Tessa Gardner-Brown, Principal and Senior Environmental Planner, recently presented at the National Association of Environmental Professionals on her role in the Deschutes Estuary restoration being undertaken on Washington State’s Capitol campus. Tessa serves as the project manager for the 260-acre estuary restoration project. The Deschutes Estuary was transformed into the current Capitol Lake in 1951 following construction of a dam, which restricted flow between the Deschutes River and Puget Sound, and transformed the expansive Deschutes Estuary into a freshwater lake. The sole purpose of the dam was to create a reflecting pool of water for the Washington State Capitol Campus. For decades, Capitol Lake was used for recreation by the local community. Today, it is closed to active public use due to invasive species. There are also chronic violations of water quality standards and shallow conditions from ongoing sediment accumulation. 

Tessa presented on the complex SEPA EIS process that evaluated long-term management alternatives for the waterbody. The SEPA process was informed by continuous and strategic engagement with the Squaxin Island Tribe, local governments, and special interest groups. Concurrent to the EIS process, there were significant efforts with local governments and other key stakeholders to develop and successfully execute a Memorandum of Understanding to provide shared funding for increased sediment management after removal of the 5th Avenue Dam.  

The project is currently in design and permitting, and DES is working closely with the Squaxin Island Tribe and the other key stakeholders to progress through conceptual design.  

Click here to learn more about the Deschutes Estuary Project.