Coastal Resilience
Building resilience to sea level rise requires shifting from reacting to hazard events toward implementing proactive strategies tailored to the local shoreline context. A proactive approach provides multiple benefits, including the flexibility to adapt to changing conditions. Nature-based solutions are an essential element of this approach, particularly in the short- to medium-term. At Dudek, we advance coastal resilience by partnering with clients at every scale and stage of planning.
A Deep Bench of Experts to Assess Coastal Vulnerability and Risk
Our team of licensed engineers, scientists, and WEDG-certified planners delivers expert coastal hazard and flood risk assessments, habitat and sediment management analyses, and feasibility studies. We bring a robust understanding of shoreline processes, vulnerabilities, and adaptation opportunities.
Adaptation Informed by Community Outreach
Outreach and engagement are key to effective adaptation planning. With more than 15 years of coastal experience, we know firsthand that coastal issues can trigger opposing viewpoints, where consensus can be difficult to find. We bridge that divide by translating complex science into accessible information, grounding decisions in community values, and applying adaptation pathways to deliver long-term resilience through phased actions.
Streamlined Permitting Accelerates Coastal Resilience
Coasts are highly regulated and dynamic resources, with regulatory agencies like the California Coastal Commission (CCC) playing a central role in decision-making. Our California team includes former CCC staff with deep knowledge of coastal laws, regulations, procedures, and policy interpretation and strong working relationships with agency staff. By engaging regulatory agencies early and often, we turn well-designed adaptation plans into on-the-ground action.
What We Do
- Conceptual Restoration Plans
- Feasibility Studies and Alternatives Analysis
- Sea Level Rise and Coastal Hazards Vulnerability Assessments
- Sediment Management Plans
- Wave Runup and Overtopping Analysis
- CCC Local Coastal Program Amendments/Updates
- Community Outreach and Engagement
- Grant Application Support
- Master Plans
- Public Works Plans
- CCC and Local Government Coastal Development Permits and Amendments
- CEQA/NEPA Documentation
- Construction Drawings and Specifications
- CZMA Consistency
- Joint Aquatic Resources Permit Applications (JARPA)
Sarah Richmond
PG
Sarah Richmond is an experienced coastal planner and geomorphologist, specializing in sea level rise adaptation planning. She leads multi-disciplinary teams to analyze complex coastal systems, design nature-based solutions, and secure policy and permit approvals.
Carolyn Groves
AICP
Carolyn Groves is a coastal planner specializing in coastal resilience and regulatory permitting. She focuses on Local Coastal Program updates for sea level rise and helping local governments permit sustainable coastal development.
Rose Newberry
AICP, WEDG
Rose Newberry is a planner who specializes in environmental justice and climate adaptation. She helps communities identify vulnerable populations and develop policies and tools to increase resilience. Her work focuses on creating accessible, actionable plans that communicate complex concepts to diverse audiences.
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