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Over the last century, salmon runs in the Chehalis Basin have declined dramatically, and floods have become bigger, more frequent, and more dangerous. Scientists warn these trends will worsen as weather patterns become more unpredictable.
For a long time, people have fought over these issues. Now, we’re finally making progress toward a safer, more resilient basin.
The Chehalis Basin Board, a diverse group of representatives from Tribes, local governments, citizens, and state agencies, has brought forth more than 240 projects in aquatic restoration and flood protection on time and on budget, helping every community across the basin. Read more about the range of projects and programs.
Building on this momentum, in 2026, the Chehalis Basin Board will make recommendations on a long-term Chehalis Basin Strategy to protect people and aquatic life for decades to come.
Latest updates (October 2026)
- OCB is hosting two upcoming webinars on November 10 and November 16 to provide updates on the long-term Chehalis Basin Strategy. The webinars will include the same content, with two different days to accommodate a broader range of participants. The agenda will include an overview of past project successes across the Basin, findings on the “risk of inaction,” the Board’s 2027-29 biennial budget recommendations, and what to expect from the long-term strategy. See our events page for more information and to register!
- The Chehalis Basin Board is still on track to deliver recommendations on the long-term strategy in late 2026, which will include a concrete plan for scaling up projects and programs that are already making positive impacts, next steps for potentially modifying the Skookumchuck Dam to benefit fish and downstream communities, and addressing remaining questions on the proposed dam and the proposed system levees. The last six months of studies have made clear that important questions still remain about the big infrastructure projects, and the Board needs the best information before making final decisions that may carry forward for centuries.
- We’re also committed to collecting your input so the Board can consider it in its final deliberations on the long-term strategy. Share your thoughts with the Chehalis Basin Board via our comment form.
What is the long-term strategy?
The Chehalis Basin Strategy is an action plan for reducing flood damage and restoring aquatic life. In 2026, the Board will extend that plan by making recommendations on long-term actions designed to protect the Basin for decades to come.
Why is a long-term strategy necessary?
Larger-scale, longer-term investments are still needed. As long as weather patterns continue to shift and habitat continues to be lost or damaged, scientists predict salmon and steelhead will decline to new lows without aggressive protection and restoration. Additionally, 100-year floods could happen as often as once a decade by the end of the century.
A strong long-term strategy is essential for preserving some of the state’s most important industries, vital transportation corridors and abundant salmon runs. What happens in the Chehalis Basin impacts all of Washington and beyond.
What solutions are being considered for the long-term strategy?
The Chehalis Basin Board is considering:
- How much should be invested in aquatic restoration over the long term?
- Are large-scale structural flood option(s) needed for the upper basin, such as a proposed flood-control dam near Pe Ell, a system of local levees and floodwalls in and around Chehalis and Centralia, or some combination of both?
- What is the best pathway for the Skookumchuck Dam going forward?
Big infrastructure projects like the proposed dam, proposed levee system, or Skookumchuck Dam options will have effects that carry forward for centuries – the Board wants the best information possible before making a find decision. The long-term strategy will provide a concrete plan for answering remaining questions about these projects. In the meantime, the Board will make recommendations on how to expand local projects, policies, and programs that have already been making positive impacts for local communities and aquatic habitats 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.
What other potential approaches have the Chehalis Basin Board looked at and why are they not being considered moving forward?
Over the past several decades, dozens of potential approaches to reduce flood damage, including bridge replacements, bypass channels, I-5 improvements, restorative floodplain projects, increased water storage, and other local actions have been evaluated. While many of these alternatives offered benefits, they were generally not carried forward because they were found to be cost-prohibitive, provided limited flood damage protection, increased flooding elsewhere in the Basin, presented significant environmental concerns, or did not meet technical or federal funding requirements. Lessons learned from these earlier studies continue to inform the Board’s current work to develop a long-term Chehalis Basin Strategy.
Where can I learn more about the individual proposed projects or programs within the strategy?
To learn more about individual projects or programs, see our fact sheets and webpages on:
- The Long-Term Strategy Overview (Fact Sheet)
- The Proposed Flow-through Dam for Flood Control (Fact Sheet/Webpage)
- The Local Action Non-Dam Alternative (LAND) (Fact Sheet/Webpage)
- Pathways for the Skookumchuck Dam (Fact Sheet/Webpage)
- The Aquatic Species Restoration Program (Fact Sheet/Webpage)
- The Chehalis River Basin Flood Authority and local flood projects (Fact Sheet/Webpage)
- The Community Flood Assistance and Resilience Program (Fact Sheet/Webpage)
- Erosion Management Program (Webpage)
How will the Board make its recommendation and how can I share feedback?
The Board is committed to a science-based, community-informed process. The Board is considering information from technical studies to evaluate what makes the most sense for the Chehalis Basin for the long term.
Input from Chehalis Basin residents, organizations, partners, local governments, and Tribes will play an important role in the Board’s upcoming decision-making. Community members can offer their input by responding to our comment form.
How can I get the most updated information?
Keep checking this web page for the latest updates. Stay connected by signing up for our monthly emailed newsletters and following us on social media – we are on Facebook and Instagram.
Questions? Contact us as info@officeofchehalisbasin.com.