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In this month’s issue we bring you:
- An update on the Board’s process for the long-term strategy
- A story of how the OCB and Board are supporting local farming efforts to reduce
flood damage and lead to better environmental outcomes
- A warm welcome to OCB's new Director
- Information on where you can find the OCB the rest of summer at in-person fairs
and festivals.Click to edit this placeholder text.
At its June 4 meeting, the Chehalis Basin Board shared an important update on the long-
term Chehalis Basin Strategy—the action plan to increase flood protection and aquatic
restoration across the Basin.
Is the Board still on track to recommend a strategy in 2026?
Over the last year, the Chehalis Basin Board has made steady progress on developing a
recommended long-term Chehalis Basin Strategy. We’re happy to share that the Board is
on track to agree on a recommended strategy later this year! The long-term strategy will
help us do more, faster, to protect people and aquatic life, and build on the Board’s
successes and lessons learned from over 240 projects completed on time and on
budget in the last decade.
What will the strategy say about the big infrastructure projects?
Much of the conversation about the long-term strategy has focused on proposed big
infrastructure projects, including a flow-through dam for flood control near Pe Ell, a system
of levees in and around Chehalis and Centralia, and future pathways for the
Skookumchuck Dam. Recent studies have answered many questions about these
projects, but some important questions remain.
Because these projects could shape the future of the Basin for generations, the Board
wants to ensure it has the best available information before making final
recommendations on these projects. Rather than rushing decisions, the Board is taking
additional time to better understand long-term tradeoffs, benefits, and impacts. The long-
term strategy will provide a concrete plan for how the Board will address remaining
questions about these projects.
What else will be included in the long-term strategy?
Along with a clear roadmap for deciding on major infrastructure projects, the long-term
strategy will expand the range of programs and projects that are already making a
difference in communities and ecosystems across the Basin. This includes efforts to:
- Protect and restore habitat for salmon and other aquatic life
- Elevate or voluntarily acquire flood-prone homes
- Slow erosion hazards with natural materials to protect properties and improve
aquatic habitat
- Keep communities safe through real-time flood warnings and local flood mitigation
projects such as pump stations or flood walls
How can I stay engaged in the Board’s process?
We will continue to provide updates on the Board’s process via newsletters, social media,
and the Office of Chehalis Basin website. Community voices continue to play an important
role in shaping the future of the Chehalis Basin. We welcome community members to
respond to our comment form. More announcements on ways to stay engaged will be
provided as we continue through 2026.
 Photo description: Cereal rye grown as a cover crop trial last winter in the Basin. The cover
crop grew 1/16 an inch per day through the winter.
Back in April, the Chehalis Basin Board approved funding to support a new basin-wide
cover crop program led by the Southwest Washington Growers Cooperative. The program
will help farmers implement regenerative agriculture practices, including reduced tillage
using grant-funded no-till drills and planting cover crops to keep soil covered during the
offseason. These practices are intended to reduce erosion during winter rains and high
water events while improving soil health and limiting sediment and nutrient runoff into
local waterways. The program will also help evaluate how these practices perform under
the unique conditions of the Chehalis Basin.
Because no-till drills are specialized equipment, they require time to manufacture and
deliver. The Southwest Washington Growers Cooperative plans to order the drills this fall,
with the goal of having them available for use by spring 2027. The program is another
example of the Board's commitment to practical, locally driven solutions that benefit
farms, communities, and natural resources across the Basin.
By helping keep soil in place during wet months, cover crops can:
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Reduce erosion and improve soil health, supporting the goals of the Erosion
Management Program.
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Increase water infiltration and reduce runoff, complementing flood damage
protection efforts.
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Reduce sediment and nutrient inputs to rivers and streams, improving aquatic
habitat and supporting the goals of the Aquatic Species Restoration Program
(ASRP).
 A picture of Nat Kale against a green background.
The Office of Chehalis Basin is pleased to announce the promotion of Nat Kale as its new
Director. Nat has been an integral part of the Chehalis Basin Strategy for many years,
bringing extensive experience in watershed planning, environmental policy, and
collaborative natural resource management. Throughout his time with OCB, he has helped
advance projects and partnerships that support flood damage protection, aquatic species
restoration, and long-term resilience across the Basin. As Director, Nat will continue
working with the Chehalis Basin Board, local governments, Tribes, state and federal
agencies, and community partners to guide implementation of the Chehalis Basin Strategy
and its next chapter.
 The Office of Chehalis Basin booth at a community fair.
The Office of Chehalis Basin and our partner had a great time at Rochester’s Swede Day
Mid-Sommer Festival on June 20th! We are looking forward to seeing more of you at fairs,
festivals, and community events across the Basin! Whether you’re curious about local
restoration projects, flood damage protection efforts, salmon recovery, or the future of the
Chehalis Basin Strategy, we invite you to stop by, say hello, and learn more. We’ll have a
booth at:
Find our booth to get updates, questions answered, and connect throughout the summer!
Chehalis Basin Board Meeting | July 9, 9 a.m. – 1 p.m.
Fairfield Inn & Suits by Mariott, 6223 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 on the Board’s website.
Chehalis River Sampling | July 18, 12 p.m. - 4 p.m.
Join the Grays Harbor Stream Team’s Macroinvertebrate Program! To sign up and
learn more about where to meet, email streamteam@graysharborcd.org
Chehalis Fest | July 25, 8 a.m. - 3 p.m.
Downtown Chehalis, Chehalis, WA, 98532
Come enjoy a blueberry pancake breakfast, car show, live music, and more at
Chehalis Fest! The Office of Chehalis Basin will also have a booth where community
members can come learn more about what we’ve been up to and get their
questions answered.
Grays Harbor County Fair | July 29 – August 1, 10 a.m. - 10 p.m.
32 Elma McCleary Road, Elma, WA 98541
The Grays Harbor County Fair is a great family event, with live entertainment,
vendors, and carnival rides! Plus, the OCB will be in attendance – find us at our
booth to learn more about what we’ve been up to!
Tenino Oregon Trail Days | July 24 - 26, 12 p.m. - 1 p.m.
Tenino City Park and Downtown Tenino, 309 Park Avenue East, Tenino, WA 98579
The 2026 Tenino Oregon Trail Days Festival will feature the Tenino Lions Club Grand
Parade, Cascadia Country with the Pioneer Village with 25 hands-on activities for
families including, The Tenino Depot Museum exhibits, Food Booths, Arts and
Crafts Vendors, and much more. See the Tenino Oregon Trails Day website for more
details.
Grays Harbor Stream Team Field Event | June 27, 12 p.m. – 4 p.m.
Lake Sylvia State Park – Email streamteam@grasyharborcd.org for driving directions
Join the Grays Harbor Stream Team in the field at Lake Sylvia State Park! Anybody is
welcome to come and learn more about macroinvertebrate sampling, water quality
testing, and site evaluation.
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