by 
Spring is here, and there are signs of growth all around, including at DERT.
DERT began its existence as a shoestring operation in 2009, dedicated to restoration of the free-flowing Deschutes River and its Estuary. With the announcement by the Department of Enterprise Services (DES) that restoration of the Estuary is the preferred alternative to the Capitol Lake-Deschutes Estuary planning process (see accompanying article), DERT and its members and supporters have taken a major step towards accomplishing our original goal. And now it’s time for some growth.
Over the next two months, DERT’s Board of Directors and staff will be developing a strategic plan for the organization. The intent is to build on what we have done, and to expand our activities to reflect a new set of objectives. They are likely to include:
- Developing a vision for what the restored Deschutes Estuary can and should look like, once the Fifth Avenue Dam is removed. This project has the opportunity to be a world-class restoration project that will have national and international attention.
- Working with local governments, state agencies, the Squaxin Tribe, and other parties to develop a “finance and governance” plan and structure for the removal of the Dam, and restoration of the Deschutes, which will include pursuing funding from the federal government and nonprofit organizations.
- Developing the structure and funding for the Deschutes Watershed Council to restore and enhance the entire Deschutes Watershed, from its headwaters to Budd Bay, building on a plan developed and completed by local governments, the Squaxin Tribe, state agencies, DERT, and other stakeholders in 2021.
- Expanding DERT’s South Sound Healthy Watershed Program, in partnership with Puget Soundkeeper and its funding organizations, with additional kayak patrols, water quality testing, and community involvement identifying water quality problems in the South Sound.
- Developing comprehensive data in the Deschutes Watershed, working with the Nisqually Tribe, Squaxin Tribe, and other parties, to map historic and cultural sites and uses of the watershed, and opportunities for activities benefiting the watershed’s health.
- Sponsoring and putting on community forums to keep the community educated on what is going on in the watershed, and motivated to help.
- Expanding communication and outreach to people and groups that may not have traditionally been involved in watershed protection activities, including young people and minorities.
This is an ambitious set of activities, but we believe we are ready to take them on. However, we can’t do it without the continued support of DERT’s members, and this community. This will all take money. A big part of our activities in 2022 will include expanding our fundraising efforts. We are already pursuing a number of foundation grants. We expect to be speaking with our local legislators and other elected officials. And you can expect that we will be contacting you, and suggesting ways you can help.
Thank you for all you’ve done to help DERT over the past 10+ years. We could not have done it without your support.
