Watershed Characterization Studies

Watershed Characterization Studies in Thurston County

A watershed characterization is a science-based examination of the features of a watershed, and how those features interact to affect the watershed's natural environment.

Characterization studies provide baseline science for policymakers to use when making regulatory and land-use decisions -- for example, the data may be used to identify which areas of a watershed have the best chance of being restored, or which areas are most vulnerable to development.

Methodology to a Watershed-Based Approach to Federal and State Clean Water Act Regulations - March 2011 version (1.3 MB PDF)

See a PowerPoint presentation on how watershed characterizations help protect watersheds, water quality and aquatic resources from impacts of growth (in PDF form, 1.69 MB).

View the Watershed Characterization Data Process & Analysis flow chart (104 KB PDF)

See a map of proposed and completed watershed characterizations in Thurston County. (This is a very large, 19.5 MB document.)

Contact Us

 Staff contact: Barb Wood (360) 754-3355 ext. 6809. E-mail: woodba@co.thurston.wa.us