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Home My WebLink About9 Climate Element BERK 2025_1219 with PAO track changes CLEANEDJefferson County Comprehensive Plan 9-1 Public Hearing Draft April 2026 9 Climate 9.1 PURPOSE The purpose of the Climate Element is to enhance Jefferson County’s resilience to climate change and climate change impacts. The Climate Element is a new addition to this comprehensive Plan as part of the 2025 periodic update. This element follows GMA requirements (Chapter 36.70A RCW) introduced in 2023 by Washington House Bill (HB) 1181, which call for cities and counties to integrate climate change policies into all future comprehensive plan updates to this Comprehensive Plan. The GMA sets the following goals for climate change and resiliency: Ensure that comprehensive plans, development regulations, and regional policies, plans, and strategies adapt to and mitigate the effects of a changing climate; support reductions in greenhouse gas emissions and per capita vehicle miles traveled; prepare for climate impact scenarios; foster resiliency to climate impacts and natural hazards; protect and enhance environmental, economic, and human health and safety; and advance environmental justice. (RCW 36.70A.070(9)) Carolyn Gallaway This element supports the Vision Statement by enhancing County resiliency to climate change impacts, protecting ecosystems, natural and working lands, infrastructure, and community and cultural wellbeing; it also works to reduce future emissions that contribute to a changing climate. Goals and policies in this element seek to address current climate change impacts and assess future needs of the County, and how to prepare for these changes while maintaining a thriving Jefferson County. Connection to the Vision Statement [This is a new element proposed as part of the 2025 Periodic Update.] CLIMATE Jefferson County Comprehensive Plan 9-2 Public Hearing Draft April 2026 Jefferson County is required to develop a Climate Resilience element that equitably enhances resiliency to, and avoid or substantially reduce the adverse impacts of, climate change in human communities and ecological systems. This includes identifying, protecting and enhancing natural areas and community resiliency, and addressing natural hazards that are created or aggravated by climate change. The Climate Element must also meet the following resilience requirements: ▶ Requirement 1: Address natural hazards created or aggravated by climate change, including sea level rise, landslides, flooding, drought, heat, smoke, wildfire, and other effects of changes to temperature and precipitation patterns; ▶ Requirement 2: Identify, protect, and enhance natural areas to foster climate resilience, as well as areas of vital habitat for safe species migration; and ▶ Requirement 3: Identify, protect, and enhance community resilience to climate impacts, including social, economic, and built- environment factors, which support adaptation to climate impacts consistent with environmental justice. A key component of the Climate Element is promoting equitable climate outcomes for community members, as not all climate impacts are experienced equally. Vulnerable populations are defined by HB 1181 as groups that are more likely to be at higher risk for poor health outcomes in response to environmental harms, which could be due to adverse socioeconomic factors (e.g., high housing and transportation costs relative to income, limited access to nutritious food and adequate health care, linguistic isolation, and other factors that negatively affect health outcomes and increase vulnerability to the effects of environmental harms). The Climate Element also seeks to promote equitable outcomes for historically marginalized communities which include but are not limited to native and Indigenous peoples, people of color, immigrants and refugees, people with low incomes, those with disabilities and health conditions, and people with limited English proficiency. In alignment with these goals and requirements, the Climate Element addresses key climate issues facing the Jefferson County community to help build community resilience to climate change impacts. Jefferson County is not required to include a greenhouse gas (GHG) sub-element; however, building off existing County climate planning efforts, the Climate Element includes general strategies to reduce GHG emissions, as is consistent with the county’s GHG emissions reduction goal. The issues in the Climate Element are complex and dynamic, and several other elements in this Comprehensive Plan interact with the Climate Element: CLIMATE Jefferson County Comprehensive Plan 9-3 Public Hearing Draft April 2026 ▶ Land Use Element. Assesses current and future land uses in Jefferson County, preserving rural lands and character, communities, natural spaces, and resource lands while meeting community growth and other needs. Land use and specifically land preservation can be used to enhance climate resiliency and sequester carbon. See the Land Use Element for specific land use policies. ▶ Environment Element. Protects a variety of environmental landscapes, biodiversity, and ecosystem functions in the county. Healthy, functioning ecosystems can provide resiliency against climate impacts and work to mitigate against future climate impacts. See the Environment Element for specific environmental protection policies. ▶ Open Space, Parks & Recreation, Historical & Cultural Preservation Element. Protects and expands parks and open spaces to provide for long-term agriculture and sustainable silviculture as well as greater visual and direct access to open spaces for county residents and visitors. Encourages historical and cultural preservation. Open Spaces and parks provide carbon sequestration opportunities and can help mitigate against climate impacts such as extreme heat and flooding. See the Open Space, Parks & Recreation, Historical & Cultural Preservation Element for specific policies. ▶ Transportation Element. Identifies opportunities to enhance transportation system reliability and promotes multi modal transportation development that can reduce GHG emissions. See the Transportation Element for specific policies. ▶ Natural Resources Element. Protects and enhances the function of county natural resource lands, bolstering resiliency and future yields. See Natural Resources Element for specific policies. The Climate Element was developed through a planning process that included a baseline assessment of climate impacts and climate vulnerabilities (see Appendix F Vulnerability Assessment) and an engagement process that included working with the Jefferson County / Port Townsend Climate Action Committee, broader community engagement via this Comprehensive Plan update, and additional engagement touchpoints (see Appendix F Engagement Plan). 9.2 TRENDS & OPPORTUNITIES This section provides an overview of climate impacts and climate vulnerability across Jefferson County, with more details in the Vulnerability Assessment (Appendix F). CLIMATE Jefferson County Comprehensive Plan 9-4 Public Hearing Draft April 2026 Climate Impacts Jefferson County, like the broader Puget Sound region and Olympic Peninsula, is already experiencing the effects of climate change, including rising temperatures with more frequent heat events, coastal impacts and sea level rise, drought, heavy winter rainfall with increased risk of flooding, and prolonged wildfire smoke episodes. These impacts are projected to intensify, with their severity depending on global reduction in greenhouse gas emissions and the ability of the county to adapt to the projected impacts. ▶ Temperature and Extreme Heat: Jefferson County's average temperature increased by 1.7°F on average between 1895 and 2024.1 Historically, the county is known for mild summers, however summer temperatures have been warming and are expected to continue warming with climate change. The county has experienced an increase in summer temperatures particularly in more populated areas (Exhibit 9-1). Compared to the 1952–2004 baseline, Jefferson County’s average daily maximum temperature could increase up to 8.3°F by 2100.2 This warming trend is expected to result in an increase in hot days. By 2100, the county could experience an average of 29 additional days with a maximum humidex of 90°F, relative to the 1980–2009 baseline of 2.3 days.3 ▶ Coastal Impacts and Sea Level Rise: Sea level rise in the Salish Sea has already increased by 0.17 feet between 1972 and 2024 due to climate-related and non-climate related drivers such as glacier and ice sheet melting, thermal expansion of seawater, and vertical land movement.4 The sea level at the Hoh Indian Reservation, Quinault Indian Nation, and in the Port Townsend UGA, could rise as high as 2 feet by 2060 or 5 feet by 2100.5 ▶ Drought: Although the Olympic Peninsula is renowned for its high rainfall, Jefferson County faces frequent precipitation drought and occasional snowpack drought conditions. Eastern Jefferson County deals with more drought conditions than the western areas of the county due to the shadow rain effect, however, dry conditions occur throughout the county.6 Summer precipitation may decrease 16% by 2100, increasing dry conditions and risk of drought.7 The projected reductions in summer precipitation can worsen drought conditions, affecting local ecosystems and water resources, as well as soil moisture conditions, which are projected to decrease during 1 NOAA, National Centers for Environmental Information. 2 U.S. Climate Resilience Toolkit Climate Explorer, 2023. 3 Abatzoglou & Brown, 2012; Raymond, 2022. 4 Miller, 2018; NOAA; Raymond, 2022 5 ESA, 2023. 6 National Integrated Drought Information System. 7 Hegewisch, n.d. Commented [JH1]: Revised per comment 028 from Hoh Indian Tribe on 6/12 Commented [TM2R1]: looks good CLIMATE Jefferson County Comprehensive Plan 9-5 Public Hearing Draft April 2026 the summer months.8 Further, the county is expected to lose glaciers by 2070 and see a decrease in annual snowpack.9 There is a 63% likelihood that the April 1st snowpack will fall below 75% of normal levels by 2100.10 ▶ Heavy Winter Rainfall: Winter precipitation could increase 14% on average by 2100, indicating wetter winters that can saturate soils and increase the risk of landslides and erosion.11 Heavy precipitation can lead to impassible roadways and flooding in populated areas as well as riverine flooding. Maximum streamflow in the Hoh River Watershed and the Queets River near Clearwater, for example, could increase on average up to 64% and 39%, respectively, by the end of the century.12 ▶ Smoke & Wildfire: Across the northwest, warmer temperatures and drier summers lead to more severe and frequent wildfires,13 resulting in poorer air quality. The county may experience on average up to 10 additional “high fire danger” days per year by 2050.14 In addition to an increase of high-risk days, the fire season will also likely begin earlier and end later.15 8 Krosby, 2018. 9 Fountain, 2021; Raymond, 2022. 10 Chegwidden, 2017; Raymond, 2022. 11 Rogers & Mauger, 2021. 12 Krosby, 2018; Raymond, 2022. 13 Halofsky, Peterson, & Harvey, 2020. 14 Abatzoglou & Brown, 2012; Raymond, 2022. 15 Dye, 2024. CLIMATE Jefferson County Comprehensive Plan 9-6 Public Hearing Draft April 2026 Exhibit 9-1 Change in Summer Surface Temperatures (2013–2023) Note: Increase in temperature is shown in orange and decrease is shown in purple. Source: BERK, 2025. Commented [JP3]: Comment: “Borders of Hoh Indian Reservation should be included on all maps from BERK Consulting Group. It could be outlined and labeled just as the City of Port Townsend and Olympic National Park are.” Same for all Jefferson County Tribes? (i.e., Jefferson County portions of Hoh Tribe, Quileute Tribe) Commented [JH4R3]: Taylor/Mary Ann - BERK is looking into this comment from Joel. We’ll definitely add the reservation borders to our location map in the foundation and I’ll discuss with our GIS team what can be done for the others. Commented [TM5R3]: Sounds good! Commented [JH6R3]: Note Hoh Indian reservation borders were added to Exhibit A (Jefferson County Planning Area) in the Foundation Element and Exhibit 1-1 (General Land Use Categories), Exhibit 1-5 (Current Land Use), and Exhibit 1-11 (Land Use/Zoning) in the Land Use Element. CLIMATE Jefferson County Comprehensive Plan 9-7 Public Hearing Draft April 2026 Climate Vulnerability The following sectors will be impacted by climate change and require resilience measures to ensure the Jefferson County community and surrounding environment continue to thrive. Public Health Climate change has direct health implications for Jefferson County community members, including heatwaves and worsening air quality. Vulnerable populations with pre-existing mental and physical health conditions, and individuals with socio-demographic risk factors are especially vulnerable to climate impacts. Lower-income community members and those without health insurance are more vulnerable to the impacts of climate change because they may be less able to access resources during climate events. In addition to health of the general population, public health infrastructure is also vulnerable to these climate impacts, for example if facilities, transportation routes, and emergency communications are directly affected or overwhelmed due to climate events. There is high risk to human health from hotter temperatures which may accumulate in urban areas, like Port Townsend, in south Jefferson County in urban areas, like Port Townsend, and in regions with higher concentrations of vulnerable populations. These vulnerable populations that have increased risk from high heat and poor air quality include: ▶ Children and youth can have increased difficulty regulating body temperature, identifying signs of heat-related illness, and may be more sensitive to health conditions associated with high heat. Children are more sensitive to wildfire smoke because they are still developing, breathe more air per pound of body weight, and tend to spend more time outdoors.16 ▶ Outdoor workers due to their increased exposure to the elements. ▶ Unhoused and underhoused residents, who may lack shelter or have inadequate housing. ▶ Pregnant people, who are at greater risk for heat exhaustion and heat stroke, and more sensitive to poor air quality due to increased respiration. ▶ People with pre-existing health conditions (e.g., heart disease and hypertension), lower-income residents, and/or people without health insurance. ▶ The county’s above-average proportion of residents aged 65 and older (see Exhibit 9-2).17 16 Jefferson County, 2024. 17 CDC, 2024; Jefferson County, 2024. Commented [JH7]: Per comment 028 from Hoh Indian Tribe on 6/12: “Tsunamis are a major threat to the west end of Jefferson County and they aren't currently addressed in the Comprehensive Plan. Sea level rise compounds tsunami inundation risk. Rapid earthquake- caused land subsidence combined with rising sea levels could triple flood exposure along the Washington Coast by 2100 (Dura et al., 2025). This is highly concerning to the Hoh Tribe as 100% of the reservation is within the current tsunami zone (Dolcimascolo et al., 2022). An expanded tsunami flood zone will further put Tribal members at risk, potentially cutting off more evacuation and emergency response routes. Tsunamis and their increased risk due to sea level rise should be included in the Climate Element.” Commented [TM8R7]: Amended. see comments below regarding citations. Commented [LH9]: It might be worth considering here that summer temperatures are often hotter in South County (Brinnon). The number of ‘Extremely Hot Days’ experienced in recent years are fairly similar across different areas of the county. I have not seen a data source that shows that Port Townsend experiences Urban Heat Island conditions in comparison to other county areas (in fact, the climate seems more mild, perhaps due to proximity to the water). Additionally, many population risk factors other than the listed 65+ age are often higher in areas in the county outside of Port Townsend, including: % of population under 18, % of population living in poverty, % of population with a disability, % of population without health insurance, and more. While the data I have currently doesn’t break down to county geographies for AQI, we can also see that South County experiences a higher burden from Wildfire Smoke. Environmental Dashboard | Jefferson County, WA Commented [TM10R9]: added mention of South Jefferson County for heat impacts. Keeping mention of Port Townsend for now- as temperatures rise and EHD worsen, it feels important to call out the more urban areas of the County that may see urban heat island effects through future development. CLIMATE Jefferson County Comprehensive Plan 9-8 Public Hearing Draft April 2026 Exhibit 9-2 Percent of the Population Age 65 or Older in Jefferson County (2022) Note: Darker shades indicate higher proportion of population over 65 years old. Sources: ACS 5-Year Estimates, 2018-2022; BERK, 2024. CLIMATE Jefferson County Comprehensive Plan 9-9 Public Hearing Draft April 2026 Climate events like flooding can also impact access to services. For example, flooding may isolate community members in rural areas and those without access to vehicles, could cut off access to routine or emergency care if floods damage transportation routes, and may cause flooded facilities to scale back care or temporarily shutter operations. Access disruptions may especially affect those who require regular or emergency care, individuals who are under 18 or over 65, and individuals with disabilities. Sea level rise compounds tsunami inundation risk, which could triple flood exposure along the Washington Coast by 2100.18 While the entire west end of Jefferson County faces tsunami and sea level rise risks, the Hoh Indian Tribe is particularly susceptible as 100% of the reservation lies within the current tsunami zone.19 An expanded tsunami flood zone will further put Tribal members at risk, potentially cutting off more evacuation and emergency response routes. Jefferson County can improve public health resilience by: ▶ Leveraging and expanding cooling and clean air centers and investing in alternatives such as weatherization programs and education campaigns. ▶ Developing flood plans for public health infrastructure, including relocation plans (e.g., health care facilities, emergency operations, hospitals). ▶ Locating new facilities or investments outside of flood prone and other areas vulnerable to climate impacts. ▶ Expanding climate-related health initiatives. Economy & Resource Lands Healthy forests, opportunities to connect with nature in natural areas and parks, and conservation of other resource lands are critical to Jefferson County’s economy. Economic impacts of climate change can also include effects on fishing. Fishing is foundational to Tribal culture, way of life, and makes up an important part of many Tribal members’ livelihoods. It also drives tourism and is highly threatened by future low flows, warm river waters, and acidifying oceans. Additionally, forest preservation can provide opportunities for the county to sequester carbon (see Exhibit 9-3 with tree canopy coverage in Jefferson County). The county has a variety of outdoor recreation opportunities including the Olympic National Park and Forest, 10 State parks, and over 20 county parks. Jefferson County’s forests and wildlands are vulnerable to wildfire risks due to warming temperatures and drier summers, for example when dry vegetation increases the amount of fuel in timber 18 Dura et al., 2025. 19 DNR, 2021. Commented [TM11]: @jessie: I'm unable to add citations at this time, could you please add this to the doc? cascadia-earthquake-driven- subsidence-briefing_final_1.0.1_5-1-25.pdf Commented [JH12R11]: Added here and to list of references Commented [TM13]: @jessie: could you please add this citation as well? Tsunami hazard maps of the Puget Sound and adjacent waters—Model results from an extended L1 Mw 9.0 Cascadia subduction zone megathrust earthquake scenario Commented [JH14R13]: Added here and to list of references Commented [JH15]: Added per comment 028 from Hoh Indian Tribe on 6/12: “This sections highlights the real impacts of climate change on economies, livelihoods, and our landscapes. County should include fishing in addition to timber harvest and recreation. Fishing is foundational to the Tribe's culture, way of life, and makes up an important part of many Tribal member’s livelihoods. It also drives tourism and is highly threatened by future low flows, warm water rives, and acidifying oceans.” Commented [TM16R15]: looks good CLIMATE Jefferson County Comprehensive Plan 9-10 Public Hearing Draft April 2026 and recreation areas. Hotter and drier summers are also likely to increase pine bark beetle infestations, which can cause tree deaths and increase risk from wildfires and impact timber productivity.20 Increased wildfire and wildfire smoke will impact recreation to these open space lands and could drive disruptions in the tourism and recreation industries, which delivers enormous economic benefits for communities across the Olympic Peninsula. The economic impacts of tourism to Jefferson County in 2023 were $148.9 million in direct visitor spending, generating $47 million in direct labor income and $14.1 million in direct state and local taxes.21 Jefferson County’s other major economic sectors are natural resource-based, including timber harvest. Working Forests estimates that there are over 289,000 acres of working forestland in Jefferson County, with $33 million in wages from specialized jobs supported by private forestry, and $3.9 million in taxes and fees returned to state and local agencies.22 Jefferson County can improve resilience for its economy and resources lands by: ▶ Implementing wildfire prevention and protection planning. ▶ Protecting and establishing resource lands to maintain Jefferson County’s economy and reduce climate vulnerabilities. ▶ Protecting forest lands to enhance climate resiliency, reduce emissions, and act as carbon sinks. 20 Petersen S. B., 2015. 21 (Olympic Peninsula Tourism Bureau, 2023). 22 Working Forests, n.d. CLIMATE Jefferson County Comprehensive Plan 9-11 Public Hearing Draft April 2026 Exhibit 9-3 Tree Canopy Coverage in Western and Eastern Jefferson County (2021) Source: BERK, 2025. CLIMATE Jefferson County Comprehensive Plan 9-12 Public Hearing Draft April 2026 Built Infrastructure Jefferson County’s infrastructure, including roads, buildings, and critical facilities, faces significant vulnerabilities to sea level rise, wildfires, and flooding. Housing, transportation networks, and essential facilities, including emergency services and county-owned buildings are all at high risk from these climate hazards. Wildfires and flooding threaten homes and public facilities, while roads, bridges, and highways are increasingly susceptible to flooding and sea level rise, disrupting transportation and emergency response. The Jefferson County Sea-Level Rise Study identified risks to critical assets, including FD1 – Wally Westergaard Station, FD4 – Fire Headquarters, FD7 – Clear Water, the Jefferson County Sheriff Station and Brinnon Elementary School as being located in areas at risk of flooding under certain sea level rise scenarios (see Exhibit 9-4). Their locations put them at risk of operational disruptions during coastal flood events due to limited or inaccessibility, potentially delaying emergency response, impacting essential services, and threatening community safety. Quilcene Schools’ recreational and sports facilities and the Quilcene Community Center are also close to the flood hazard zone, meaning they are also increasingly vulnerable to flooding. Exhibit 9-4 Major Transportation Routes and Public Facilities at Risk of Sea Level Rise and Flooding in Jefferson County Asset Type Flooding Coastal or Riverine Data Source Brinnon Elementary School School 100-Year Flood Hazard Riverine VA Figure 14 Quilcene School Recreational and Sports Facility 5-foot sea level rise Coastal ESA 2023 County Shop Upper Hoh County Owned Facility 100-Year Flood Hazard Riverine VA Figure 39 FD1 – Wally Westergaard Station (Chimacum) Fire Station 100-Year Flood Hazard Riverine VA Figure 37 FD4 – Fire Headquarters (Brinnon) Fire Station 5-foot sea level rise Coastal VA Figure 14 FD1 – Station 8 (SR 104/Shine Road) Fire Station 100-Year Flood Hazard Coastal VA Figure 38 FD7 – Clear Water Fire Station 100-Year Flood Hazard Riverine VA Figure 39 Jefferson County Sheriff Station in Forks (Clearwater) Police Station 100-Year Flood Hazard Riverine VA Figure 39 Highway 101 – coast and Puget Sound Road 100-Year Flood Hazard (numerous stretches) Coastal ESA 2023 State Route 104/Shine Road Road 5-foot sea level rise Coastal VA Figure 38 State Route 116 (connection to Indian and Marrowstone Islands) Road 100-Year Flood Hazard Coastal ESA 2023 State Route 20 (connects Discovery Bay and Port Townsend) Road 100-Year Flood Hazard Coastal ESA 2023 Commented [DF17]: Please see emails previously sent to Cascadia as this table needs to be corrected. The Kitsap HHWC-Chimacum needs to be deleted. As do some of the other assets listed that are far from any marine shoreline and likely far enough from riverine shorelines. Please revise. Commented [TM18R17]: Email sent to donna for clarification on which other assets need to be removed. Commented [TM19R17]: Taylor to edit Commented [JH20]: Station 8? Commented [TM21R20]: updated CLIMATE Jefferson County Comprehensive Plan 9-13 Public Hearing Draft April 2026 Asset Type Flooding Coastal or Riverine Data Source Upper Hoh Road *Not a major transportation route, combined County and Federal asset Road 100-Year Flood Hazard Riverine VA Figure 39 Note: VA = Vulnerability Assessment (see Appendix F). Sources: ESA, 2023; Jefferson County GIS, 2025. Built infrastructure in the county is also vulnerable to wildfire impacts, including some Jefferson County businesses, major highways that traverse wildlands, and the 10,475 Jefferson County households located near wildlands.23 Jefferson County can improve built infrastructure resilience by: ▶ Implementing sea level rise adaptation strategies, such as elevating or waterproofing structures and infrastructure, elevating property grades, relocating infrastructure to higher elevations, and avoiding building in areas likely to flood. ▶ Maintaining county bridge strength to support resilience to flooding. ▶ Implementing existing wildfire protection planning. ▶ Implementing transit-focused climate strategies. Water Systems Jefferson County’s stormwater and wastewater infrastructure is vulnerable to inland flooding, heavy precipitation events, coastal flooding, and sea level rise. Water infrastructure (e.g., stormwater and wastewater treatment systems and water transmission lines) is especially vulnerable in low-lying and urban areas and coastal areas that rely on septic systems. The water supply can be particularly impacted by drought conditions that may be exacerbated by warmer temperatures, reduced snowpacks, and increased water demand. Local health jurisdictions will need to identify septic systems that will impacted by sea level rise (per WAC 246-272A). Currently nearly 4 miles of wastewater pipelines throughout the county are exposed to the 100- year flood,24 while sea level rise will further increase the exposure to wastewater lines.25 Increased flooding and precipitation could damage systems and reduce capacity, exposing up to 1,053 additional on-site sewer systems to flooding risks.26 See Exhibit 9-5 for a map of flood hazards in Quilcene Bay based on the amount of sea level rise. 23 NODC, 2015. 24 ESA, 2023. 25 ESA, 2023 26 ESA, 2023. Commented [JH22]: Per comment 021 from Cindy Jane on 5/23: The current description only refers to stormwater and wastewater. It seems like there should be some description of the impacts to water supply from climate change, including drought and reduction of snowpack (some of which is covered in other sections but some description here seems warranted). Commented [TM23R22]: add sentence/2 sentences for water supply Commented [CE24]: WAC246-272A (on-site sewage systems) was recently updated and now requires local health jurisdictions to specify how we will identify septic systems that will be impacted by sea level rise. Commented [TM25R24]: added note, check with jessie. Commented [CE26]: Where did this number come from? No necessarily wrong, just curious how it was determined? Commented [TM27R26]: Number came for the ESA Jefferson County sea level rise report. CLIMATE Jefferson County Comprehensive Plan 9-14 Public Hearing Draft April 2026 Exhibit 9-5 Flood Hazard Mapping of Different Levels of Sea Level in Quilcene Bay Source: ESA, Jefferson County Sea Level Rise Study, 2023 CLIMATE Jefferson County Comprehensive Plan 9-15 Public Hearing Draft April 2026 Jefferson County can improve stormwater, wastewater, and water supply resilience by: ▶ Implementing regional stormwater and wastewater improvement plans. ▶ Conducting comprehensive river restoration and flood mitigation planning based on river-specific flood hazards, protection of Tribal Treaty Rights, and relevant Endangered Species Act listings. ▶ Developing long-term strategies to acquire and restore floodplain properties, such as those efforts being implemented in Brinnon, and Big Quilcene. Agriculture & Food Systems Multiple climate hazards may impact agriculture production and food systems in Jefferson County, at both the local and regional level. Increased annual temperatures, extreme heat exposure, reduction in water supply, and changes in precipitation can affect the growing season and crop production. The county has about 8,717 acres of land in farming27 and has zoned nearly 7,490 acres as agricultural. Exhibit 9-6 shows the agriculture resource lands within the county. Farmland is sensitive to drought and heatwaves, conditions that can increase pests, diseases, and demand for water, while reducing crop yields and soil quality. High heat and poor air quality also impact the county’s farm and outdoor workers who have increased exposure to these climate hazards. 27 Census of Agriculture, 2022. Commented [JP28]: “water system” sounds like a purveyor’s water system. I tried out words like hydrological system but stormwater & wastewater don’t directly relate to a hydrologic system, unless we’re looking at a water budget. I’m stuck on this one. Commented [TM29R28]: see your point, leaving for now as it aligns with the section title. Can revisit section title later if needed. Commented [JH30R28]: Can we just say “stormwater and wastewater system resilience”? Commented [TM31R28]: amended language Commented [JH32R28]: Added water supply as well per the context added above Commented [JP33R28]: PAO agrees with final version CLIMATE Jefferson County Comprehensive Plan 9-16 Public Hearing Draft April 2026 Exhibit 9-6 Agricultural Resource Lands in Jefferson County (2024) Source: USDA NRCS, 2024; Jefferson County, 2025; BERK, 2025. CLIMATE Jefferson County Comprehensive Plan 9-17 Public Hearing Draft April 2026 Jefferson County can improve agriculture and food system resilience by: ▶ Building on existing County planning to continue protecting agricultural systems and their economies. ▶ Protecting farmland through future food systems planning. ▶ Supporting permanent protections for farmland such as land trusts. ▶ Investing in food from local farms for schools, food banks and other community needs. ▶ Educating farm owners and agricultural workers on extreme heat and wildfire smoke safety. ▶ Managing water supply for agriculture through water systems planning. Natural Environment & Ecosystems Jefferson County has a rich variety of ecosystems from shorelines, forests, and mountain ranges to freshwater habitats, and shrublands. Climate change impacts such as drought, extreme heat, and ocean acidification challenge each of these ecosystems. For example, changing conditions may make some ecosystems more susceptible to wildfire, whereas others may be more threatened by invasive species and impacts from human development. Threats to Jefferson County ecosystems also affect Tribal livelihoods, Treaty protected resources, and Tribal way of life. Additional impacts include: ▶ High temperatures may decrease tree canopy coverage. ▶ High temperatures may cause trees to be more vulnerable to invasive pests. ▶ Warmer temperatures will mean more winter precipitation falls as rain instead of snow (see Exhibit 9-7). ▶ Sea level rise (SLR) and warming ocean temperatures will impact the county’s coastline, wildlife, and infrastructure. ▶ Ocean acidification will impact marine ecosystems, wildlife, and food systems. Commented [JP34]: Per Hoh Tribe comment letter #028 Commented [TM35R34]: looks good CLIMATE Jefferson County Comprehensive Plan 9-18 Public Hearing Draft April 2026 Exhibit 9-7 Historic and Future Air (Shading) and Stream (Dots) Temperature Throughout the Olympics and the Impact of Temperature on Salmon Source: Peterson et al., 2015. Jefferson County can improve natural environment and ecosystem resilience by: ▶ Utilizing green infrastructure such as soft shoreline armoring and permeable surfaces. ▶ Restoring floodplains, river channels and surface and groundwater sources to increase the resilience of natural floodplains and ecosystem. ▶ Collaborating with the agriculture community to prevent soil erosion and soil organic carbon loss, improve ecosystem and water quality, increase carbon sequestration, and encourage peat soil retention in stream corridors such as Beaver and Chimacum drainages. ▶ Developing management strategies to address invasive species, such as Scotch Broom and Japanese Knotweed, that can destabilize riparian areas and contribute to increased wildfire. ▶ Protecting natural marine ecosystem processes to support native biodiversity and increase resilience to climate impacts such as water chemistry changes that harm marine ecosystems and their ability to support marine-based food sources for humans, including shellfish and kelp. ▶ Expanding tree canopy coverage to promote resilience. ▶ Incentivizing forest management techniques to improve carbon sequestration and increase fire resistance. Commented [JH36]: Added per comment 021 from Cindy Jane on 5/23 Commented [TM37R36]: looks good CLIMATE Jefferson County Comprehensive Plan 9-19 Public Hearing Draft April 2026 9.3 CLIMATE PLAN Jefferson County has an extensive list of existing climate efforts that seek to integrate resilience and GHG mitigation efforts into County programs and operations. The Climate Element of the 2025 Comprehensive Plan aims to build on these prior efforts by adopting climate change goals and policies for the county while also complying with the GMA requirements. This element builds on past planning efforts by strengthening existing goals and policies, where needed, and adding new goals and policies to address identified gaps. In addition to reviewing existing related plans and policies, the Climate Element engaged the Jefferson County / Port Townsend Climate Action Committee (CAC) to further identify climate priorities, current work, and existing gaps. The CAC was engaged throughout the Climate Element development process. Additionally, the county held the Jefferson County Climate Summit in May of 2024, where County staff and leadership across departments worked to catalogue existing and coordinate future climate work. The CAC and Climate Summit identified a need to integrate equity and vulnerable population considerations throughout the element, increased agriculture and food systems security and resilience, and increased coordination across Jefferson County departments to tackle climate change impacts and reduce emissions. The Climate Element goals and policies are organized by key sectors to target resiliency and GHG reduction across County operations. Sectors were selected using Washington Department of Commerce guidance and aligned with Jefferson County priorities. The key sectors in the Climate Element are: ▶ Zoning and development ▶ Water resources ▶ Ecosystems ▶ Cultural resources and practices ▶ Agriculture and food systems ▶ Emergency management ▶ Transportation ▶ Communication and collaborations CLIMATE Jefferson County Comprehensive Plan 9-20 Public Hearing Draft April 2026 9.4 GOALS & POLICIES [This is a new element proposed as part of the 2025 Periodic Update. All goals and policies in this element are new. In some cases, where policies are directly adapted from the 2018 Jefferson County Comprehensive Plan, edits are shown in tracks with reference to the 2018 policy in parenthesis.] The goals outlined below provide a general direction for building climate resilience in Jefferson County across sectors, including zoning and development, water resources, ecosystems, cultural resources and practices, agriculture resources and food systems, buildings and energy, emergency management and community well-being, transportation, and communications and collaboration. These goals are based on the requirements of HB 1181, which outlines specific criteria for addressing climate hazards that Jefferson County currently experiences and that are expected to worsen in the future. The Climate Element policies intersect with other Comprehensive Plan Elements and additional climate resilience policies are cross-referenced at the beginning of each sector. Zoning & Development The zoning and development sector includes goals and policies that support growth and development while addressing the challenges posed by climate change, such as drought, sea level rise, and increased precipitation and flooding, while facilitating greenhouse gas reductions and carbon sequestration as practical. Goal CE-G-1 Utilize land use planning, conservation, restoration, and comprehensive river restoration and flood management strategies to minimize the occurrence and impacts of climate hazards, such as flooding and wildfire, including relocating existing infrastructure located in flood prone and inundation areas while restoring natural floodplain functions. Policy CE-P-1.1 Evaluate flood control structures based on increased risks of flooding due to changes in the annual hydrological cycle and more severe peak flow events, and concomitant impacts on ecological functions and processes. ▶ Evaluate opportunities to remove, redesign, or relocate flood control structures such as levees and dams and restore natural floodplain functions, to mitigate flooding impacts and risk, improve ecosystem health (such as salmon habitat restoration), improve Additional zoning and development policies related to climate resilience and GHG emissions reduction can be found in the following elements: ▶ Land Use: Policies LU-P- 5.2. LU-P-7.1, LU-P-7.2, LU- P-7.6, LU-P-7.8, LU-P-8.1, LU-P-8.5, LU-P-16.2, LU-P- 17.2, LU-P-19.2, LU-P-23.6, LU-P-32.3, and LU-P-34.10 ▶ Housing: Policies HS-P-2.1 and HS-P-2.18 ▶ Open Spaces: Policy OS- P-2.5 ▶ Environment: Policy EN- P-6.2 ▶ Capital Facilities & Utilities: Policies CF-P-4.4 and CF-P-9.1.c Commented [JH38]: Comment from EJC’s 3/5 report: “Overall for climate goals recommended changes and processes needed. Explicitly incorporate equity assessments in all climate policies to prevent unintended disparities. Include community-led decision-making processes to ensure that solutions prioritize frontline communities. Provide financial and legal safeguards to prevent displacement from climate adaptation strategies. Ensure that climate solutions create economic opportunities for historically disadvantaged groups.” Commented [TM39R38]: aspects of this comment incorporated throughout goals and policies, including new edits to language. Legal and financial safeguards not incorporated @MA, that may be outside CE? Commented [JH40]: See 024 comment matrix on Food System Works? Commented [TM41R40]: Unfamiliar with this comment Commented [JH42R40]: CP comments are online at: https://test.co.jefferson.wa.us/WeblinkExternal/B rowse.aspx?id=9989053&dbid=0&repo=Jefferson (Community Development > Planning Commission >Agendas/Materials > 2025 > Public Comments - 2025 Comp Plan) Commented [JH43]: Per comment 028 from Hoh Indian Tribe on 6/12: “Right now, none of the Zoning and Development policies call for immediate rezoning, except for updates to the boundaries of Critical Area Ordinances (CAO), as detailed in Policy CE-P-2.7. If CAOs are changed or if any of the policies lead to zoning changes within the U&A, the Hoh Tribe would like to be notified and/or consulted. We value that a subpart of Zoning policy CE-P-1.1 names protecting treaty rights and resources as a ... Commented [TM44R43]: Consider adding policy under Goal G-2 that calls for the consultation of tribes in any zoning or rezoning efforts? General zoning changes may be better suited to land use element. check with MA Commented [TM45R43]: Added "protect treaty rights and resources' under policy 2.7. @jessie consider adding tribal consultation for zoning under land use? Commented [JH46R43]: Thanks. We have policies in LU and Cultural for Tribal coordination. CLIMATE Jefferson County Comprehensive Plan 9-21 Public Hearing Draft April 2026 resilience to climate stressors, reduce adverse shoreline ecological impacts, and protect treaty rights and resources. ▶ Allow the construction of new flood control structures only where there is a documented need to protect an existing structure and mitigation is applied. Policy CE-P-1.2 Adopt fire-resilience design and performance standards for new and redeveloped sites in high-risk wildfire areas. Encourage new development in areas where exposure to climate hazards is low. Policy CE-P-1.3 Develop information and action plans regarding impacts to land use from climate change, including protecting or moving infrastructure from inundation areas; review of hydrologic budgets and water impoundment and conservation measures to adapt to changing precipitation patterns; and protection of water quality from seawater intrusion or other pollutants to drinking water quality. Goal CE-G-2 Establish land use patterns and development practices that increase the resilience of the built environment, ecosystems and natural ecosystem processes, and communities to climate change. Policy CE-P-2.1 Discourage new or expanded development, including subdivisions, that would require flood control structures due to their location at or near a stream, channel migration zone, flood-prone area, or an area at risk of flooding or sea level rise due to climate change. The use of new flood control measures should be limited to: ▶ Maintain resilience of ecosystems to sea level rise and flooding due to climate change. ▶ Reduce flood occurrences that damage existing buildings and homes. ▶ Support economical options, both planning and grants, for relocation where flood control measures would otherwise be the only option. Policy CE-P-2.2 Address rising sea water and flooding risks by planning, siting, and relocating hazardous industries and essential public services away from the 500-year floodplain. For all affected areas, consider sea level rise projections, and develop codes that require the bottom of a structure’s foundation be located higher than the level of expected future sea-level rise for flood hazard protection. Minimize the potential for shoreline developments that result in significant vegetation removal, structural shore armoring, or a net loss of shoreline ecological functions and processes at the time of development. CLIMATE Jefferson County Comprehensive Plan 9-22 Public Hearing Draft April 2026 Policy CE-P-2.3 Encourage the planning, designing, and locating of new utility installations away from flood hazard zones to eliminate the need for structural shoreline armoring or flood hazard reduction measures. Policy CE-P-2.4 When appropriate, utilize pervious materials and low impact development techniques to improve soil and geologic conditions to reduce stormwater runoff and storm surges, increase aquifer recharge, and reduce impacts of increased flooding and runoff. Policy CE-P-2.5 Develop programs such as Transfer of Development Rights to create a market solution using urban growth area density and compact development to protect rural lands and resource areas from conversion and to mitigate greenhouse gas emissions. Policy CE-P-2.6 Identify and map areas in the county that are likely to face increased flooding due to climate change, based on repetitive historical flooding and surface water drainage obstructions and those that significantly impede natural floodplain functions. Provide options (such as DNR programs) to voluntarily sell properties over time. Restore these areas to natural conditions to address wetland and habitat loss, riverine flooding, and sea level rise. Policy CE-P-2.7 Review and update Critical Area Ordinances regularly to utilize best available science in water management and zoning decisions and protect treaty rights and resources. Watershed management should consider salmon recovery plans, and conservation of the natural environment. Watershed management should also consider protection of surface and groundwater, agricultural usage, drinking water supplies, and fish habitats during times of extreme precipitation (flooding and drought). Policy CE-P-2.8 Consider zoning and land use requirements that minimize the reliance on motor vehicles to reduce vehicle miles traveled and GHG emissions. See also Policy LU-P-36.4 in the Land Use Element CLIMATE Jefferson County Comprehensive Plan 9-23 Public Hearing Draft April 2026 Water Resources The water resources sector includes goals and policies that preserve water quality and quantity while addressing the challenges posed by climate change, such as drought, reduced snowpack, sea level rise, and increased precipitation and flooding. Goal CE-G-3 Manage water resources and systems that seek to protect and preserve water quality and quantity from drought, extreme heat, and other hazards exacerbated by climate change. Policy CE-P-3.1 Utilize the best available climate science and promote floodplain connectivity where feasible to ensure adequate aquifer recharge and water quality. Collaborate with other agencies and utility districts to ensure on-going water conservation and protection of sources and review existing aquifer recharge areas and possible vulnerabilities to future climate change impacts. Policy CE-P-3.2 Ensure the location, construction, operation, and maintenance of all current and future land uses and developments maintains or enhances the quantity and quality of surface and ground water over the long term to protect future water supplies from the increased risk of drought due to climate change. Policy CE-P-3.3 Develop and implement a comprehensive drought response plan that sets action levels for different drought strategies and is implementable across the county. Policy CE-P-3.4 Include climate science and projects in developing water usage standards for new water rights across natural resource industries (mining, forestry, agriculture, livestock) to ensure adequate quality and quantity of water is available for all uses, and water conservation strategies are implemented. Utilize water banking in areas most at risk of drought and water shortages. Policy CE-P-3.5 Encourage education and outreach to residents and businesses regarding water conservation and rainwater collection strategies. Additional water resources policies related to climate resilience and GHG emissions reduction can be found in the following elements: ▶ Capital Facilities and Utilities: Policies CF-P-5.2 and CF-P-5.10 ▶ Land Use: Policies LU P- 8.1, LU-G-10, LU-P-10.2, LU- P-11.4, LU-P-34.10, and LU- P-34.4 ▶ Natural Resources: Policies NR-P-6.3, NR-P-8.3, and NR-P-8.6 ▶ Environment: Policies EN-G-1, EN-P-1.1, and EN- P-6.1 Commented [JH47]: Added per comment 021 from Cindy Jane on 5/23 Commented [TM48R47]: looks good CLIMATE Jefferson County Comprehensive Plan 9-24 Public Hearing Draft April 2026 Goal CE-G-4 Utilize and update flood maps, climate science, and hazard mitigation strategies to ensure climate change is considered in stormwater management and planning. Policy CE-P-4.1 Utilize stormwater management, including cooperating with relevant agencies, to mitigate impacts on built and natural features including residential developments and floodplains. Mitigation strategies should ensure the safety of infrastructure and protection of ecosystems. Policy CE-P-4.2 Utilize existing policies and agencies to increase the resilience of stormwater infrastructure to flooding. Include community- based flood hazard management planning and water conservation priorities and consider current and future water needs. Goal CE-G-5 Encourage the use of green infrastructure and nature-based solutions for water resources management. Where feasible, require use of green infrastructure and low-impact development to address increased storm intensities and stormwater runoff. Policy CE-P-5.1 Ensure that the county’s codes support stormwater management plans, infrastructure designs, and operation and maintenance standards to account for projections in increased precipitation, storm intensities, duration, and stormwater runoff volumes as well as drought conditions. Policy CE-P-5.2 Utilize natural protective measures such as retaining native plants and protecting existing natural resources to recharge groundwater, reduce flooding impacts, improve water quality, and minimize drought severity. Policy CE-P-5.3 Ensure green infrastructure and low-impact development requirements do not disproportionately increase costs for low-income homeowners or small businesses. Commented [JH49]: Added per EJC’s 3/5 report Commented [TM50R49]: looks good CLIMATE Jefferson County Comprehensive Plan 9-25 Public Hearing Draft April 2026 Ecosystems The ecosystems sector includes goals and policies that seek to protect natural resources and ecosystems vulnerable to climate change impacts, such as extreme precipitation and flooding, drought, erosion, and wildfires. Goal CE-G-6 Ensure the protection of and support the recovery of ecosystems to provide functioning habitats in a changing climate. Policy CE-P-6.1 Prioritize the protection of natural systems and processes, including public open spaces and natural areas, forests, wetlands, fish and wildlife habitats, streams, the Pacific Ocean, Strait of Juan de Fuca, and Hood Canal. Policy CE-P-6.2 Preserve existing forested habitats and support expansion of forest areas to increase carbon sequestration for the county by promoting best management practices and voluntary open space conservation that protect critical areas in development regulations related to on-site sewer systems, forest management, agricultural practices, industry, and other development. Policy CE-P-6.3 Encourage the location, design, and maintenance of flood control structures, when proven necessary, in a manner that: ▶ Minimizes adverse effects on shoreline ecology. ▶ Is compatible with navigation and recreation, especially in shorelines of statewide significance; provided, that public safety and ecological protection are fully addressed. ▶ Incorporates native vegetation and natural materials to enhance ecological functions, create more natural areas , improve ecological processes, and provides more flexibility for long-term shoreline management. ▶ Encourages nonregulatory methods to protect, enhance, and restore shoreline ecological functions and processes and other shoreline resources as an alternative to flood control structures. Nonregulatory methods may include public facility and resource planning, land or easement acquisition, education, voluntary protection and habitat restoration or enhancement projects, or incentive programs. ▶ Is resilient to the potential for more intense or frequent flooding impacts due to climate change, and where necessary, worsening flooding impacts combined with potential sea level rise impacts. Policy CE-P-6.4 Protect saltwater habitat from threats from climate change impacts. Additional ecosystems policies related to climate resilience and GHG emissions reduction can be found in the following elements: ▶ Land Use: Policies LU-P- 7.1, LU-P-7.6, LU-P-7.8, LU- P-8.5, and LU-P-23.6 ▶ Environment: Policies EN-P-2.4, EN-P-6.2, EN-P- 6.3, EN-P-6.4, EN-P-6.5, and EN-P-7.3 Commented [JH51]: Per comment 028 from Hoh Indian Tribe on 6/12: “Within the sectors impacted by climate change, there is no mention of Tribal resources. While this isn't a plan focused solely on the Hoh Tribe, the impacts of climate change on Tribal resources are part of the challenges facing Jefferson County. An appropriate place to include this would be within the Natural Environment and Ecosystems section acknowledging that threats to Jefferson County's ecosystems are also threats to Tribal livelihoods, Treaty protected resources, and the Hoh way of life.” Commented [TM52R51]: Policy 9.2 calls for the protection on consumptive and non- consumptive treaty resources CLIMATE Jefferson County Comprehensive Plan 9-26 Public Hearing Draft April 2026 Goal CE-G-7 Protect the health and resilience of the county’s streams and rivers and implement efforts to mitigate climate change impacts such as flooding and drought. Policy CE-P-7.1 Increase aquatic habitat resilience to low summer flows by protecting natural systems processes and supporting ecological restoration efforts that promote increasing water residence time, storing water on the landscape, conserving water, protecting groundwater, keeping waters cool, and protecting water quality. Policy CE-P-7.2 Protect and restore streams, riparian zones, estuaries, wetlands, shorelines, floodplains and their ecological functions to achieve healthy watersheds, ecosystems, and habitats that are resilient to climate change. Policy CE-P-7.3 Implement actions identified in restoration and salmon recovery plans to address flood control structures, particularly undersized culverts that negatively impact Treaty resources; and improve the climate resilience of streams and other aquatic resources within the county’s watersheds. Goal CE-G-8 Encourage forest canopy cover in urban and rural areas with native tree species to reduce wildfire risk, sequester carbon, improve air quality, and reduce surface temperatures for humans and wildlife. Policy CE-P-8.1 Increase and protect existing native tree canopy coverage to reduce neighborhood temperatures, prioritizing frontline and at-risk communities most vulnerable to climate change. The county should explore drought resistant species with minimal impact to infrastructure and offer maximum shade within the urban growth area. Policy CE-P-8.2 Ensure the ongoing protection, management, and maintenance of native trees and forests to ensure healthy, wildfire resistant forests. ▶ Implement incentives and programs to maintain open space buffers to protect habitats, land, and property against increasingly frequent and intense wildfires due to climate change. ▶ Utilize prescribed/controlled burns, to minimize the risk of large wildfires exacerbated by climate change. ▶ Support efforts to increase carbon sequestration in Jefferson County forests. ▶ Protect forest health and improve fire safety by protecting sensitive ecosystems and their vegetated areas. Commented [JP53]: Add policy, or add to existing policy, to address flood structures, particularly undersized culverts that negatively impact Treat-resources, and County plans to remove fish barriers. (Hoh Tribe comment #028). Put into CEP-7.3. Commented [JH54R53]: See edits to 7.3 below (Cascadia please review). Alternatively, we could add a policy such as “Seek to remove culverts that are fish barriers or too small for future winter flood levels and coordinate with local tribes to prioritize culverts that negatively impact Treaty resources.” Commented [TM55R53]: Current policy language looks good! Commented [JH56]: Added per comment 028 from Hoh Indian Tribe on 6/12: “Because salmon and fish are integral to the Hoh Tribe and climate change will cause dramatic river shifts, the inclusion of Goal CE-G-7 and its following policies are highly appreciated. However, in this goal and in others that address flood structures, we didn't see specific mention of culverts. Because undersized culverts negatively impact Treaty resources, we would love to see inclusion of a policy specifically addressing the County's plans to remove culverts that are fish barriers and/or too small for future winter flood levels.” Commented [TM57R56]: edited language looks good CLIMATE Jefferson County Comprehensive Plan 9-27 Public Hearing Draft April 2026 Cultural Resource & Practices The cultural resources and practices sector includes goals and policies that seek to protect valued cultural and historic resources vulnerable to climate change impacts, such as extreme precipitation and flooding, erosion, and wildfires. Goal CE-G-9 Protect and preserve valued cultural and historic resources at risk to climate change impacts. Policy CE-P-9.1 Consult and work with communities, agencies, and Tribes to identify and protect important historical or cultural sites and natural resources risk of being impacted by climate change, such as coastal or inland flooding, tsunamis, erosion, and wildfires. Ensure that the cultural sites of Indigenous, Black, and other marginalized communities receive equal recognition and protection. Policy CE-P-9.2 Protect, enhance, and restore ecosystems, water resources, and water quality to fulfill Tribal treaty rights and conserve culturally important consumptive and non-consumptive resources, including foods, wildlife, salmon, medicinal plants, and materials that could be adversely impacted by climate change. Policy CE-P-9.3 Use farm and forest preservation programs, such as the Forest Stewardship Program, and other tools to preserve historic working lands, enhance resilience, and improve carbon sequestration. Agriculture & Food Systems The agriculture and food systems sector includes goals and policies that seek to promote climate resiliency against impacts such as extreme heat and drought. Goal CE-G-10 Support sustainable local and regional food system practices, infrastructure, agricultural workforce development, and policy that improve Jefferson County’s resilience to climate change impacts. Policy CE-P-10.1 Increase local food security and support equitable expansion of the food-related economy to address climate impacts and increase access to healthy, affordable, and climate-friendly foods. Policy CE-P-10.2 Preserve land outside of urban growth areas for long- term agricultural use, recreation, open spaces, forestry, mineral resources, and other uses consistent with rural character. Additional agriculture and food systems policies related to climate resilience and GHG emissions reduction can be found in the following elements: ▶ Land Use: Policies LU-P- 1.17, LU-P-25.2, and LU-P- 32.9, ▶ Natural Resources: Policies NR-P-8.2 and NR- P-8.6 ▶ Economic Development: Policy ED-P-6.4 Additional cultural resources and practices policies related to climate resilience and GHG emissions reduction can be found in the following elements: ▶ Land Use: Policies LU-P- 1.16, LU-P-16.3, and LU-P- 19.2 ▶ Natural Resources: Policy NR-P-1.2 ▶ Environment: Policy EN-P-4.3 ▶ Historical & Cultural Preservation: Policies OS-P-3.4 and OS-P-5.7 Commented [JP58]: Per Hoh Tribe comment letter #028. Any other area to address tsunami inundation risk? Commented [DF59R58]: Since the Hoh will more likely to be at risk of tsunamis as climate changes, it probably makes sense to address tsunamis here. However, general tsunami risks are probably best addressed in the Environment Element as tsunamis are regulated as a critical area. Commented [TM60R58]: mention of tsunamis here looks good Commented [JH61]: Policy received support in comment 028 from Hoh Indian Tribe on 6/12 Commented [JH62]: Added per EJC’s 3/5 report Commented [TM63R62]: addition looks good. Can we swap "marginalized" for "vulnerable" or "at- risk" here? We use both vulnerable/at-risk in the introduction and define what that means a bit ... Commented [TM64R62]: Added definition for "historically marginalized communities" in ... Commented [JH65R62]: Thanks! Note also defined in the glossary Commented [JH66]: Policy received support in comment 028 from Hoh Indian Tribe on 6/12 Commented [JH67]: Comment from EJC’s 3/5 report: “Sustainable agriculture (CE-G-10) should ... Commented [TM68R67]: edited goal 10 language looks good Commented [TM69]: Food Systems matrix comment 024: "Support soil fertillity and ... Commented [TM70R69]: Believe this is a new policy suggestion- not adding a composting ... Commented [TM71]: Food Systems matrix comment 024: "Add context, parameters, or ... Commented [TM72R71]: adding parameters to policy is more implementation focused. Policy is ... Commented [TM73]: food systems matrix comment 024: "amend: preserve land and ... Commented [TM74R73]: added ag soils to 10.4 Commented [TM75]: Food systems matrix comment 024: "Is this the only place where ... Commented [TM76R75]: mineral use and mineral resource lands are not a focus area for the CE ... CLIMATE Jefferson County Comprehensive Plan 9-28 Public Hearing Draft April 2026 Policy CE-P-10.3 Consistent with water management rules and laws, promote environmentally sustainable water-storage and farming policies and practices that help agricultural producers adapt to changing conditions and reduce production losses. Policy CE-P-10.4 Conserve existing agricultural lands and soils and support future agriculture needs through research, education, infrastructure, and investments that promote climate resiliency for the agriculture industry. Policy CE-P-10.5 Identify and support the creation of community gardens in suitable locations, including easements and properties owned by the county, in urban growth areas, or in LAMIRDs with a priority to locate in areas with overburdened communities. Policy CE-P-10.6 Consider a countywide food system security and resilience action plan, that prioritizes sustainable agriculture and food systems practices and helps farmers and communities preserve food for year-round access and use, while serving vulnerable populations. Policy CE-P-10.7 Support research, education and investments in climate adapted food system methods and infrastructure suited to Jefferson County’s soils, including collaborating with and capacity building of partners. Policy CE-P-10.8 Consider opportunities to reduce GHG emissions and increase carbon sequestration in the agricultural sector. Buildings & Energy The buildings and energy sector includes policies to increase energy reliability and resilience, improve building energy efficiency and increase the sustainability and resilience of housing to climate impacts such as flooding, extreme heat, and wildfire. Goal CE-G-11 Increase renewable energy project development and improvements to provide jobs and clean, reliable electricity. Policy CE-P-11.1 Encourage and support the development, production, siting, installation, and use of renewable energy such as solar, wind, water, alternative fuels, and other innovative renewable sources. Prioritize locally owned and operated renewable energy sources, power production, and storage systems, consistent with land use development regulations. Avoid siting new renewable energy projects that would impact sensitive areas and species. Additional buildings and energy policies related to climate resilience and GHG emissions reduction can be found in the following elements: ▶ Housing: Policies HS-P- 1.6, HS-P-1.7, HS-P-2.1, HS- P-2.18, HS-P-3.1, HS-P-3.2, and HS-P-4.5 ▶ Capital Facilities & Utilities: Policies CF-P- 17.1, CF-P-17.3, and CF-P- 17.4 Commented [TM77]: food systems matrix comment 024: "Change to: Support future agriculture prduction through research, education, infrastructure, and investment that promote cliamte resiliency for the agricultural industry." Commented [TM78R77]: Amended policy language Commented [TM79]: food systems matric comment 024: "Consider a requirement that all new mid- to large-scale housing developments include space for community garden/s that are accesible to those residents." Commented [TM80R79]: out of scope for CE, but noting for the County Commented [TM81]: food systems matrix comment 024: "...in suitable locations, including easements and properties owned by the County..." Commented [TM82R81]: amended language Commented [TM83]: food systems matrix comment 024: "Add support for docents and garden support positions. Food takes work to make accessible. " Commented [TM84R83]: Staff support/docents may be better suited to implementation and not the CE Commented [TM85]: food systems matrix comment 024: "Change to: Establish a ... Commented [TM86R85]: keeping verbiage as "consider", don't want to hold the County to ... Commented [TM87]: food systems matrix comment 024: "Pretty vague language to ... Commented [TM88R87]: no change to policy Commented [JH89]: Added per comment 021 from Cindy Jane on 5/23 Commented [TM90R89]: looks good Commented [TM91R89]: also noting a similar comment was included in the food systems ... Commented [JH92]: Comment from EJC’s 3/5 report: “Renewable energy projects (CE-G-11) ... Commented [TM93R92]: covered in new policy 11.4 Commented [JH94]: Suggest adding this as a new standalone policy instead (below). Commented [TM95R94]: looks good CLIMATE Jefferson County Comprehensive Plan 9-29 Public Hearing Draft April 2026 Policy CE-P-11.2 Encourage existing power distribution systems to accommodate existing and future renewable energy projects and enhance power utilization and efficiency. Policy CE-P-11.3 Work with energy utilities to improve the safety and reliability of infrastructure vulnerable to climate change, and plan for outages. Policy CE-P-11.4 Encourage renewable energy workforce development opportunities for disadvantaged communities to prevent economic exclusion. Policy CE-P-11.5 Consult with local Tribes on all energy issues as their siting and development could affect both Tribal cultural and natural resources. Goal CE-G-12 Promote equitable, affordable, and sustainable housing options that enhance community resilience to climate change. Policy CE-P-12.1 Encourage collaboration between the county and housing and service agencies to support low-income, elderly, and/or BIPOC communities with home repairs, energy efficiency improvements, and weatherization to reduce energy demands and impacts of wildfire smoke, flooding, extreme temperatures, and other risks. Policy CE-P-12.2 Prioritize weatherization and housing quality improvement efforts in underserved areas of the county. Policy CE-P-12.3 Increase housing diversity and supply within urban growth areas in places that minimize harm to ecosystems, are at low risk for wildfire, or are outside of flood hazard areas. Policy CE-P-12.4 Increase affordability and sustainability of housing that allows for long-term economic stability and health of residents while increasing climate resilience and resource conservation. Policy CE-P-12.5 Explore opportunities to incentivize standards such as Built Green Washington, Low Impact Development, and/or LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) to reduce energy burdens and increase the resilience of buildings to climate change impacts. Commented [JH96]: Added per comment 028 from Hoh Indian Tribe on 6/12: “The Hoh Tribe should be consulted on all energy issues, renewable and otherwise, as their siting and development could affect both Tribal cultural and natural resources. Involving the Hoh Tribe in renewable energy development could be formalized in a policy addition. Commented [TM97R96]: looks good! CLIMATE Jefferson County Comprehensive Plan 9-30 Public Hearing Draft April 2026 Goal CE-G-13 Seek opportunities to repurpose and renovate existing buildings, especially historic buildings, to reduce resource consumption and GHG emissions. Alternative uses for buildings can include housing and public spaces that provide shelter, warmth, or cooling during extreme weather. Policy CE-P-13.1 Develop high-heat and air quality resilience strategies such as providing public access to cooling and clean air centers, running high-heat and wildfire smoke awareness campaigns, and directing coordination efforts with local public health and emergency service providers. Policy CE-P-13.2 Prioritize the preservation and weatherization including passive cooling options of housing in overburdened communities, particularly at higher densities, to reduce emissions and increase resilience. Policy CE-P-13.3 Promote salvage, deconstruction, and recycling of construction and demolition debris. Policy CE-P-13.4 Incentivize community replacement of woodstoves and fossil fuel heating with heat pumps or similar technology to provide resilience for high-heat and poor air quality and reduce emissions. Goal CE-G-14 Prioritize developments that use technological and passive strategies to mitigate harm to public health, safety, and welfare, especially those caused or amplified by climate change. Policy CE-P-14.1 Develop inventories of buildings and infrastructure at risk to climate change impacts such as sea level rise and increased precipitation. Prioritize mitigation projects that relocate critical infrastructure out of the inundation zone or 100-year flood plains. Policy CE-P-14.2 Design buildings for passive survivability to ensure that they will stay at a safe temperature for occupants if the power goes out. Policy CE-P-14.3 Encourage or incentivize new developments to use low emission construction practices, low or zero net lifetime energy requirements, and green building techniques. Policy CE-P-14.4 Incentivize new buildings to be solar ready and EV charging ready. CLIMATE Jefferson County Comprehensive Plan 9-31 Public Hearing Draft April 2026 Emergency Management The emergency management sector includes goals and policies that seek to prepare Jefferson County and its residents for hazards exacerbated by climate change, including increased flooding and precipitation, sea level rise, compounded tsunami inundation risk from sea level rise, wildfires and wildfire smoke, extreme heat, and more. Climate hazards pose risks to community wellbeing by reducing water availability, disrupting food production and availability, and impacts to public health and safety. Emergency Management policies should ensure residents can be fully prepared and informed about relevant climate risks and response systems for emergencies in the county. Goal CE-G-15 Enhance community well-being and emergency preparedness, response, and recovery efforts to mitigate risks and impacts associated with extreme weather and other hazards worsened by climate change ensuring the most vulnerable residents do not bear disproportionate health risks. Policy CE-P-15.1 Continue to develop long-term, comprehensive flood hazard management plans in cooperation with other applicable agencies and persons that consider the potential climate change impacts using projected flooding and sea-level rise assessments and related increased risk of tsunami inundation. Plans should seek to minimize the likelihood of flood damage, maintain the natural hydraulic capacity of streams and floodplains, protect human health and well-being, and conserve or restore valuable, limited resources such as fish habitat and floodplain connectivity water, soil, and recreation and scenic areas. Policy CE-P-15.2 Update, develop, and disseminate fire hazard maps that consider impacts from climate change. Maps will be used to: ▶ Educate and assist builders and homeowners in wildfire mitigation practices. ▶ Guide emergency services during response. Policy CE-P-15.3 Enhance emergency preparedness, response, and recovery efforts related to wildfire and wildfire smoke impacts associated with climate change. Possible actions include: ▶ Educate district personnel on federal cost-share and grant programs and Fire Protection agreements. ▶ Participate in the Firewise Program and enhance outreach and education programs aimed at mitigating wildfire hazards and reducing or preventing the exposure of residents, public agencies, private property owners, and businesses to natural hazards. Additional emergency management policies related to climate resilience and GHG emissions reduction can be found in the following elements: ▶ Land Use: Policies LU-P- 9.3 and LU-P-16.2 ▶ Natural Resources: Policy NR-P-3.8 ▶ Environment: Policy EN- P-6.3 Commented [JP98]: Hoh Tribe comment letter #028 Commented [TM99R98]: looks good Commented [JP100]: Hoh Tribe comment letter #028 Commented [TM101R100]: looks good CLIMATE Jefferson County Comprehensive Plan 9-32 Public Hearing Draft April 2026 ▶ Provide private forestland owners and residents living in Wildland- Urban Interface (WUI) areas information about fire prevention (e.g., Firewise) practices, and support application of such practices via building code provisions. ▶ Create multilingual versions of a wildfire hazard atlas for Jefferson County and the City of Port Townsend that incorporates climate change impacts and identifies vulnerable populations. ▶ Enhance Emergency Services to increase efficiency of wildfire response and recovery activities by integrating climate mitigation strategies. Policy CE-P-15.4 Develop community-based resilience hubs, prioritizing access for at-risk populations and marginalized communities, to support residents and coordinate the distribution of resources and services before, during, and after a hazard event including wildfire and wildfire smoke and extreme heat. Resiliency hubs should include cooling options (passive cooling or air conditioning) and air filtration systems. Policy CE-P-15.5 Strengthen emergency services preparedness response efforts to mitigate risks and impacts associated with climate change by linking emergency services with natural hazard mitigation programs. Possible ideas include: ▶ Promote inter-agency response planning and training among various first response agencies within Jefferson County, including public health, law enforcement, fire, and emergency medical services (EMS). ▶ Continue involvement at the county level with the Northwest Region Fire Defense Board and the Northwest Region Fire Mobilization Plan. ▶ Encourage local fire service, emergency medical, and law enforcement agencies to include Jefferson C.E.R.T. members in training opportunities. ▶ Develop and distribute maps and awareness tools so the public and planners recognize current and future wildfire and smoke patterns and can plan evacuation routes and protocols. Safety measures should be developed to protect vulnerable populations from dangerous wildfire smoke. Policy CE-P-15.6 Employ outdoor work protocols during extreme heat or smoke events to reduce potential adverse health effects applicable to the county’s workforce and provide outreach to community businesses and organizations on safer work protocols during extreme heat and smoke events. Commented [JH102]: Added per EJC’s 3/5 report Commented [TM103R102]: consider different language for "marginalized". discuss with MA Commented [TM104R102]: Added definition for "historically marginalized communities" in introduction section. language looks good here CLIMATE Jefferson County Comprehensive Plan 9-33 Public Hearing Draft April 2026 Policy CE-P-15.7 Identify and address the disproportionate impacts of climate change on overburdened communities when prioritizing investments, policies, programs, and projects. Ensure benefits and outreach materials are inclusive to, accessible to, and focused on underserved communities, including rural communities. Policy CE-P-15.8 Educate the public on wildfire smoke risks, vulnerable populations and measures to reduce exposure. Policy CE-P-15.9 Maintain and expand a system of open space, trails, parks, and greenbelts that provide opportunities to be outside and active. Ensure public parks and beaches have adequate shade elements and benches where appropriate to protect against extreme heat. Policy CE-P-15.10 Ensure emergency preparedness plans account for individuals with disabilities, particularly those with mobility and cognitive disabilities. Transportation The transportation sector includes goals and policies that seek to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and increase resiliency to climate change impacts, including extreme precipitation and flooding, and sea level rise. Goal CE-G-16 Ensure that the local transportation system—including infrastructure, evacuation routes, and travel modes—can withstand and recover quickly from the impacts or hazards exacerbated by climate change, with special attention to the needs of overburdened and vulnerable populations, including isolated communities. Policy CE-P-16.1 Reduce stormwater impacts from transportation and development through watershed planning, redevelopment and retrofit projects, and low-impact development, ensuring the integration of local climate impacts risk assessment into planning efforts. Policy CE-P-16.2 Design and site new and retrofit existing transportation infrastructure, including low-lying roads, non-motorized trails, rail systems, and bridges vulnerable to coastal or inland flooding, repetitive flooding and/or landslides, and sea level rise. Transportation infrastructure should ensure the least possible adverse impacts on existing ecology and habitat restoration projects, limit impact on public access (particularly for vulnerable and marginalized populations), and integrate future climate projections into siting and design. Additional transportation policies related to climate resilience and GHG emissions reduction can be found in the following elements: ▶ Land Use: Policies LU-P- 17.2 and LU-P-32.3 ▶ Transportation: Policies TR-P-4.10, TR-G-8, and TR-P-9.7 Commented [JH105]: Added per EJC’s “People First” feedback (split recommendation for LU-G- 9 into two policies, one in LU and one under CE- G-15). Commented [TM106R105]: looks good Commented [JH107]: Per comment 028 from Hoh Indian Tribe on 6/12: “Functioning roads are essential to Tribal resource access. Upper Hoh Rd is a combined County and federal asset highly prone to flooding. It would be good to include in the Built Infrastructure sector, along with strategies to improve its resilience like river restoration and additional financial resources to address washouts and study potential improvements.” Commented [TM108R107]: Upper Hoh Road added as an at-risk transportation asset in introduction. Commented [JH109]: Added per EJC’s 3/5 report Commented [TM110R109]: consider marginalized language Commented [TM111R109]: Added definition for "historically marginalized communities" in introduction section. language looks good here CLIMATE Jefferson County Comprehensive Plan 9-34 Public Hearing Draft April 2026 Goal CE-G-17 Promote opportunities to reduce GHG emissions in the transportation sector. Policy CE-P-17.1 Improve the efficiency of the transportation system, promote electric vehicle infrastructure and adoption, and expand active transportation infrastructure to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Conduct audits of existing transportation systems to identify and address accessibility gaps among overburdened and vulnerable populations. Policy CE-P-17.2 Promote public transit expansion and use through coordination of land use and transportation planning, prioritizing historically vulnerable populations such as low-income and rural communities. Provide and promote mobility options during emergency events. Policy CE-P-17.3 Expand electric vehicle infrastructure development and support the transition to electric vehicles. Policy CE-P-17.4 Collaborate with regional partners to promote the expansion of regional multimodal transportation systems, to connect transportation hubs such as ferry terminals to other high-density county areas. Policy CE-P-17.5 Promote a safe and well-connected multimodal transportation network to encourage active transportation and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Policy CE-P-17.6 Design streets to reduce vehicle miles traveled and GHG emissions and encourage active transportation by considering how street network connectivity can be utilized to reduce VMT. Communications & Collaboration Policies in the communications and collaboration section encourage interdepartmental county collaboration and community-led efforts to increase climate resilience across the county. Goal CE-G-18 Expand county and community partnerships to integrate equity and vulnerability to frontline communities in prioritizing resilience strategies. Policy CE-P-18.1 Build and support partnerships with community-based organizations, Tribes, and Public Health with the capacity and relationships to convene diverse coalitions of residents and to educate and empower them to implement climate resilience actions. Additional communications and collaboration policies related to climate resilience and GHG emissions reduction can be found in the following elements: ▶ Land Use: Policies LU-P- 9.12, LU-P-9.3, and LU-P- 34.4 ▶ Natural Resources: Policies NR-P-3.8 and NR- P-8.6 ▶ Environment: Policy EN-P-7.3 Commented [JH112]: Added per comment from road show open houses Commented [TM113R112]: looks good CLIMATE Jefferson County Comprehensive Plan 9-35 Public Hearing Draft April 2026 Policy CE-P-18.2 Consider developing a countywide Climate Resilience Office to support the integration of equity into climate change adaptation efforts, as well as promote, adaptation, mitigation and planning for climate change across all county departments and with community partners. Goal CE-G-19 Increase public involvement, communication, and participation in programs to support resilience and adaptation. Policy CE-P-19.1 Identify, improve, and sustain collaborative programs focusing on the real estate and insurance industries, public and private sector organizations, and individuals to avoid activity that increases risk and exposure to climate impacts. ▶ Continue and/or enhance and expand the Neighborhood Emergency Response Team Program. ▶ Consider participation in the National Flood Insurance Program Community Rating System Program to inform residents, in participating jurisdictions, about the flood risk in Jefferson County. ▶ Continue to make public awareness materials and programs available to the public to help inform the communities within Jefferson County as to the risks associated with various natural hazards. ▶ Ensure climate related outreach and education materials are inclusive, accessible, and culturally contextualized. Policy CE-P-19.2 Build and support partnerships with jurisdictions, agencies, private businesses, and community organizations to identify and pursue funding opportunities to implement local climate and natural hazard mitigation activities. Actions include: ▶ Identify and encourage partnering with various agencies and organizations within Jefferson County that have an interest in or have established natural hazard mitigation programs. ▶ Hold recurring cross-sector coordination meetings to share updates on climate resilience work. ▶ Establish a climate charter within the county to anchor cross-sector coordination with shared goals, resources and standards and that establishes agreement of mutual aid across county departments. ▶ Develop a shared internal website or online collaboration tool to share climate resources and work. ▶ Partnering with various state and federal agencies that have programs that support natural hazard mitigation programs such as the Flood Control Assistance Account Program administered by the Washington State Department of Ecology. Commented [JH114]: Note EJC’s youth informed discussions suggested a youth engagement goal/policy here, but I think it’s better for the Land Use Element as it applies to more than just climate planning. Added the following policy under LU-G-1: “Foster meaningful, ongoing youth participation in local planning and decision-making. Create structures for youth leadership—such as advisory councils, paid internships, school partnerships, and forums—with special outreach to LGBTQ+, disabled, BIPOC, and rural youth. Ensure youth voice shapes policies, facilities, and investments that impact their lives.” Commented [TM115R114]: agree. youth engagement mentioned in 19.4 as well CLIMATE Jefferson County Comprehensive Plan 9-36 Public Hearing Draft April 2026 Policy CE-P-19.3 Establish and maintain government-to-government relations with Tribes for the preservation of archaeological sites and traditional cultural properties that are vulnerable to climate impacts. Policy CE-P-19.4 Establish and support interactions with individuals to increase active involvement, communication, and participation in programs for climate resilience and adaptation, particularly for historically marginalized and disadvantaged groups. Actions include: ▶ Provide outreach to youth, BIPOC communities, LGBTQ+ residents, low-income families, and those with disabilities. ▶ Support school-based education, youth-led activities, and culturally inclusive programs that encourage all generations to shape a resilient future. 9.5 ACTION PLAN Exhibit 9-8 highlights key activities the county can use to implement the Climate Element over the next ten years (prior to the next periodic update), several in partnership with other entities: Exhibit 9-8 Climate Action Plan Action Sector Nexus Description Climate Change Outreach and Education ▶ Emergency Management ▶ Communication & Collaborations ▶ Continue climate centered communications and create outreach tools that can be used to inform Jefferson County residents about climate change impacts and resilience strategies. Strategies should include actions that residents and businesses can take at home to bolster resilience, reduce GHG emissions, and reduce water consumption. ▶ Build staff capacity to conduct targeted outreach to community organizations, businesses, and schools, to help these organizations integrate better climate practices, including both preparing for climate impacts and reducing GHG emissions. ▶ Encourage department and agency development of climate hazard-related emergency plans. ▶ Partner with relevant stakeholders across the county to implement the policies in this element. Climate Science Updates ▶ Zoning & Development ▶ Water Resources ▶ Ecosystems ▶ Agriculture & Food Systems ▶ Buildings & Energy ▶ Transportation ▶ Conduct periodic updates of climate information such as sea level rise, flooding, heat, precipitation and snowpack, and more. ▶ Integrate climate findings into County plans and policies, noting impacts to County infrastructure or operations. Commented [JH116]: Policy received support in comment 028 from Hoh Indian Tribe on 6/12 Commented [JH117]: Revised per EJC’s 3/5 report Commented [TM118R117]: review language Commented [TM119R117]: Added definition for "historically marginalized communities" in introduction section. language looks good here Commented [JH120]: Revised to incorporate action item from the Environment Element (per Joel’s direction) Commented [TM121R120]: looks good CLIMATE Jefferson County Comprehensive Plan 9-37 Public Hearing Draft April 2026 Action Sector Nexus Description Update Zoning and County Code ▶ Zoning & Development ▶ Water Resources ▶ Cultural Resources & Practices ▶ Agriculture & Food Systems ▶ Buildings & Energy ▶ Emergency Management ▶ Transportation ▶ Integrate climate data and projected future conditions into policies impacting zoning and land use decisions and building and infrastructure requirements. ▶ Leverage planning, conservation, and restoration efforts to improve natural and built infrastructure resilience to climate hazards. Infrastructure Improvements ▶ Zoning & Development ▶ Buildings & Energy ▶ Ecosystems ▶ Water Resources ▶ Agriculture & Food Systems ▶ Continue efforts to increase built infrastructure resilience to climate hazards, including culvert replacement for fish passage, and through implementation of nature-based solutions and green infrastructure. ▶ Provide support for implementing new modes of transportation as feasible and as funds are available, including infrastructure for active transportation to encourage safe walking, biking, and rolling, and the use of electric vehicles and transit buses. Support Local Economy ▶ Agriculture & Food Systems ▶ Ecosystems ▶ Cultural Resources & Practices ▶ Communications & Collaborations ▶ Agriculture, timber, marine, and tourism industries; support of established economic activities that also increase climate resilience and ecosystem health and promote carbon sequestration. ▶ Support plans and policies to protect key county natural resources and natural resource economies. Source: Jefferson County, 2025. Commented [JP122]: Include something about culvert replacement? See Hoh comment letter #028. Commented [JP123R122]: added Commented [TM124R122]: looks good Commented [JH125]: Moved from Environment Element (per Joel’s direction) Commented [TM126R125]: looks good CLIMATE Jefferson County Comprehensive Plan 9-38 Public Hearing Draft April 2026 [ This page intentionally blank ] CLIMATE Jefferson County Comprehensive Plan 9-39 Public Hearing Draft April 2026 Remove prior intentionally blank page from PDF if needed—formatted as a placeholder to ensure each element starts on a right hand spread. Do not publish from this point forward. Remove pages from consolidated PDF. These sections should be updated and copied into their appropriate chapters (TOC, References) as needed. References Abatzoglou, J. (2011). Development of gridded surface meteorological data for ecological applications and modelling. International Journal of Climatology. doi:doi: 10.1002/joc.3413 Abatzoglou, J., & Brown, T. (2012). A comparison of statistical downscaling methods suited for wildfire applications. Retrieved from International Journal of Climatology: 780.https://doi.org/10.1002/joc.2312 Abdo, M. W. (2019). Impact of Wildfire Smoke on Adverse Pregnancy Outcomes in Colorado, 2007–2015. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 16(19). doi: 10.3390/ijerph16193720 American Community Survey. (2024). Comparative Economic Charcteristics, Jefferson County WA. American Forests. (n.d.). Tree Equity Score National Explorer. Retrieved from https://www.treeequityscore.org/map#10/48.1136/-122.7755 Basilio, E. C. (2022). Wildfire Smoke Exposure during Pregnancy: A Review of Potential Mechanisms of Placental Toxicity, Impact on Obstetric Outcomes, and Strategies to Reduce Exposure. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 19(21). doi:10.3390/ijerph192113727 BERK Consulting Group. (2025). Jefferson County Maps. Cascadia Consulting Group. (2022). The City of Port Townsend’s Sea Level Rise and Coastal Flooding Risk Assessment. The City of Port Townend. CDC. (2024). PLACES. https://www.cdc.gov/places/. Chegwidden, O. S. (2017). Hydrologic Response of the Columbia River System to Climate Change [Data set]. Retrieved from Zenodo. doi:10.5281/zenodo.854763. Dura et al. (2025). Briefing Document: Increased Flood Exposure in the Pacific Northwest Following Earthquake-driven Subsidence and Sea-Level Rise. Retrieved from https://survivingcascadia.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/cascadia-earthquake-driven- subsidence-briefing_final_1.0.1_5-1-25.pdf. Dye. (2024). Simulated Future Shifts in Wildfire Regimes in Moist Forests of Pacific Northwest, USA. JGR Biogeosciences. ESA. (2023). Jefferson County Sea-Level Rise Study. Retrieved from https://cascadiainc.sharepoint.com/sites/JeffersonCountyClimateElement/Shared%20Documen ts/Forms/AllItems.aspx?id=%2Fsites%2FJeffersonCountyClimateElement%2FShared%20Docum ents%2FGap%20Analysis%2FPolicy%20audit%20workbook%20and%20documents%2FSource%2 0docume CLIMATE Jefferson County Comprehensive Plan 9-40 Public Hearing Draft April 2026 Fountain, A. G. (2021). Data From: Glaciers of the Olympic Mountains, Washington – The Past and Future 100 Years. Journal of Geophysical Research: Earth Surface, 127. doi:10.15760/geology-data.02 Grimm, N. B. (2013). The impacts of climate change on ecosystem structure and function. Frontiers in Ecology and the Environment, 11(9), 474-482. doi:https://doi.org/10.1890/120282 Halofsky, J., Peterson, D., & Harvey, B. (2020). Changing wildfire, changing forests: the effects of climate change on fire regimes and vegetation in the Pacific Northwest. fire ecol. doi:https://doi.org/10.1186/s42408-019-0062-8 Hegewisch, K. &. (n.d.). Future Time Series' web tool. Retrieved from Climate Toolbox: https://climatetoolbox.org/tool/future-time-series. Jefferson County. (2019). Annual Bridge Condition Report. Jefferson County. (2024). Jefferson County Public Health Climate Dashboard. Jefferson County Conservation District. (2022). Chimacum Drainage District: History, Current Conditions, and Potential Options for the Future. Jefferson Land Trust, Jefferson County Environmental Public Health, North Olympic Salmon Coalition. Jefferson Land Trust. (2010). Conservation Plan. Retrieved from https://www.saveland.org/wp- content/uploads/2016/06/2010_JLT_ConservationPlan_LoRes.pdf Krosby, M. H. ( 2018). Tribal Climate Tool web tool. Climate Impacts Group. Retrieved from (https://cig.uw.edu/resources/tribal-vulnerability-assessment-resources/) and Climate Toolbox (https://climatetoolbox.org) Miller, I. M. (2018). Projected Sea Level Rise for Washington State – A 2018 Assessment. A collaboration of Washington Sea Grant, University of Washington Climate Impacts Group, University of Oregon, University of Washington, and U.S. Geological Survey. Washington Coastal Resilience Project. NOAA. (n.d.). Relative Sea Level Trend. NODC. (2022). Phase 2: Municipal Level Climate Action Planning for the North Olympic Peninsula – Final Report. North Olympic Peninsula Resource Conservation & Development Council. Prepared by NODC and Cascadia Consulting. Retrieved from www.noprcd.org Petersen, S. B. (2015). Climate Change Preparedness Plan for the North Olympic Peninsula. A Project of the North Olympic Peninsula Resource Conservation & Development Council and the Washington Department of Commerce. funded by the Environmental Protection Agency. Retrieved from www.noprcd.org Pramova, E. L. (2012). Forest and trees for social adaptation to climate variability and change. WIREs Clim Change, 3, 581-596. doi:doi: 10.1002/wcc.195 Raymond, C. M. (2022). Climate Mapping for a Resilient Washington. Climate Impacts Group, University of Washington, Seattle and Research Data & Computing Services. Rogers, M., & Mauger, G. (2021). Pacific Northwest Climate Projection Tool. Salathé, E., & Leung, L. Q. (2010). Regional climate model projections for the State of Washington. Climate Change, 102(1-2), 51-75. Retrieved from https://doi.org/10.1007/s10584-010-9849-y SWCA. (2024). Community Wildfire Protection Plan. Jefferson County. CLIMATE Jefferson County Comprehensive Plan 9-41 Public Hearing Draft April 2026 Washington State Department of Health (DOH). (2023). How Climate Change Impacts Zoonotic, Vector-borne, and Environmental Fungal Disease in Washington State. Retrieved from https://doh.wa.gov/sites/default/files/2024-03/420567-ZoonoticClimateImpactsFlyer.pdf Washington State Department of Natural Resources (DNR). (2021). Tsunami Hazard Maps of the Puget Sound and Adjacent Waters—Model Results from an Extended L1 Mw 9.0 Cascadia Subduction Zone Megathrust Earthquake Scenario. Retrieved from https://www.lummi- nsn.gov/userfiles/691_germs2021-01tsunamihazardpugetsoundpamphlet.pdf Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT). (2011). Climate Impacts Vulnerability Assessment. Washington State Department of Transportation. Retrieved from https://wsdot.wa.gov/sites/default/files/2021-10/Climate-Impact-AssessmentforFHWA-12-2011.pdf Washington Tracking Network. (2024). Extreme Heat”. Retrieved from https://fortress.wa.gov/doh/wtn/WTNPortal/home/#!q0=8960 Wildfire Risk to Communities. (n.d.). Retrieved from Wildfire Risk. org: https://wildfirerisk.org/explore/overview/53/53031/ Working Forests. (n.d.). Private working forestry in Jefferson County has a unique role. Retrieved from Working Forests: https://workingforests.org/working-forests-in-jefferson-county-wa/ Contents 9 CLIMATE 9-1 9.1 Purpose 9-1 9.2 Trends & Opportunities 9-3 Climate Impacts 9-4 Climate Vulnerability 9-7 Public Health 9-7 Economy & Resource Lands 9-9 Built Infrastructure 9-12 Water Systems 9-13 Agriculture & Food Systems 9-15 Natural Environment & Ecosystems 9-17 9.3 Climate Plan 9-19 9.4 Goals & Policies 9-20 Zoning & Development 9-20 Water Resources 9-23 Ecosystems 9-25 Cultural Resource & Practices 9-27 Agriculture & Food Systems 9-27 Buildings & Energy 9-28 Emergency Management 9-31 CLIMATE Jefferson County Comprehensive Plan 9-42 Public Hearing Draft April 2026 Transportation 9-33 Communications & Collaboration 9-34 9.5 Action Plan 9-36 Exhibit 9-1 Change in Summer Surface Temperatures (2013–2023) 9-6 Exhibit 9-2 Percent of the Population Age 65 or Older in Jefferson County (2022) 9-8 Exhibit 9-3 Tree Canopy Coverage in Western and Eastern Jefferson County (2021) 9-11 Exhibit 9-4 Major Transportation Routes and Public Facilities at Risk of Sea Level Rise and Flooding in Jefferson County 9-12 Exhibit 9-5 Flood Hazard Mapping of Different Levels of Sea Level in Quilcene Bay 9-14 Exhibit 9-6 Agricultural Resource Lands in Jefferson County (2024) 9-16 Exhibit 9-7 Historic and Future Air (Shading) and Stream (Dots) Temperature Throughout the Olympics and the Impact of Temperature on Salmon 9-18 Exhibit 9-8 Climate Action Plan 9-36