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As we move into February, the Office of Chehalis Basin continues to share updates on the work underway across the Basin to support flood damage reduction and aquatic restoration. In this issue we:
- Share 2025 end-of-year reports for both the Office of Chehalis Basin and the Aquatic Species Restoration Program.
- Remind readers that the last day to submit public comments on the Revised Draft Environmental Impact Statement for the proposed flow-through flood-control facility and airport levee improvements is tomorrow, Feb. 4.
- Provide information on our recently announced webinar which will give updates on the Long-Term Chehalis Basin Strategy evaluation.
- Take a closer look at the Office of Chehalis Basin-supported projects across the Chehalis Basin through recent drone imagery, made possible by the launch of the Office of Chehalis Basin’s new drone program.
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The Office of Chehalis Basin 2025 year-in-review provides an overview of the work completed over the past year and the progress being made across the Basin, highlighting key investments, partnerships, and projects supporting flood damage protection, aquatic restoration, and long-term Basin planning. Flip through to learn more about what the OCB has been up to.
The Aquatic Species Restoration program 2025 progress report dives deeper into the investments being made for aquatic species in the Basin. Together, they offer a snapshot of how coordinated actions across agencies, Tribes, local governments, and community partners continue to shape the Chehalis Basin Strategy.
Interested in how the Office of Chehalis Basin reached out to community about the Long-Term Chehalis Basin Strategy in 2025, and what kinds of comments we collected? The Chehalis Basin Board recently received a memo that summarizes both. The memo summarizes the range and metrics of outreach activities conducted across the Basin. Readers will also find a high-level discussion of community perspectives on what the Board should consider as it weighs the long-term options, as well as a look-ahead to how outreach will continue to support the Board’s decision-making process in 2026.
The public comment period on the revised draft environmental impact statement for the proposed flow-through flood-control dam and Chehalis–Centralia Airport levee improvements is coming to a close tomorrow. It is your last chance to share feedback on the analysis that will help inform next steps in the Chehalis Basin Strategy. Comments can be submitted through tomorrow, Feb. 4, 2026 at 11:59 p.m. Details on how to review the environmental impact statement and submit comments are available at the Department of Ecology website.
Are you curious about how the Chehalis Basin Board is evaluating options for the Long-Term Chehalis Basin Strategy for reducing damage from floods and restoring aquatic life? Join us for a “Long-Term Strategy Evaluation Update” one-hour webinar on Wednesday, March 11, from 12 - 1 p.m. This free webinar will be an opportunity to:
- Hear updates about the Chehalis Basin Board’s review of potential long-term Chehalis Basin Strategy options.
- Learn about the Board’s ongoing comparative analysis and the supporting technical modeling work that will inform their decision-making.
- Understand next steps as the Board works towards a long-term strategy decision in late 2026.
Register for the webinar!
The Office of Chehalis Basin is excited to share that we’ve launched a new drone program to take aerial images from projects in the Basin. These images provide a closer look at on-the-ground work across the basin, offering helpful perspective on project locations, site conditions, and progress over time.
The drone-captured image above was recently taken under our new program and shows the broader riparian habitat surrounding the Montesano Wastewater Treatment Plant – the facility surrounded by green grass off in the distance. The Montesano Wastewater Treatment Plant sits on the banks of the Wynoochee River and in 2018, the Chehalis Basin Board supported a project to install engineered log jacks to reduce erosion and limit channel migration of the river. The project also opened a side channel to encourage the river to move away from the treatment plant.
We’re excited to share this new viewpoint on more projects and connect people with the work happening in their communities!
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Chehalis Basin Board Meeting | Feb. 5, 9 a.m. – 1:15 p.m.
Fairfield Inn & Suits by Mariott, 5223 197th SE, Rochester, WA 98593
Once a month, the Chehalis Basin Board meets to discuss funding, evaluate priorities, and put flood and habitat projects in place that support the Chehalis Basin Strategy. Listen in to find out more. Access more information on the agenda and how to join the meeting virtually or in-person at this Chehalis Basin Board website.
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Camp Creek Restoration | Feb. 7 and Feb. 14
Join the Grays Harbor Stream Team for a streamside planting event along Camp Creek at Schafer Boom Road! In conjunction with the Chehalis Basin Fisheries Task Force’s recent fish passage correction project! For more information on the time and location of the event, contact the Grays Harbor Stream Team at streamteam@graysharborcd.org.
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Webinar: Long-term Chehalis Basin Strategy evaluation update | March 11, 12 – 1 p.m.
Next month, this free webinar, hosted by the Department of Ecology’s Office of Chehalis Basin, will be an opportunity to hear updates about the Chehalis Basin Board’s review of potential Long-Term Chehalis Basin Strategy options; learn about the Board’s ongoing Comparative Analysis and Technical Modeling work that will inform their decision-making; and understand next steps as the Board works towards a long-term strategy decision in late 2026. There will be time to answer questions in a live Q&A. A recording will be provided after the webinar if you are unable to attend. Register for the webinar.
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