ISLAND COUNTY: County Begins Update of Hazard Mitigation and Wildlife Protection Plans
The Island County Department of Emergency Management issued the following press release on June 18, 2025.
Island County Begins Update of Hazard Mitigation and Wildfire Protection Plans
[Island County, WA — June 18, 2025] A coalition of Island County agencies, including cities, towns, and special purpose districts, has launched a comprehensive planning effort to update the County’s Hazard Mitigation Plan and Community Wildfire Protection Plan. This effort aims to better prepare the region for the impacts of natural disasters such as wildfires, floods, earthquakes, and severe storms.
This countywide planning process is being conducted in accordance with the Disaster Mitigation Act of 2000 (Public Law 106-390), which encourages communities to proactively plan for future hazards to reduce risk and improve disaster response and recovery.
Led by the Island County Department of Emergency Management, with support from Bridgeview Consulting, LLC, the planning effort will consolidate resources, expertise, and historical data to develop a coordinated mitigation strategy that addresses the specific risks facing Island County communities.
“Disasters can affect any part of Island County, and the impacts are often widespread,” said Eric Brooks, Emergency Management Deputy Director. “This planning process is an opportunity for us to work together to reduce risk and increase our ability to recover quickly when disasters strike.”
Community Input is Essential
Public participation is a critical part of the planning process. Island County residents are encouraged to contribute by:
- Attending public meetings
- Participating in an online community survey
- Sharing local knowledge of past hazard events
These insights will help shape the County’s strategies to reduce long-term risks and improve community resilience.
Information about upcoming meetings, survey links, and opportunities for public input will be available on the Island County Emergency Management website at
https://www.islandcountywa.gov/170/Department-of-Emergency-Management
Planning Timeline and Funding
The planning process is expected to take approximately 9 to 12 months and is being funded through a FEMA hazard mitigation planning grant.
- For more information or to provide feedback, contact Eric Brooks, Island County Department of Emergency Management, at e.brooks@co.island.wa.us or Beverly O’Dea, Bridgeview Consulting, LLC, at Bevodea@bridgeviewconsulting.org
