Abstract

Over the past 10 weeks, we have had the privilege of interviewing several different people who are involved with the Chehalis Basin Strategy. We quickly learned from them that seasonal flooding has been a long-lasting natural feature of the Basin that is now being severely exacerbated by global climate change and increased land use and development. Now more than ever, the Basin is seeing a longer and more severe flooding season — a problem deeply felt by the region’s most vulnerable residents. Centrally located between Portland and Seattle, the Chehalis Basin has recently become a popular spot for Oregonians and Washingtonians hoping to escape the city life to relocate. This migration influx has driven the development of housing in the floodplain — housing that is most commonly targeted toward and occupied by low-income tenants. The “Grand Challenge” that we tackled this quarter is perhaps the greatest current threat known to humankind. Understanding and combating climate change starts with learning how the evolving climate is impacting local communities differently. Working with Brian Stewart, Cascades to Olympics Program manager at Conservation Northwest and Local Actions Non-Dam Alternative Steering group member with the Chehalis Basin Strategy, we have spent the last 9 weeks getting to learn about the geography of the Chehalis Basin and how residents living in its floodplain are impacted by seasonal flooding. Lately, the development of climate change has resulted in a longer and more severe flooding season in the Basin, and residents, community planners, local officials, and workers at the Strategy are fighting to find the most equitable solutions.