The Long-Term Chehalis Basin Strategy

The Chehalis Basin Strategy is an action plan for reducing flood damage and restoring aquatic life.  In early 2026, the Board will extend that plan by recommending long-term actions designed to protect the basin for decades to come.

Larger-scale, longer-term investments are still needed. As long as weather patterns continue to shift and habitat continues 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.

Through early 2026, the Chehalis Basin Board is in a period of critical decision-making as it develops its recommended long-term strategy to protect people and aquatic life for decades to come. Key questions the Board will seek to answer include:

• How much should be invested in aquatic restoration for the next 30+ years?
• Are large-scale structural flood option(s) needed for the upper basin, such as a proposed flow-through 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?

The Board will also consider how it can continue to support and expand other local projects, policies, and programs that protect people and aquatic habitats across the basin.

The Board is committed to a science-based, community-informed process.

Technical experts will analyze and compare the benefits, costs and trade-offs of the long-term options, examining factors such as:

• How many homes can be protected
• How fish populations will be impacted
• What the long-term economic and environmental effects will be

Input from Chehalis Basin residents, organizations, partners, and local governments will also play an important role in the Board’s upcoming decision-making.

Throughout 2025, you will be able to learn more about the long-term options the Board is considering via webinars, open houses (in person and online), and community events. You will also be able to share comments via a comment form, a survey that will be launched later this year, and Board listening sessions. Input collected throughout the year will be compiled and considered by the Board along with the results of technical studies during final deliberations in early 2026.

Is there something you want the Chehalis Basin Board to consider as it weighs long-term options for aquatic restoration and flood protection? Use this comment form to share your input.

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