The Puget Sound Estuarium is an environmental education non-profit focusing on marine and estuary topics related to Puget Sound. Puget Sound is the second largest estuary system in the United States by shoreline and largest by volume of water. The Deschutes Estuary/Capitol Lake area sits at the southernmost point of Puget Sound. It is a small part of a very large whole, yet locally is of major ecological and cultural significance.

The Deschutes Estuary has existed since the end of the last ice age, and the impoundment of the estuary to create Capitol Lake is a recent alteration of its existence. This area is the ancestral land of the Steh-chass people whose relationship with the Deschutes Estuary traces back through time immemorial.

As a science-based, environmental education organization, the Estuarium supports the results of the Final Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) and the decision to restore the Deschutes Estuary, beginning with the removal of the 5th Avenue Bridge Dam and continuing with the restoration of the mouth of the Deschutes River, to an intertidal estuary ecosystem.

Restoration of Deschutes Estuary will be a long process undertaken by multiple stakeholders. As environmental educators, we look forward to the many opportunities we will have in the coming years, to teach K-12 and all ages community members about the research, methodologies as well as the groups involved in the restoration effort. Furthermore, we are excited to educate about the implications of this important work, for the future of water quality and ecosystem functions in the heart of our city.

We urge our patrons to study the history, current events and scientific reports, to stay informed on the research and dialogue surrounding this topic. Please check out the resources below to understand more about Deschutes Estuary restoration, and the results of the Environmental Impact Statement (EIS).