Jim will cover the historical changes to the coastal ecosystems of Bellingham Bay since settlement, and outline the coastal restoration and enhancement projects that have been completed in recent decades throughout the bay. Several examples from early Puget Sound projects will also be shown. Project goals and design challenges will be outlined. A brief history of the former GP waterfront site will be included. Before, during restoration work, and after images of Bellingham‘s popular waterfront parks, including little Little Sqaulicum Estuary-Park, Waypoint Park, Boulevard Park, Marine Park and others. Plans will be shown for the soon to be developed Salish Landing Park at the former Bellingham landfill and RJ Haley wood treatment site.

Jim Johannessen is a life long sailor/boater and CBC Board member. Jim started and ran Coastal Geologic Services in Bellingham in 1993 merged CGS into Natural Systems Design in 2023. Jim is a Licensed Engineering Geologist that has designed over 200 implemented soft shore protection and beach and estuary restoration/enhancement projects. He has 35 years of experience in the Salish Sea performing site assessments, monitoring, design development, and conducting technical studies for coastal projects. Jim’s expertise spans from beach and estuarine processes, gravel beach nourishment, to coastal science, mapping, and restoration design. He is considered a regional expert in soft shore protection and coastal restoration services and has been recognized for his design work in these fields.

He looks for innovative solutions to coastal challenges and always looks for ways to provide nearshore habitat benefits in his work. Jim’s projects (such as Little Squalicum Estuary, Waypoint Park, and Marine Park) have received national awards for their success. Jim enjoys challenging himself off work racing and cruising sailboats in the Salish Sea.