Title
Deschutes Estuary Restoration Project Update
Recommended Action
Committee Recommendation:
Not referred to a committee.
City Manager Recommendation:
Receive an update on the Deschutes Estuary Restoration Project.
Report
Issue:
Whether to receive an update on the Deschutes Estuary Restoration Project.
Staff Contact:
Jay Burney, City Manager, 360.753.8740
Presenter(s):
Bobbak Talebi, Southwest Region Director, Washington State Department of Ecology
Lynn Turner, Deschutes Project Manager, Washington State Department of Ecology
Tessa Gardner-Brown, Consultant Team Project Manager
Scott Stainer, Consultant Team Deputy Project Manager and Design Lead
Nathan Anderson, Consultant Team Civil Design Lead
Background and Analysis:
The area now known as Capitol Lake was historically part of the Deschutes Estuary, where freshwater from the Deschutes River mixed with saltwater from Budd Inlet across expansive tidal flats. The estuary has deep cultural, spiritual, and historical significance to the Squaxin Island Tribe.
The estuary also has an important role in the region's more recent history. The waterfront supported residential communities, maritime industries, recreation, and commerce. The Port of Olympia, established in 1922, became an important center for trade.
Between 1949 and 1951, a dam was constructed at 5th Avenue, eliminating tidal exchange and transforming the estuary into Capitol Lake, which became part of the Washington State Capitol Campus. Over time, the lake experienced significant environmental challenges and by the 1970s, active measures were required to manage these conditions.
In 2016, the Legislature provided funding to the Department of Enterprise Services (DES) to make progress toward developing a long-term management plan. That work involves partnerships and working collaboratively with the Squaxin Island Tribe, the City of Olympia, City of Tumwater, Thurston County, Port of Olympia, and the community.
From 2018 - 2022, DES led a...
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