1. About the Strategy
Creating a safer, more resilient basin
Over the last century, salmon runs in the Chehalis Basin have declined dramatically, and floods have become bigger and more frequent. Scientists warn these trends will worsen as weather patterns become more unpredictable. For a long time, people have fought over these issues. Now, we are finally making progress through the Chehalis Basin Strategy, a comprehensive action plan for reducing flood-related damage and restoring aquatic life throughout the Chehalis River basin.
Watch the brief video below for an explanation of the challenges the Chehalis Basin faces, the progress already made to address them under the Chehalis Basin Strategy, and the future decisions that lie ahead.
Nearly a decade of progress
Since 2017, the Chehalis Basin Board, in collaboration with the Office of Chehalis Basin (OCB) and partners, has brought forth more than 140 projects in aquatic restoration and flood protection, on time and on budget, helping every community across the basin. Together, we:
Read more about the range of projects and programs and in the upcoming pages of this open house. To explore the past and current projects in your area, visit our interactive map.
Big decisions in 2026
In 2026, the Chehalis Basin Board will expand the Chehalis Basin Strategy by recommending long-term actions designed to protect people and aquatic life for decades to come. In order to identify its recommended long-term strategy, the Board is seeking to answer the following questions:
- 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 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?
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.
Who’s involved?
The Chehalis Basin Board is an independent group of community leaders representing Tribes, local governments, agricultural, economic, and environmental interests, and state agencies. The seven-member Board was established by the Washington Legislature in 2016, bringing together diverse interests and perspectives to lead and shape the Chehalis Basin Strategy and identify what projects to fund. To see a list of Board members and information on monthly Board meetings (open to the public), visit the Chehalis Basin Board website.
The Office of Chehalis Basin (OCB), housed within the Washington Department of Ecology, serves as the focal point for implementation of the Chehalis Basin Strategy – administering state funds, leading a coalition of partners, providing resources for basin residents, and supporting the Board in their process.
The Chehalis Basin Strategy would not be possible without the work of partner organizations and entities such as local conservation districts who are turning ideas into shovel-ready projects and actions already benefiting residents, fish, and wildlife throughout the Basin.
Learn more about OCB and its network of partners.