Save Capitol Lake !

We are a coalition of citizens working to improve, maintain and preserve Capitol Lake, the Number One "Jewel of Thurston County". Improving Capitol Lake requires a watershed-wide sustainable solution that is in line with the original lake vision as well as current and future needs.

CLIPA UPDATE – February 2013

A true "Managed Lake Approach" is the only environmentally sound, cost effective and community based alternative that the citizens of Thurston County and the state will accept. To delay this project any longer, will increase the eventual cost of dredging both Capitol Lake and the marine waters of Lower Budd Inlet. Read the update . . .

New Report!

Review of the "Capitol Lake Alternatives Analysis- Final Report"
"If the proper steps are taken to control storm water runoff, the managed lake alternative will result in less sediment reaching the marinas and Budd Inlet." by Wayne Daley CFS, Fisheries Biologist/Bioengineer

Capitol Lake is #1 of the 7 Wonders of Thurston County, according to popular vote.

In this video, Thurston County Commissioner Cathy Wolfe and State Supreme Court Justice Gerry Alexander discuss the Lake and its' merits for the community.

This is a 9 minute clip from the TCTV Video, courtesy of Thurston County Connection TCTV Videos, Producer John Tennis

Thurston County Connection - Full video 46 min.

The Seven Wonders of Thurston County

Now is the time to make the decision

Reflecting Lake

Tidal Basin

Visit our Gallery for more views of Capitol Lake Through the Years

Capitol Lake:

is a part of the State Capitol Campus
was envisioned in the original design of the campus
has not been dredged since 1986, contributing to algae bloom
makes a positive contribution to the environment
significantly helps the water quality of Budd Inlet
significantly helps in flood control
– protecting downtown Olympia
supports the annual (non-native) salmon run to the man-made fish ladders at Tumwater Falls

Removing the Dam:

would result in tidal mudflats like Mud Bay – NOT like the Nisqually
would result in approximately $157 million in infrastructure costs
would increase sediment & nitrogen flow into Budd Inlet
would degrade state and local waterfront investments of $84 million
would significantly increase costs to the Port of Olympia
would damage recreational boating that contributes $23 million in annual economic benefits to the community

Information, Reports & Reviews

The CLIPA White Paper is a realistic, practical & science based plan to improve the water quality & sediment management in the Deschutes Watershed, while preserving one of our state's icons, Capitol Lake.

See our Reports Overview for a list of documents
Don't know where to begin? Try these:

Get Involved !

Go to our Membership Page for our membership & donation form, printable brochure or to add your name to our List of Supporters. Sign up for our occasional E-Newsletters to keep Capitol Lake on your radar.