribes, Restoration Program Manager

Jake Brown

Coeur d'Alene Tribe, Fish Biologist

Jonathon Loos

Floodplain Management Policy Lead, WA Dept. of Ecology

Lynn Schmidt

State Flood Engineer, WA Dept. of Ecology

Adam Cares

Natural Resources Consultant

Kathleen Berger

Floodplains for the Future Program Manager

Tom Biladeau

Coeur d'Alene Tribe, Anadromous Project Lead

Mike Lithgow

Kalispel Tribe NR, Director of Policy and Outreach

Event schedule for Field and Flow

Event Schedule

Explore a full day of conversations, case studies, and collaboration, covering everything from on-the-ground restoration to policy, permitting, and fish passage. The schedule is designed to connect ideas, spark dialogue, and move floodplain resilience forward.

9

June

Welcome to the Flow

Join us for opening remarks.

DR Michel (Upper Columbia United Tribes)

12:45 – 1:30 PM

9

June

Evening Reception

Remarks from Director Casey Sixkiller and comments by Senator Riccelli

Friend of Floodplains Award

(Hors d’oeuvres and beverages provided.)

5:00 – 7:00 PM

9

June

In the Field

Speakers from around the state share insights on their integrated Floodplain Management projects at different stages of implementation.

Stevens County (MJ & Adam),
Pierce County (Kristin Williamson & Kathleen Berger),
Okanogan (Lee), Columbia County (Catherine)

1:30 – 2:30 PM

(30 minute break)

10

June

Continental Breakfast

Fresh fruit display Daily selection of breakfast pastries Assorted muffins Yogurt, and house-made granola.

7:30 – 8:15 AM

Table Conversations
8:15 – 9:00AM

9

June

9

June

Defunking the Flow

Presentation on permitting, project planning and challenges implementing integrated floodplain management projects.

Marjorie Wolfe

3:00 – 3:30 PM

Permit Me to Restore:
Breaking down barriers to habitat restoration and hazard mitigation.

Mike Lithgow
Eric Berntsen
Joe Ezell

3:30-4:00 PM

10

June

10

June

10

June

Welcome & Remarks

Joenne McGerr

9:00 – 9:15 AM

Washington Department of Ecology

Updates on recent Floodplains by Design grant program improvements, overview of post-wildfire flooding and debris flow project, and an overview about Flood Control Assistance Account Program (FCAAP).

9:15 – 10:30 AM

9

June

9

June

For the Fish

A conversation about the Intertribal Project to Restore Fish Passage in the Upper Columbia.

John Sirois, Tom Biladeau, Jake Brown and Conor Giorgi

4:00 – 5:00 PM

10

June

10

June

10

June

Site Tour A: Grouse Creek Ranch Property

Spokane Falls Trout Unlimited (TU) chapter developed relationships with the Grouse Creek Ranch landowner in 2012 and has maintained and grown that relationship through the years. TU approached the landowner in the summer of 2023 about the idea of a large restoration project along over two miles of contiguous stream-bank. Trout Unlimited is offering a tour of the project site, which will include some walking over rough, uneven ground.

11:00 AM – 3:00 PM

Site Tour B: Waikiki Springs Nature Preserve

It is named for the myriad springs that flow from the hillside, into the river, keeping it a moderate temperature year-round. The vegetation along the riverbanks shade the water from the elements and create ideal habitat for local fish. Spokane Tribe and Inland Northwest Land Conservancy is offering a tour of this site, beginning at the Waikiki Trailhead.

11:00 AM – 3:00 PM

Sponsors

With deep appreciation, we thank our sponsors for their generous support and shared commitment to resilient floodplains, thriving ecosystems, and strong communities. Your partnership makes this gathering and the work it advances possible