Chehalis Basin Strategy

The 2,700 square mile Chehalis River Basin, a region rich in native wildlife, working lands, and cultural significance, is economically and ecologically vital to Washington state and the region. However, extreme flooding and habitat degradation have occurred for more than 100 years without a comprehensive response. Since 1971, there have been 14 federally declared disasters in the Chehalis River Basin from flooding. Productivity for native aquatic species has also been reduced for decades, with current habitat degraded by as much as 87% for some species of salmon. The State of Washington has made it a priority to develop and implement a comprehensive strategy that integrates flood damage reduction and restoration of aquatic species habitat. 

Anchor QEA led the preparation and analysis of a comprehensive long-term set of actions to reduce flood damage and restore aquatic species habitat in the Chehalis River Basin. To date, Anchor QEA authored and managed the completion of a Programmatic SEPA Environmental Impact Statement (EIS), a project-level EIS, and numerous technical studies, including hydrology and hydraulics, reservoir operations, geomorphic and sediment transport, water quality, fisheries and habitat, wetlands and wildlife, land use, economics, and cultural resources. The technical studies and EISs incorporated predictions of impacts from climate change. With the development of this restoration project, aquatic species and habitats in the Chehalis River Basin will be enhanced to promote their long-term sustainability.