Thurston County Natural Resources Program Manager Bryan Benjamin honored

Thurston County Natural Resources Program Manager Bryan Benjamin received the WaterNow Alliance 2026 Emerging Leader Award for spearheading water inititatives.

The county announced in an Aug. 5 news release that the award “recognizes water professionals who have demonstrated passion, initiative, and promise in advancing clean water projects.” 

Benjamin led the charge on water initiatives, such as protecting water availability in fast-growth areas, creating the county’s first local fund dedicated to stream restoration, updating the county's comprehensive plan with smart water policies, and building a rapport with Chehalis Basin Partnership, Nisqually River Council and Salmon Lead Entities. 

“Bryan embodies the kind of forward-thinking, community-first leadership that is moving Thurston County toward more sustainable, resilient water management. His work ensures that whether you live in the rural or urban areas, you can count on reliable water for years to come,” said Thurston County Manager Leonard Hernandez in a statement included in the announcement 

Benjamin believes the county has a unique opportunity to protect clean water, especially in rural areas and natural landscapes where water connects people, farms and ecosystems.  

"I'm proud to work on a team that grounds our decisions in reliable data and makes sure the community has a real say in how we care for our resources,” said Benjamin in a statement included in the announcement.

“Local hydrology, or the movement of water through our landscape, is the foundation of our climate resilience because we can get water to people and natural systems when it's needed most. The (county) is in a unique position to manage this at the watershed scale."  

Water-related initiatives benefit Thurston County residents, the announcement states, giving residents reliable water for homes, farms and businesses in a growing community, as well as healthier streams for fishing, swimming and wildlife.