A Community-Based Response to Flooding: Jay Gordon Video

This video features Jay Gordon, a sixth-generation dairy farmer near Elma, Washington, and a leader with the Washington State Dairy Federation. Gordon describes how his family has dealt with flooding for generations, but how recent severe floods in 1996, 2007, and 2009 exceeded historical expectations and affected dairies across the Chehalis Valley. He explains that the scale of recent flood damage showed the limits of individual farm-level responses and led community leaders to pursue a broader, basin-wide strategy. The video highlights Gordon’s involvement in a Chehalis Basin work group convened by then-Governor Christine Gregoire to develop recommendations for reducing future flood damage while also addressing fish habitat and restoration. Gordon emphasizes the importance of patient consensus-building, trusted facilitation, and research partnerships to help communities make decisions about complex water, flooding, and climate adaptation challenges.