Environment | The JOLT News Organization, a 501(c)(3) Nonprofit

Carefully tended tree stands in Capitol Forest, as seen in this undated photo.

Our legacy of modern, science-based forest stewardship is being lost to special interests

Thurston County is home to great outdoor recreation, much of it on our public lands in Capitol Forest. In the 1950’s, I hiked, biked and rode horses there, and I clearly recall the vast … more

By Ken Miller | 3/24/25 | 13 comments

Surfrider event photos from a booth they hosted.

Help keep the streets clean, join Surfrider Olympia in picking up cigarette butts on March 22

In observance of World Water Day, the Surfrider Olympia chapter is holding its first cigarette butt cleanup of the year on ... more

By Wyatt Haupt Jr. | 3/20/25 | 3 comments

At the Olympia City Council study session on Tuesday, March 11, 2025, Jaron Burke, climate program specialist, presented the one-time launch costs for implementing the Home Energy Score program.

Olympia reviews proposed ordinance requiring Home Energy Score for home sales

The Olympia City Council reviewed a draft regional ordinance that would require homeowners to obtain a Home Energy Score (HES) before listing their property ... more

By Lorilyn Lirio | 3/17/25 | 15 comments

Energize Thurston promotes energy and cost efficient heat pumps and available to all Thurston County residents.

Thurston County launches Energize Thurston to promote energy-efficient heat pumps

Residents of Thurston County now have an opportunity to improve their home’s energy efficiency and comfort through Energize Thurston, a new program designed to make the … more

By Darlanne Cruz | 3/17/25 | 1 comment

The Port of Olympia Commission listened to public comments at its Monday, March 10, 2025, meeting before voting on a contract amendment with Panattoni Development Company that would allow the developer to begin the development of a 50-acre industrial site. On the podium is resident John Saison, speaking about the number and quality of jobs to be expected from the project.

Port of Olympia Commission approves contract amendment with Panattoni

A proposed industrial development in Tumwater by Panattoni Development Company is one step closer to reality after clearing a ... more

By Jerome Tuaño | 3/13/25 | 3 comments

Hazardous Waste Specialist II Kimberly Graham and Thurston County Point of Contact for Lakes Management District Stuart Whitford met with the Thurston County Board of Health on Tuesday, March 11, 2025.

Thurston County Board of Health approves pest and aquatic weed management prescriptions

The Thurston County Board of Health approved the Integrated Pest Management (IPM) and Prescription Approval Process to regulate pesticide usage on ... more

By P. Jade Asumbrado | 3/12/25 | 1 comment

Holding up the map on the left is Justin Hall, president of Nisqually Community Forest board, as seen during a tour for the Nisqually Tribal Council about a year ago

Nisqually team awarded nearly $900K for community forest climate project

An $886,999 joint grant has been awarded to the Nisqually Indian Tribe, Nisqually Community Forest and Northwest Natural Resource Group to encourage ecological forestry practices and mitigate effects … more

By Jessie Darland | 3/11/25 | 7 comments

Natalie Weiss, Olympia's Climate Resilience coordinator, presented the phased implementation of the strategies broken up into three time frames and through 2100. At the Sea Level Rise Response Collaborative Executive Committee meeting on Friday, March 7, 2025, she outlined the updated 2025 work plan.

Sea Level Rise team to explore FEMA flood protection despite federal challenges

The Sea Level Rise Response Collaborative team is exploring the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) accreditation even as federal ... more

By Lorilyn Lirio | 3/10/25 | 3 comments

A vessel used to conduct sediment sampling in West Bay, as seen pulling up to a dock near Port Plaza on Tuesday, March 4, 2025.

Public gets up close view of sediment sampling in West Bay

An ongoing effort by the Port of Olympia to collect sediment samples in West Bay this winter featured a new wrinkle on ... more

By Wyatt Haupt Jr. | 3/6/25 | 1 comment

A volunteer from Thurston County’s Stream Team guides a young participant through stream bug monitoring in a local Thurston County waterway. The hands-on activity educates residents about aquatic life and water quality to protect Puget Sound ecosystems.

Thurston County’s Stream Team mobilizes for water health

The Stream Team, an environmental education program, is expanding its efforts to address stormwater pollution, public engagement gaps and correct ... more

By Kameko Marquez | 2/26/25 | 2 comments

The WET Science Center is hosting free educational sessions in March.

WET Science Center offering free educational sessions in March

People are encouraged to visit the WET Science Center in March, as LOTT Clean Water Alliance educators share knowledge about wildlife tracking, volcanos ... more

By P. Jade Asumbrado | 2/26/25

Flood watch issued for Thurston County

An atmospheric river barreling toward the state of Washington has prompted a flood watch for Thurston County. The flood watch, which is in effect from 10 a.m. on Sunday, Feb. 23, until 4 a.m. on … more

By Wyatt Haupt Jr. | 2/21/25 | 1 comment

The Tumwater City Council authorized a contract with ICF Jones & Stokes LLC, as part of its consent agenda on Tuesday, Feb. 18, 2025.

Tumwater enters fourth phase of habitat conservation plan

The Tumwater City Council authorized Mayor Debbie Sullivan to sign an agreement with ICF Jones & Stokes LLC to work on the fourth phase of the ... more

By Jerome Tuaño | 2/21/25 | 4 comments

A fire district map shows areas covered by Thurston County’s first Community Wildfire Protection Plan, which is set for completion in 2025.

First wildfire protection plan in Thurston County coming in 2025 

Driven by rising wildfire concerns, Thurston County is launching its first-ever protection plan under the leadership of ... more

By Kameko Marquez | 2/20/25

The historic Davis-Meeker Garry oak tree, as seen in this undated photo, stands by the Olympia Airport and Old Highway 99 in Tumwater.

New risk assessment of the Davis-Meeker tree finds it poses 'moderate' risk

A second risk assessment of the Davis-Meeker Garry oak tree located on Old Highway 99 in Tumwater shows that the tree, at most, posed a ... more

By Jerome Tuaño | 2/14/25 | 7 comments

Sixteen of the 18 people who spoke during Port of Olympia Commission meeting on Feb. 6, 2025, commented about the proposed update to the master plan of Olympia Regional Airport. Standing on lectern is Sharon Koontz, who described the port’s approach to the development of the airport as “piecemealing,” which she said was not allowed by the state Environmental Policy Act.

Port determines updated airport master plan would have no adverse impact on environment

The Port of Olympia has determined its proposed update to the master plan of the Olympia Regional Airport would not have a “probable significant adverse impact” on the environment after issuing a ... more

By Jerome Tuaño | 2/13/25 | 6 comments

The Olympia City Council heard concerns from residents about Budd Inlet's environmental health during the public comment segment of its meeting on Tuesday, Feb. 11, 2025.

Olympia residents raise concern over Budd Inlet's declining ecosystem

Longtime Olympia residents voiced their concerns over the declining health of Budd Inlet, calling for an environmental impact statement (EIS) for the proposed West Bay Yards development. … more

By Lorilyn Lirio | 2/13/25 | 9 comments

A research vessel, which was used by Dalton, Olmsted & Fuglevand in January 2024, helped to research sediment conditions in the East Bay of Budd Inlet.

Port of Olympia invites public to observe researchers on Budd Inlet

The public is invited to observe a team of researchers as they diagnose sediment conditions on the West Bay of Budd Inlet in a Public Observation Day event ... more

By Jerome Tuaño | 2/12/25

The Port of Olympia Commission authorized a grant agreement as part of its consent agenda on Monday, Jan. 27, 2025.

Port Commission authorizes $6.25 million grant for Budd Inlet cleanup

The Port of Olympia Commission authorized Executive Director Alex Smith to sign a $6.25 million grant agreement with the ... more

By Jerome Tuaño | 2/3/25 | 4 comments

LOTT Executive Director Matt Kennelly, middle, Tye Menser, left, and Leatta Dahlhoff attended the National Association of Clean Water Agencies award ceremony in Rancho Mirage, California, on Wednesday, Jan. 29, 2025.

LOTT honored for 'watershed collaboration' in receiving national award

The LOTT Clean Water Alliance was awarded the 2025 National Environmental Achievement Award by the National Association of Clean Water Agencies on Wednesday, Jan. 29. The agency was … more

By Jerome Tuaño | 2/3/25 | 2 comments