Background
In 2007, the Swinomish Tribe passed a Climate Change proclamation in response to growing concerns about
potential impacts of climate change on the Swinomish Indian Reservation. The motivation behind this
proclamation related directly to recognition within the region about the potential impacts from climate
change, the increase of climate-related natural disasters around the world, and the growing knowledge
and observations about climate change among the scientific community.
Regionally, the lower Skagit River area was identified as one of two high-risk areas within the state
for sea level rise, and local events such as severe storms and flooding from tidal surges also prompted
concern. These events served as a catalyst for developing projects and research to more thoroughly
examine climate change issues and potential responses. The Proclamation promised to develop, strategize,
and take actions necessary to assess the potential impacts of climate change on the Reservation community
and resources. To further this goal, the Swinomish Tribe launched a climate change initiative in 2008
and began conducting research to determine the risks posed to the tribe in regards to health, culture,
the built environment, and the natural environment.
Projected Climate Change Impacts for the Swinomish Tribe
In 2009, the tribe completed an impact assessment that examined a broad range of issues and sectors for
potential climate change impacts from effects such as sea level rise and rising temperatures. The
assessment found that many assets and resources within the Swinomish Indian Reservation would be impacted,
in addition to impacts on public health and tribal traditions. The assessment found that approximately 15%
of Swinomish tribe land is at risk of inundation from rising sea level, potentially threatening the Tribe’s
primary economic development land in which current enterprises are located, in addition to potential impacts
on tribal agricultural land, shellfish beds, fishing docks, and private residential development. In addition,
the assessment found that upland areas containing extensive forest resources and developed property worth
over $518 million may be at risk from potentially destructive wildfire.
The tribe’s historic and cultural reliance on many traditionally used resources is at risk due to a multitude
of climate change impacts. For several hundred years, the tribe has relied on salmon fishing, shellfish
harvesting, and other marine resources, as part of their significant cultural tradition. The beaches and
water that surround the reservation are considered to be an important traditional resource for the tribe.
The tribe’s economic and cultural reliance on fish and water is at risk due to rising sea levels as a
result of global warming. This has spurred the Tribe to take action against the threat of sea level rise
and biological diversity loss. The tribe has been performing water quality monitoring for a number of years,
and intends to perform monitoring of impacts such as species loss, sea level rise, and fish stocks to gather
necessary information to guide policy changes. Additionally, the impact assessment found that there is the
potential for respiratory diseases, heat illnesses, and the possibility of infectious diseases as a result
of climate change.
Aerial view of Swionmish Indian Reservation and LaConner vicinity (Swinomish Indian Tribe)
Project Implementation
The Swinomish Tribe has been at the forefront nationally in addressing climate change adaptation. The Swinomish Climate
Change Initiative has been highlighted at tribal conferences, national websites, newsletters and other venues as a model
for assessing the impacts from climate change and developing a climate change adaptation plan. The Swinomish Tribe secured
80% of project funding ($400,000) from the Administration for Native Americans. The remaining 20% came from Tribal funds.
The model developed by the Swinomish Tribe focuses on building an understanding of climate change impacts
in order to identify strategies for climate change adaptation. The Swinomish Tribe began preliminary efforts
in 2007 to identify the scope of climate change issues. The Tribe began by gaining buy-in from tribal leaders
through the proclamation, and then began to assess capacity and needs internally, as well as opportunity for
collaboration with external partners. After defining their approach and methods, the Tribe began work on the
Impact Assessment Technical Report, which was completed in 2009. This assessment provides a baseline of
information the Tribe is using to develop the climate change adaptation action plan.
Tribal buy-in leads to issuance of the 2007 Climate Change Proclamation
Secure funding
Identification of partners, development of advisory committee and identification of roles and responsibilities
Development of the Impact assessment
Data review/analysis
Risk zone mapping/inventory
Vulnerability assessment
Risk analysis
Policy/strategy scoping (intergovernmental)
Community Outreach
Formed tribal outreach group
Held public meetings
Conducted personal interviews of tribal members & elders
Conducted storytelling workshop with tribal members
Phase 2 (2010)
Development of the Action plan
Adaptation goals
Strategy evaluation & priorities
Action recommendations
Coordination, funding needs
Other implementation issues
Phase 3 (future work)
Action Plan Implementation
Monitoring and Adaptive Management
Update of the Impact Assessment
Project Successes and Challenges
The Tribe encountered numerous challenges and learned valuable lessons through this Initiative. Specific
challenges have included the complexity of the subject and analysis of scientific data, working on an unfamiliar
process and communication with diverse partners, and competing priorities. Those working on the Initiative have
recognized that each step informs the next, which has called for thorough work, peer review and a strong
understanding of findings among all partners and staff. Perhaps the most important lesson, however, has been
that those working on the Initiative keep in mind that they are working for the future, and that while results
of these efforts will likely not be seen by this generation, they are indeed working for future generations.
Next Steps: Action Plan Development
Efforts under the Swinomish Climate Change Initiative are focused on completion of the Adaptation Action Plan,
which the Tribe anticipates by the end of 2010. The action plan will include a summary of the impact and risk
analysis and include adaptation goals and objectives, strategy options and evaluation criteria. Action
recommendations and priorities will focus on Coastal Resources, Upland Resources, Community Integrity and Health,
and Community Infrastructure. Action Plan Implementation will include policy considerations, community involvement,
fiscal impact and funding requirements, organizational capacity, inter-jurisdictional coordination, monitoring and
adaptive response, and mitigation activities.
Key Partners
The Swinomish Climate Change Initiative has relied on the participation and input of tribal community members,
neighboring jurisdictions, public and private entities, and scientific researchers. Partners are highlighted in
the table below.
Partner Organization
Partnership Role
Center for Science in the Earth System University of Washington / Climate Impacts Group
Professional scientific review and advisory service
Skagit County
Neighboring jurisdiction with interests in common, participation in advisory group
Skagit River System Cooperative
As fisheries branch of Tribe, advise on local conditions, projections and climate research data
Town of LaConner
Neighboring jurisdiction with interests in common, participation in advisory group
Shelter Bay Community
On-Reservation residential community in low-lying area, participation in advisory group
Funding to develop this project profile was provided by the USDA Forest Service Pacific Northwest Research Station.
Tribal Climate Change Profile Project:
The University of Oregon and the USDA Forest Service Pacific Northwest Research Station are embarking on a project
to develop tribal climate change project profiles as a pathway to increasing knowledge among tribal and non-tribal
organizations interested in learning about climate change mitigation and adaptation efforts. Each profile is
intended to illustrate innovative approaches to addressing climate change challenges and will describe the
successes and lessons learned associated with planning and implementation. For more information, contact:
Kathy Lynn, University of Oregon Environmental Studies Program, kathy@uoregon.edu
Ellen Donoghue, USDA Forest Service Pacific Northwest Research Station, edonoghue@fs.fed.us
* This item was added to the website with support from the USDA Forest Service Pacific Northwest Research Station,
Sustainable Northwest, and the University of Oregon.
Projected Climate Change Impacts for the Swinomish Tribe
Aerial view of Swionmish Indian Reservation and LaConner vicinity (Swinomish Indian Tribe)