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 over the next 20 years. The Nisqually Subarea Plan is part of the larger Thurston County Comprehensive Plan and was last revised in 1992. 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

Map detailing the boundaries of the Nisqually Subarea of Thurston County.
Click here to enlarge map.


Nisqually Planning

Review the current Nisqually Subarea Plan (last updated in 1992). As of 2026, Thurston County is working to develop a watershed-based planning effort for the Nisqually Watershed to analyze existing and potential land use impacts. 

Thurston County is working with the Nisqually Indian Tribe, Nisqually River Foundation, and agency partners to identify data needs and develop modeling strategies to better understand land use in the Nisqually Watershed. The work is still in the early stages and currently focused on analysis and modeling. There are no policy or planning updates at this time. The goal of this phase is to build a strong foundation for future policy and planning decisions. As the project moves forward, we'll share more information and provide opportunities for community input. This page will be updated with timelines and new information as it becomes 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.