Coastal Geologic Services, now Natural Systems Design + Coastal Geologic Services, offers a variety of services, from private property coastal assessments to regional studies. We have worked for all levels of government, including tribes, cities, counties, and state agencies, as well as for private landowners. A brief summary of services is provided below, with links to a detail page for each type of service.
Services for Landowners
Whether you are a current property owner or a future property owner, or if you are a realtor, CGS can help you manage your shoreline investments. We offer pre-purchase assessments and have a certified staff member to help with the Lake Whatcom Homeowner Incentive Program.
See project examples and learn more about services for landowners.
Assessments
CGS has conducted numerous regional assessments and published research about Puget Sound coastal geomorphology, strategies, and metrics for restoration prioritization efforts, sea level rise scenarios, estuarine processes, and more! Visit our Publications page to see recent published white papers and reports.
Learn more about regional assessments.
Restoration Design
CGS has completed shoreline restoration projects in all Puget Sound counties. We focus on restoring coastal sediment processes by removing failing or unnecessary armor structures, preventing erosion with soft shore protection techniques, enhancing coastal habitats, and improving slope stability with native vegetation. We have been involved in every stage — identification, prioritization, assessment, feasibility, design, construction oversight, and monitoring — of over 50 bulkhead removal projects Sound-wide!
See project examples and learn more about restoration design.
Mapping and Monitoring
CGS creates high-resolution 3D maps for restoration design and monitoring using structure from motion techniques. We use RTK GPS and total station ground control to anchor our 3D models in geographic space.
Historical geomorphic shore change analysis can be used to visualize and quantify decades of change. Tracking change over time allows CGS to monitor design effectiveness and to continue learning about the dynamic shorelines of the Salish Sea. Our longest-running monitoring site is at the Elwha River Delta, which began in 1996.
See project examples and learn more about mapping and monitoring.
Coastal Management
CGS has completed research to inform counties and cities on updating their Critical Areas Ordinances and Shoreline Master Programs. We have advised cities and counties on planning for sea level rise.
See project examples and learn more about coastal management.