Summer is here, and with it comes new momentum across the Chehalis River Basin. From local fairs to fish passage projects, there’s a lot happening—and even more opportunities for communities to stay involved. Whether it’s seeing construction crews near a local creek or visiting the Office of Chehalis Basin at an upcoming event, the work to create a safer, healthier Basin is in full swing. 

On June 6, the Chehalis Basin Board hosted a regional workshop bringing together Tribal leaders, local governments, technical experts, and community members. The thoughtful, wide-ranging conversations focused on the future of the Basin and how to continue to reduce flood risks, restore salmon habitat, and support strong, connected communities. The insights shared will help shape decisions now through 2026—and beyond. 

This issue includes updates about on-the-ground progress being made this summer, upcoming opportunities to connect, and how community input continues to guide the long-term Chehalis Basin Strategy. 

At its June 6 workshop, the Chehalis Basin Board brought together a wide array of Basin interests to further explore options for the long-term Chehalis Basin Strategy to reduce flood-related damage and restore aquatic life in the Basin for decades to come. The Board’s conversation focused on what combinations of projects and investments they’d like to see studied further through 2025.  

The Board brought different perspectives to the table grounded in local knowledge about community needs and habitat conditions. Members reached consensus on six different long-term strategy options to evaluate – a major milestone for their process. Of the six options: 

• Two included the proposed flow-through dam for flood control to be constructed on the Chehalis River near Pe Ell.
• Five included some or all of the proposed levees in and around Chehalis and Centralia.
• Three included different scenarios for the Skookumchuck Dam – either modifying the dam to maximize benefits to fish and reduce downstream flood damages or removing the dam.  

All the options to be evaluated include some level of basin-wide aquatic species restoration, ongoing support for floodproofing and elevating homes and businesses, erosion management projects, continuing local Chehalis River Basin Flood Authority projects and supporting the Flood Warning System, and other efforts. 

The Board is still determining some of the nuances coming out of its June 6 workshop. In the meantime, technical experts are beginning to analyze the costs, benefits, and tradeoffs of these different options, evaluating factors such as how many homes might be protected, how fish populations could be impacted, and what the long-term economic and environmental effects might be.

Visit the long-term Strategy webpage for more details, watch the recording of the Board’s June 6 workshop, and stay tuned for a more details. A summary of the workshop will be shared in July 2025 newsletter. In addition, OCB will share information about the long-term options and how they will be evaluated at informational open houses in September and October. More details coming soon. 

Do you have something you want the Board to know as it continues considering the long-term Chehalis Basin Strategy options? Use our comment form to share your feedback. 

Dozens of local projects are underway throughout the Chehalis Basin to help reduce flooding and improve conditions for salmon and other aquatic species. 

This summer, new fish passage projects are breaking ground to remove barriers such as undersized culverts to reconnect streams and reopen miles of habitat for salmon and steelhead trout. These projects are a key part of helping fish thrive, especially as Basin rivers face challenges related to climate change such as warmer water temperatures, increased storm severity, and streambank erosion.  

In the Centralia and Adna areas, floodplain reconnection projects are restoring natural river function and creating more space for high water to safely spread-out during floods. That means better protection for nearby communities and better habitat for fish and wildlife. 

And throughout the Basin, work is continuing to restore the areas bordering stream and riverbanks.  Crews and volunteers undertaking riparian restoration work by planting native trees and shrubs to keep water cool and clean, protect against erosion, and create healthier conditions for salmon year-round. 

All these efforts add up to something bigger: a more resilient, balanced, and thriving Basin for people, fish, and the future. 

The success of the Chehalis Basin Strategy depends on the strength of our partnerships with Tribal sovereigns, local communities, and people who care about the Basin. The Confederated Tribes of the Chehalis Reservation and Quinault Indian Nation continue to work together to develop projects reflecting their deep cultural knowledge that also uphold their rights to fish and forage.  

These partnerships represent relationships going beyond technical collaboration. They are rooted in mutual respect, listening, and a shared commitment to the land, waters, and future generations. Tribal input is shaping restoration priorities, guiding fish passage improvements, and informing how flood risk is addressed in ways that reflect both science and cultural stewardship. 

Whether you live in a city or a rural community, whether you fish, farm, or just care deeply about this place—your voice matters. Visit officeofchehalisbasin.com to stay up to date and come talk with us at an upcoming event this summer. Together, we’re building the future of the Chehalis Basin.  

Events and opportunities to engage with Office of Chehalis Basin partners. 

Second Saturday Restoration event at Sapp Road Park

Sat, Jul 12, 2025 - 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM 

Join the ongoing restoration efforts at Sapp Road Park as Thurston County Stream Team continues to remove invasive species like yellow flag iris and Himalayan blackberry from the Percival Creek area. This work supports healthier habitats for native plants and wildlife—including ongoing research on beaver habitat and amphibian species with partners like the City of Tumwater and WDFW. Learn more.

OCB’s Summer Events  

This summer, OCB is excited to deepen connections with community members throughout the Basin. Come visit us at the Chehalis Fest (July 26), Grays Harbor County Fair (July 30–Aug. 2), and the Southwest Washington Fair (Aug. 12–17). These events are a chance to learn, share, and be part of the Basin’s future. 

Recent news coverage and information relevant to the Office of Chehalis Basin, Chehalis Basin Board and Chehalis Basin Strategy, including ongoing work and processes:  

• What’s next for Terry Emmert in Aberdeen? | The Daily World (May 24) 

• Trump’s Cuts Imperils Funding for a Levee Project in Washington - The New York Times (June 9)