Team Eco

Identified Challenges

The Coastside struggles to effectively manage its environmental assets as a driver for economic growth and as responsible stewards.

• Multi-agency, uncoordinated governance.
• Lack of signage between natural areas and commerce.
• Lack of investment into local economy; funding.
• Businesses with limited awareness of natural assets.
• Businesses not fully tapping into tourist market.
• Commerce restricted in natural areas.
• Public land management issues.

The future of agricultural operations on the Coastside is in jeopardy.

• Challenging to do land-based work.
• Farm labor housing shortages.
• Climate change.
• Taxation and zoning.
• Maintenance challenges.
• Competition for local farms.
• Technology and automation natural areas.
• General lack of support.

Recommendations

• Establish a coordinated network of organizations to steward Coastside lands more effectively for economic, environmental, and climate-related benefits.
• Identify and advocate for changes to laws, policies, and regulations to make farming more economically viable.
• Establish and strengthen collaboration, training, and support for the farming community (across generations and farming styles).
• Build on the work of As Fresh as It Gets campaign to promote Coastside farms and farm products.

Research & Implementation

The Coastside Recovery Initiative is actively researching and seeking solutions to implement the recommendations.