Success! 5th Avenue Dam Slated For Removal; Deschutes Estuary To Be Restored

Summary: On October 31, 2022, the Washington Department of Enterprise Services (DES) released its Final Environmental Impact Statement (FEIS) on Capitol Lake/Deschutes Estuary, identifying the removal of the Fifth Avenue Dam and restoration of the Deschutes River and Estuary as the state’s “preferred alternative” to address numerous environmental problems with the existing lake and estuarine systems. The Deschutes Estuary Restoration Team (DERT), the Squaxin Tribe, and other local elected officials, organizations, and community members have been advocating for this result for more than 20 years. In releasing the FEIS, DES quoted Kris Peters, the Chair of the Squaxin Tribe, who said:

The Deschutes Estuary has long-standing cultural and spiritual significance to the Squaxin Island Tribe. Restoration of the Deschutes Estuary is a meaningful step toward the larger effort to improve the health of the Deschutes Watershed for native species.”

His words were echoed by others, including Governor Inslee. Together, we have cause to celebrate this milestone.

Find the full press release below.