A few short words from a DERT Co-Founder:

We are thrilled the State of Washington has put an initial $7 million in funding towards the design and permitting process for Deschutes Estuary Restoration. After 14 years of DERT explaining to the public that there was a river called the Deschutes forming what is known as Capitol Lake, and that the “lake” was actually a dammed estuary – we are seeing some results!!

But that estuary won’t be restored until the dam is removed – and we are still a long way from that definitive action. DERT will continue to work with the Squaxin Island Tribe, with local government jurisdictions and agencies, and most importantly with YOU – the public, who have been our stalwart support during these initial efforts.

There may still be some local legislators or other officials who do not want to see the estuary restored, and who still call it "stinking mudflats". Some of those have local influence and consider the lake to be an iconic part of the Capitol Campus, even though it was never part of the original Capitol Campus design. There has been so much misinformation around the Estuary and Lake--scientific, historical, economical--that it is good to finally put all that to rest and move forward down what is clearly the best path. And we hope that those who have opposed this path in the past, including legislators who simply aren't interested in restoring a healthy estuary and Puget Sound, will acknowledge that a final decision has been made, and join in making sure that the next steps are the best ones possible.

Please take the time to talk to your friends, acquaintances and elected officials about the importance of restoring the Deschutes Estuary. We have a long way to go – and we can’t stop now!!

Sue Patnude, DERT Board of Directors

You are part of the vision and hard work that guarantees the Deschutes River WILL meet Puget Sound without a barrier. Together, we will continue to advocate for the restoration of our urban estuary. Please consider donating to DERT today.

DERT COMMUNITY FORUM

DERT is welcoming a new Operations and Development Associate to help with goals management, outreach and fund raising. Meet Casey Allen!

Casey is a graduate student at the Evergreen State College enrolled in the Masters in Environmental Science program. Casey says:

“Growing up in Olympia I have always been drawn to our waterways and I have seen many iterations of Capitol Lake and the Deschutes River. As such, I am deeply passionate about restoring the estuary to revitalize this crucial ecosystem, and in doing so revitalize our community’s cultural connection with one another and this diverse and important habitat. In my graduate work with the MES program, I have cultivated my skills in science communication and have deepened my knowledge of our regional ecosystems, the environmental and political challenges we face, and the importance of community activists and indigenous partnerships. I have further developed strong capabilities in scientific research and writing, with all of my major work so far pertaining to our NW rivers and the Salish Sea. As a coordinator with the MES Student Association (MESA) I have collaborated to organize the Rachel Carson Forum, a community event highlighting local and regional environmental leaders and their projects. This required intensive communication with collaborators, planning everything from fundraising for MESA and navigating college funding channels to advertising and detailed event planning. “

We are excited to have Casey on board. Please help us welcome Casey to our DERT Team!!



You are part of the vision and hard work that guarantees the Deschutes River WILL meet Puget Sound without a barrier. Together, we will continue to advocate for the restoration of our urban estuary. Please consider donating to DERT today.

Don’t forget to stop by World Ocean Day on June 10th at Heritage Park from 11 to 3 p.m. and say hi to DERT folks, chat about what we are up to and see all the other educators and organizations as well!

Each June, World Oceans Day is celebrated to amplify the vital importance of our oceans and the actions we can all take to help protect them. Our oceans nourish and support life. They connect us across the planet bringing us beauty, food, air, transportation, medicines, recreation and jobs.

Guest Speakers include Kris Peters, Chairman of the Squaxin Island Tribe, State Representative Beth Doglio, and County Commissioner Tye Menser.

Plus:

• Live music from Artesian Rumble
• Kids’ activities
• Exhibitor booths
• Food trucks
• Raffle prizes

NEWS IN THE WATERSHED

Do you have watershed news to share?

Send it to us at olydert@gmail.com

POLLUTION REPORTING RESOURCES

As a community dedicated to protecting the Deschutes watershed and South Puget Sound, we must all keep an eye out for potential pollution incidents when we are out and about.

To report suspected pollution in your community, email olydert@gmail.com.

DERT's South Sound Healthy Watershed Program operates thanks to our sponsoring foundations and donors like you. Did you know that donors are now able to set up automatic recurring monthly donations in any amount? Follow the link to the right to get set up. Thank you for working with us towards a free Deschutes!

Do our emails get lost in your promotion tab? Here is a quick trick to make sure our newsletter goes directly into your primary inbox*. Simply click on the email in your promotions tab, and drag it up and over to your primary tab. Voila! From now on, every DERT email will go directly to your primary tab!

For more information CLICK HERE

*This tip is for those who use Gmail, but it may be applicable to other platforms.