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In this month’s issue we bring you:
- An exciting milestone achievement for the Chehalis Basin Board
- A story of how a vision of resilient agriculture becomes reality through practical projects
- Information on OCB’s last fair of the summer!
Since 2017, the Chehalis Basin Board and the Office of Chehalis Basin (OCB) have worked alongside local governments, Tribes, conservation organizations, landowners, and community partners to invest in projects that make a real difference for people and the environment. Together, they have funded over 240 projects that are complete or underway, representing more than $260 million in state investment to improve flood damage protection and restore aquatic habitat across the Basin. These projects have been delivered on time and on budget, demonstrating the value of strong local partnerships and long-term planning.
The work spans communities throughout the Basin and includes projects that elevate homes, improve flood warning systems, construct pump stations, reduce erosion, restore floodplains, reconnect streams for fish passage, and enhance habitat for salmon, steelhead, and other aquatic species. Of the 241 projects, 154 focus on aquatic species restoration, 64 improve flood damage protection, and 23 provide benefits for both people and fish. Together, these efforts are helping make communities more resilient while supporting healthier rivers and ecosystems for future generations.
 (Upper left) A home elevation; (upper right) an Oregon spotted frog surrounded by eggs; (Bottom left) Work on the Lower Satsop River; (Bottom right) A home relocation in the Chehalis Basin.
Years before construction began on the new Southwest Washington Grain Terminal & Transload Facility, Board members and Basin partners were discussing a common challenge: how to sustain working lands and strengthen the long-term economic viability of agriculture in the Chehalis Basin. Those conversations consistently highlighted the importance of keeping farms productive, preserving agricultural lands, and creating new market opportunities for local producers.
The completion of the grain facility at the Port of Chehalis is an example of that vision taking shape. During the July Board meeting, the Office of Chehalis Basin Director Nat Kale highlighted the facility's opening as an important milestone for the Basin's agricultural economy, while Board Member Jay Gordon reflected on it as an important step towards maintaining the viability of the Basin’s agriculture into the future. Developed through a partnership between the Port of Chehalis and the Southwest Washington Growers Cooperative, the facility provided a number of benefits to the Basin, including:
- Expanded market access for grain producers across Southwest Washington.
- Increased opportunities for crop diversification and agricultural innovation.
- Support for family farms and preservation of working agricultural lands.
- Improved transportation and supply chain efficiency through direct rail connections.
- Greater economic resilience in rural communities throughout the Basin.
This project also reflects a broader principle embedded throughout the Chehalis Basin Strategy: a healthy agricultural community improves flood resilience and helps restore aquatic life, while contributing to the local economy. Profitable farms can mean less residential development in the floodplain, better managed land for wildlife, and a stronger local tax base to fund projects.
 An overhead picture of the grain silo. Credit: Jake Fay, Southwest Washington Growers Co-Op
As we move through the height of summer, the Office of Chehalis Basin and our partners continue looking forward to seeing more of you at our last fair of the season in 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 the Southwest Washington Fair from August 11-16. Find us to get updates and questions answered!
While our summer season is winding down, we will continue to make ourselves available to support community members across the Basin. If you were unable to make an event this year, stay updated on our upcoming events through newsletters, social media, and our website.
The Office of Chehalis Basin booth at the Grays Harbor Fair.
Hoquiam Storm Drain Marking Event | August 4, 3 p.m. - 5 p.m.
Chevron Veteran’s Memorial Park, Hoquiam, WA 98550
Help remind Hoquiam residents that all waters flow to the sea! Join us to mark community storm drains with a stencil! Contact Grays Harbor Stream Team to learn more at StreamTeam@graysharborcd.org.
Mill Creek Macroinvertebrate Sampling Event | August 8, 12 p.m. - 4 p.m.
Mill Creek Park, Cosmopolis, WA 98537
Join the Grays Harbor Stream Team for this great volunteer event! For more information, email StreamTeam@graysharborcd.org.
Macroinvertebrate ID Event | August 22, 12 p.m. - 4 p.m.
WSU Extension Grays Harbor County, 34 Elma McCleary Road, Elma, WA 98541
Learn how to identify stream macroinvertebrates and put your new skills to use to help understand stream health. For more information, email StreamTeam@graysharborcd.org.
WDFW Boat Launch and Tire Clean-up | August 29, 10 a.m. - 3 p.m.
West Fork Satsop Boat Launch, Middle Satsop Rd, Montesano, WA 98563
Join the Grays Harbor Stream Team for this exciting event! For more information, email StreamTeam@graysharborcd.org.
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