Steep Slopes: Shoreline bluff erosion monitoring, modeling, and planning

DATE: October 22, 2026

TIME: 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.

LOCATION: Padilla Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve - 10441 Bayview-Edison Road, Mount Vernon, WA 98273

Agenda and speaker bio handout

*Presentation materials linked below*

MEETING GOALS:

  • Learn about recent products and forthcoming updates to bluff erosion monitoring, modeling that accounts for sea level rise, and regulatory requirements.

  • Hear examples of how bluff erosion science is informing infrastructure planning, public access planning, and community outreach.

  • Visit the eroding bluff at the Padilla Bay NERR as a case study of the steep slope issues highlighted in this event.

  • Have opportunities to share how their work touches on steep slopes and bluff erosion.

  • Identify opportunities for future learning and collaboration.

FINAL AGENDA:

8:30-9:00 Doors open; light breakfast provided (courtesy of Padilla Bay NERR)

9:00-9:15 Event welcome and introductions - Sydney Fishman

9:15-9:30 Padilla Bay welcome and context setting - Jude Apple, Roger Fuller, Sara Brostrom

Slide deck

9:30-10:00 Ecology’s Applied Coastal Research and Engineering (ACRE) monitoring - Amanda Hacking, James Dietrich

10:00-12:00 Walking field trip to Padilla Bay NERR bluff

12:00-1:00 Full lunch provided (courtesy of Padilla Bay NERR)

1:00-1:40 Bluff recession, sea level rise, and tools for better management - Keeley Chiasson

Slide deck

1:40-2:20 Shore Friendly landowner outreach for steep slopes management and retreat - Lisa Kaufman

Slide deck

2:20-2:30 Break

2:30-3:00 Local regulations in the Shoreline Master Program and Critical Areas Ordinance - Courtney Bornsworth 

Slide deck

3:00-3:30 Break and networking time

3:30-4:00 SMA rule updates relating to steep slopes - Rebecca Rothwell (delivered virtually)

Slide deck

4:00-4:20 Sea level rise and bluff erosion modeling - Eric Grossman (delivered virtually)

4:20-4:40 Sea Level Rise and Storm Wave Energy Modeling of Nature Based Solutions - Melina Garzon Arbelaez, Phil North

Slide deck

4:40-4:50 Wrap up

After the event Optional post-event gathering at Terramar

Attendees view the steep slope at the Padilla Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve and look for signs of bluff instability.

Attendees learn about bluff geology from Sam Bartish and Paul Schlenger, staff at Natural Systems Design.

Attendees learn about data collection methods for steep slopes from Amanda Hacking and James Dietrich, staff at Ecology’s Applied Coastal Research and Engineering (ACRE) section.

Many thanks to the Padilla Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve for co-hosting this event and for providing the venue space and food.