Thurston County, Washington

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Thurston County Washington

Community Planning and Economic Development

Nisqually Watershed Planning

The Nisqually Subarea Plan currently guides county government policies and plans for future development in the Nisqually planning area. The Nisqually Subarea Plan is part of the larger Thurston County Comprehensive Plan and was last revised in 1992. Review the 1992 Nisqually Subarea Plan here.  

The Nisqually Subarea, or Nisqually Planning Area, is the portion of Thurston County that encompasses the Billy Frank Jr. Nisqually National Wildlife Refuge and unincorporated County lands between the Nisqually River, Lacey, and Yelm planning areas.

Explore the Nisqually Subarea: Aerial Map | Basic Map | Online Interactive Map | View the Watershed Here

Map detailing the boundaries of the Nisqually Subarea of Thurston County.

Map of the Nisqually Subarea in Thurston County. Click here to view a larger map.

 

CPED Nisqually Watershed Planning

Map of the Nisqually Watershed. Click here to view a larger map.


Nisqually Planning at the Watershed Scale

Since 1992, 34 years of development and population growth have changed the landscape, and the way that Thurston County approaches land use planning. Instead of looking at only the Nisqually subarea, staff across jurisdictions, agencies, and the Nisqually Indian Tribe are working together to better understand outcomes of different planning decisions that shape the whole watershed.

With a better understanding about how individual land use decisions will impact the entire Nisqually Watershed, Thurston County can plan for more water-wise land use that protects the residents and environment. In 2027, Thurston County will continue to work with the Nisqually Indian Tribe, local jurisdictions, community organizations, residents, and state agencies to create a shared planning approach across the Nisqually Watershed.

Learn more from our Nisqually Watershed Planning Project Fact Sheet.

View the Nisqually Watershed Planning StoryMap here.

The work is still in the early stages and staff are currently focused on building the technical tools to measure different planning scenarios. There are no policy or planning updates at this time. Opportunities to learn, participate, and help shape the planning process will be available in early 2027.

This page will be updated with public events and new information as they become available. 

GET INVOLVED with Planning in the Nisqually Watershed:

For questions or comments, please contact Associate Planner Amelia Schwartz at amelia.schwartz@co.thurston.wa.us or (360) 968-9923.