What is the Watershed Improvement Plan?
The Urban Flood Safety and Water Quality District is developing its first Watershed Improvement Plan to guide how the District will improve flood protection and environmental health over the next 10 years and beyond.
The Watershed Improvement Plan identifies priority actions, strategies, and partnerships that support a healthy watershed while maintaining a reliable flood protection system within the District’s managed floodplain (shown in dark blue on the map below).
The plan will also coordinate with other government agencies, nonprofit organizations, and businesses, and reflects a deep understanding of watershed conditions, strengths, challenges, and opportunities. This understanding is built on scientific information, ecological principles, best practices for watershed planning, and the expertise and lived experience of community members, partners, District staff, and the District Board.
How can you participate?
The Watershed Improvement Plan process is being developed through an inclusive process that invites participation from people who live, work, and recreate within the District’s service area, along with government agencies, nonprofit organizations, and businesses. Community input will be gathered through workshops, open houses, and a community survey. These engagement opportunities are designed to ensure that local knowledge, priorities, and lived experiences help inform District decision-making and shape future watershed investments.
Project phases and opportunities to engage
Visioning Phase
February 2026 — May 2026
This phase creates a shared future vision for a healthy Columbia River Slough watershed and includes a broad list of potential projects and actions to support that vision. Input will be gathered from community members, government and nonprofit partners, District staff, and the District Board.
- In-Person Community Visioning Workshop (February 2026)
- Partner Visioning Workshop (March 2026)
- District Board Meeting
Prioritization Phase
March 2026 — October 2026
This phase develops a decision-making framework for prioritizing projects that improve flood safety, enhance watershed health, and reflect community interests and needs. This phase identifies the highest priority projects for future implementation.
- Community Survey
- Community Project Expo
- District Board Meeting
Implementation Planning Phase
October 2026 — January 2027
During this phase, Knot Studio will prepare a draft Watershed Improvement Plan that includes prioritized projects identified in the previous phase, evaluation metrics, a monitoring plan, and recommendations for future planning over the short term (1 year), medium term (5 years), and long term (10 years) actions. Government and nonprofit partners, District staff, and the District Board will review and provide feedback on the draft plan.
Reporting Phase
April 2027 – July 2027
The District and Knot Studio will share the results of the Watershed Improvement Plan and seek support for implementing priority actions.
- Community Plan Open House
- Final Board Presentation