THE LARGEST RESTORATION PROJECT THE LOWER COLUMBIA RIVER HAS SEEN
One of the mightiest rivers of the West is about to experience one of its mightiest restoration efforts. Starting June 1st, 2020, construction begins at Steigerwald Lake National Wildlife Refuge to reconfigure the existing Columbia River levee system. The project will reduce flood risk, reconnect 965 acres of Columbia River floodplain, and increase recreation opportunities at the Refuge. This multi-year effort, known as the Steigerwald Reconnection Project, is a collaboration led by the Lower Columbia Estuary Partnership, U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service, and Port of Camas-Washougal.
COMING UP IN 2020
There will be many signs of progress this year, including:
Raising a portion of SR-14 above the 500 year flood level
Realigning a portion of Gibbons Creek
Relocating the Refuge parking lot
Beginning construction of setback levees.
These setback levees will better protect the Port of Camas-Washougal Industrial Park, the City of Washougal wastewater treatment plant, and private residences from flooding. Next year, the new setback levees will be completed, and more than 2 miles of the existing Columbia River levee will be removed, thereby reconnecting the Columbia River to its historic floodplain for the first time in generations.
Read more about the project at the Refuge 20/20 website.
