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64-485: The strategy, begun in 2016, has focused on habitat restorations, specifically on aquatic ecosystems and native vegetation. Over one hundred projects have been funded through the authority and strategy that include the removal of man-made obstacles that prevented fish migration, provided plantings of trees and shrubbery around creeks and tributaries that help increase biomass while lowering water temperatures, and purchasing of land near watersheds for permanent protection. With

128-494: A 190 foot (58 metres) tall embankment, known as the Skookumchuck Dam, is a 4-mile (6.4 km) long reservoir that, when water levels are low, provide some downstream flood prevention but the dam system was not built with the intent to provide flood control. Despite several attempts at engineering the existing dam and storage basin for flood mitigation, exorbitant costs, construction time, and a low cost-to-benefit ratio,

192-450: A 2017 environmental impact statement, when the dam's reservoir is full, the waters would cover 847 acres (343 ha) and extend 6.2 miles (10.0 km). Additional concerns were broached, focusing on habitat concerns, such as the necessary removal of 90 percent of trees in the holding area and issues of salmon survival due to potential increases in water temperatures, the loss of spawning areas, dissolved oxygen , and eventual degradation of

256-613: A birthday celebration between a local group of young men in 1978, the event consists of entrants buying or building water crafts and floating down the Chehalis River from Pe Ell to Rainbow Falls State Park , where riders can float over a slight waterfall that still remains despite severe flooding damage due to the Great Coastal Gale of 2007 . The Willapa Hills Trail bisects the town. The city of Pe Ell has historically used local law enforcement staff, rather than

320-454: A flood wall between Centralia and Chehalis to protect the interstate, purchasing property from current owners in the floodplains, and various forms of flood protections to existing buildings. Proposals regarding aquatic habitats encompass the construction of fish passages, replacing culverts and removing other fish migration barriers, biome protection via land acquisitions, replanting of native flora, and removing human-made obstacles to reconnect

384-411: A gymnasium added in 1921. A wing for agricultural vocational education was added in 1936, a class popular enough to require an expansion by 1938. The combined Pe Ell elementary and high school, furnished with a library and athletic fields, was completed at the end of 1952. The Pe Ell high school boys' basketball team and the girls' softball team won state championships in 2010. The softball team also won

448-432: A household in the town was $ 27,321, and the median income for a family was $ 30,625. Males had a median income of $ 36,875 versus $ 18,125 for females. The per capita income for the town was $ 12,481. About 20.0% of families and 22.4% of the population were below the poverty line , including 32.7% of those under age 18 and 10.8% of those age 65 or over. Pe Ell was home to Holy Cross Polish National Catholic Church , listed on

512-594: A landowner purchased 60 acres (24 ha) around the Blooms Ditch tributary in order to establish a habitat for the amphibian. Along with an additional acquisition of 60 acres (24 ha) and over 4,000 feet (1,219.2 m) of the ditch, the project created the Blooms Preserve. Fourteen Chehalis Basin Strategy partners combined to control invasive plants, the construction of ponds to hold water throughout

576-805: A state title in 2012, and a combined championship with Willapa Valley in 2017. Confederated Tribes of the Chehalis The Confederated Tribes of the Chehalis Reservation is a federally recognized tribe located in Southwest Washington . They are a part of the Northern Straits branch Central Coast Salish peoples of Indigenous peoples of the Northwest Coast . The Confederated Tribes' traditional territories were along

640-570: A variety of additional strategy projects. During the early 2020s, continuing projects similar to the first stage of the strategy continued. The authority granted the city of Centralia approximately $ 2.3 million towards ongoing work to restore fish habitat and improve flood control at China Creek. Due to urban construction, the creek had become a headwater for floods that affected the downtown core and surrounding residential areas. The Satsop River received $ 3.0 million in funding beginning in 2023 to improve approximately 5 miles (8.0 km) of

704-595: A variety of concerns from prior studies and protests, such as protection of aquatic and vegetative habitats, recreation access to the river, and potential disruption to Pe Ell's water supply.. After the discovery of the Oregon spotted frog in the watershed of the Black River in Thurston County, Washington , a species thought to be extinct in the area, a cooperation between the non-profit Capitol Land Trust and

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768-649: A wide agreement on protecting local ecosystems, especially salmon habitat, migration routes, and spawning areas, competing proposals of various support and opposition have been introduced in the 21st century to solve the ongoing mission to mitigate flooding in the Chehalis River basin. A main component of the authority's flood control initiative is the creation of a dam in Pe Ell, Washington that focuses on protection and improvements of local habitats. Competing proposals, offered by tribal communities and citizen groups in

832-471: Is a town in Lewis County , Washington , United States. The population was 642 at the 2020 census . The community was almost named Mauermanna, name after one of the first non-indigenous settlers in the area, Joe Mauermann, who objected to the honor. The name Pe Ell was chosen and there are several versions of the backstory of the moniker, none of which can be authenticated. The more accepted version

896-626: Is an organized partnership of county governments within the Chehalis River basin, various other regional governments, and the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW). The partnership also includes associations with Native American tribes, environmental groups, scientists, and local citizens. The purpose of the CBS is to propose and research a combination of plans along the Chehalis River to mitigate flooding and to restore aquatic habitat, particularly for local Chinook salmon . The CBS

960-497: Is recognized as the second-largest river basin in the state, and is the largest river system within the borders. Based on historical accounts from the Chehalis people and early non-Native settlers, seasonal flooding in the basin was considered to be normal and cyclical. Indigenous tribes did not build or maintain permanent structures in the floodplains and the first settlements in the 1800s were constructed on higher elevations. With

1024-466: Is that the name comes from the attempts of the local Indians to pronounce the first name of an early French-Canadian settler, Pierre Charles, who was an ex- Hudson's Bay employee. The account has it that the Indians could not pronounce Pierre, and their attempts turned it into Pe Ell. Another rendition is that P and L were the first initials for Pierre Charles and his Indian wife. Two words were made from

1088-592: Is under the administration of the Office of Chehalis Basin (OCB). The initial proposal outlined several flood control reduction measures, with downstream levee improvements particularly at the Chehalis–Centralia Airport , and a flood retention dam in Pe Ell which is planned to limit catastrophic damage from 100-year floods within the Chehalis River Basin. Additional recommendations include

1152-658: The Black , Chehalis , Cowlitz , Elk , Johns , Newaukum , Satsop , Shookumchuck , and Wynoochee Rivers , and included lands from the Southwest coast to the lower Puget Sound of Washington. The Chehalis Reservation ranges 4,438 acres (17.96 km ), and is home to more than 600 American Indians . The reservation was first established in 1860 for the Lower and Upper Chehalis people . Originally 4,224.63 acres (17.10 km ) larger, 3,753.63 acres (15.19 km ) of land

1216-663: The Great Coastal Gale of 2007 , design plans began in 2011 to help mitigate future farm losses, especially for livestock. A combined 23 pads were built in Lewis and Gray counties by 2017 at a cost of $ 866,000 and no loss of farm animals or farm equipment were recorded after a large January 2022 flood event. As part of early funding in the mid-2010s of $ 50 million, Grant , Lewis, and Thurston counties received disbursements of $ 6.0 million to begin work on fish passages , including eight culvert removals that opened over 60 miles (97 km) of waterways in Lewis County . Projects in

1280-625: The National Register of Historic Places (NRHP) in 1987. Constructed in 1916, it was the only known Polish church of its kind in the state. The building was razed in 2010 due to a combination of disrepair and lack of funding. A former existing site, the Weyerhaeuser Pe Ell Bridge , was designated an NRHP site in 1982 but removed in 1990 . The town is the starting point of the Pe Ell River Run. Begun as

1344-464: The CBS has continued to propose the Pe Ell dam that would temporarily be used as a reservoir to withhold excess runoff during heavy rainfall or snowmelt situations. As of 2020, the structure was planned to be 270 feet (82.3 m) in height and was to be built in a canyon located in forest lands used for commercial timber harvest. The project, if constructed, was estimated to lower 100-year flood waters in

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1408-616: The Chehalis Basin Flood Warning System, it expanded a sensor network already in place, providing information on rainfall and temperature, as well as additional gauges. Alert warnings are sent via email and provide information on 13 rivers in the area. The system won the 2023 National Hydrologic Warning Council (NHWC) Operational Excellence Award. The Chehalis River Basin Flood Authority was established in 2008 and manages flood control and concerns for

1472-670: The Chehalis Basin had cost $ 12 million and most reports or attempts were denied due to cost–benefit analysis that determined the funding of projects would not be offset by the savings that flood control measures would provide. After the January 2009 flood, additional reports were commissioned in 2011 and in the following year the governor, Christine Gregoire helped to form the Chehalis Basin Work Group to study and recommend flood control measures as well as

1536-673: The Chehalis River and its tributaries, to promote the habitats of aquatic species such as salmon, steelhead , and trout . As of 2023, the project, led by the ASRP, has worked with an ongoing WDFW program begun in 2005 that has removed or reengineered 81 man-made impediments in the Chehalis basin at a cost of $ 27.6 million. A major tributary of the Chehalis River is the Skookumchuck River which flows east-to-west from north central Lewis County to its confluence at Centralia. Behind

1600-529: The Chehalis River and its watershed. and is now overseen and funded by the Washington Department of Ecology Office of Chehalis Basin (OCB). The OCB, which began after legislative action in 2016, formally represents the Chehalis people and the Quinault tribes , as well as communities and counties that lie within the Chehalis watershed. The OCB, a direct descendant of the Chehalis Basin Work Group,

1664-419: The Chehalis River basin. Though the report agreed with long-standing ideas and proposals of local flood mitigation and ecosystem protections, the introduced options were also based on financial and timelines costs, as well as funding and community willingness. The alternatives included a dam and reservoir in Pe Ell, levee and dike builds, the purchase of land to create "non-structural flood protection", or allowing

1728-609: The Chehalis–Centralia Airport was replaced in 2018 with a redundant dual-pump electric system, protecting the airfield and the local shopping district. Improving or repairing aquatic ecosystems has been widespread in the basin and has included projects focused on interconnecting creeks, streams, and rivers. Efforts include the Stillman Creek Restoration Project near Boistfort , focusing on erosion control, habitat restoration, and to restore

1792-604: The Skookumchuck conversion is seen as an unlikely part of flood control in the Chehalis-Centralia area, as well as the downstream affects on the Chehalis. A group of citizens formed a proposal for the use of two dams in the basin after the floods produced from the Great Coastal Gale of 2007 . One was to be located near Boistfort, Washington and the other in Pe Ell. Though the Boistfort dam did not materialize,

1856-473: The Twin Cities by over 1.5 feet (0.5 m) as well as protect 25% of buildings that were at-risk during a major flood event. The waters would be released after the threat of a flood has eased, or the river basin has been determined to withstand additional flow. The plans include the construction of fish passages . During a retention period, fish trapped in the reservoir would be caught and transported to

1920-464: The basin and it included impact studies of a dam build. Plans of a redesigned, non-traditional dam were released in August 2024 which included a new location in Pe Ell to minimize effects on indigenous lands. The reservoir was reduced by 32 acres (13 ha) and the pass-through structure designed to simulate the river bed and flow of the waterway. The revised dam incorporated several design changes due to

1984-401: The basin considered floodplain, the Chehalis and Quinault communities created a flood plan in 2009 that avoids structural and engineered systems to control flooding, rather using natural elements and ecosystems that would focus on "river movement, flooding and erosion, rather than confining the river or changing its flows." An addendum to the plan was released in 2020, adding in a concentration on

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2048-451: The basin system to its natural state. The projects are to be carried out in three phases. The first phases of the strategy began in 2012 and declared achieved in the early 2020s with a combined 140 flood and habitat projects completed at a cost of $ 152 million. One of the first projects included the construction of evacuation routes and farm pads (a type of fenced, dirt pen ) on farmlands that were susceptible to floods. Due to flooding from

2112-518: The buying-out of private and commercial properties in the floodplains. Efforts on the study and implementation of the dam were paused by order of the governor, Jay Inslee , in July 2020. With growing concerns over the negative aspects the dam would have to the natural ecosystem, the authority, strategy, and connected partners and government entities were required to find alternatives to the dam, specifically non-structural, natural remedies that would protect

2176-428: The city of Chehalis . The second stage of the program was implemented soon thereafter and is focused on long-term solutions and strategy for flood control and financial backing of future tasks. The final phase is planned to begin in the mid-2020s and will target construction, additional financing, and devising long-term structural government oversight. The 2021 state legislature authorized $ 70 million in funding for

2240-517: The community with sewage runoff. The fortification also increased the habitat of aquatic species and extended the operating life of the plant by several decades. A new dam was constructed on Mill Creek in Cosmopolis and provides additional flood protection for over 200 homes in the area; the structure included fish ladders , which helped immediately restore the migration of local fish species. An aging and failing pump installed during World War II at

2304-487: The county sheriff's department, for policing. The last Pe Ell town marshal formally retired on April 1, 2019. The town went through several years of intermittent local police coverage, with the county sheriff's department filling in when the marshal's office was vacant. In 2022, Pe Ell reached an agreement with the city of Morton to outsource police coverage. Since then, the Morton has provided part-time police coverage to

2368-1014: The current Chairman of the Confederated Tribes of the Chehalis. Past chairmen include: English has become the common spoken language of the Tribe. Traditional languages include the Upper Chehalis and Lower Chehalis languages , which are derived from the Quinault languages of the Tsamosan branch of the Salish language family . The last native speaker of the Upper Chehalis language died in 2001. The Chehalis Tribe owns and operates Lucky Eagle Casino , Eagle’s Landing Hotel, Grand Buffet, Scatter Creek Grill, Prime Rib and Steakhouse, Sidewalk Deli in Rochester, Washington ,

2432-557: The dam proposal has been endorsed by the Chehalis River Basin Flood Authority, it has been rejected by several groups. The Quinault Indian Nation expressed concerns over the loss of fish ecosystems, specifically spring and fall Chinook salmon , a cultural staple of the indigenous people. The nation has proposed alternatives for a water retention system, with a focus on repairing habitats for native species of fish. With approximately 75% of tribal lands in

2496-403: The early 1900s, and by the late 20th century, floods became more severe and more numerous. The Chehalis River, with lower water flow and drier, warmer weather patterns, has experienced loss to fish runs and migration, including a loss of 87% in fish habitat, since the late 20th century. Native American communities have reported reduced catches during fishing. By 2008, studies of flood control in

2560-535: The early phases that focused on specific cities, towns, and communities include a new pump house in Hoquiam that replaced an ineffective, aging pump that was to be used to as a starting point for future levee builds. Log jacks were installed in Montesano that helped increase the riverbank of the migrating Wynoochee River , which was threatening the local wastewater plant that, during flooding, would have inundated

2624-508: The east and Raymond in the west. As of the 2010 census , there were 632 people, 259 households, and 169 families living in the town. The population density was 1,071.2 inhabitants per square mile (413.6/km ). There were 290 housing units at an average density of 491.5 per square mile (189.8/km ). The racial makeup of the town was 91.3% White , 0.2% African American , 3.2% Native American , 1.7% from other races , and 3.6% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 4.3% of

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2688-760: The floodplain and course of the waters. Several undertakings are part of the Aquatic Species Restoration Plan (ASRP) , a sub-program of the CBS. Works include fish passage restoration of the Middle Fork Wildcat Creek, a Cloquallum Creek tributary in McCleary . Additional ASRP restoration projects include fish passages in Elma and Oakville , and habitat improvements to creeks and their watersheds within Lewis County and

2752-501: The food chain. Cost estimates, which include construction and mitigation projects, were projected at over $ 600 million. The dam would also create a loss of use for recreation, such as kayaking and fishing. The dam is predicted to provide little downstream benefit to communities in Grays Harbor County and only moderate reduction of flood waters to the lands of the Confederated Tribes of the Chehalis Reservation. Though

2816-557: The initials: "Pe Ell". A differing, distinct account is that Charlie Pershell, a Frenchman, settled in the area and married an Indian woman. The Indians found it difficult to sound out the "sh" in Pershell so it became Pe Ell. A separate story mentions the railroad map designated the spot as PL, and that became the name. In 1897, the North Pacific Railway built a railroad depot in the town. In 1907, Pe Ell's population

2880-411: The introduction of railroads in the 1870s, and a subsequent increase in timber harvesting due to the new rail systems, denuded forest land around the Chehalis River led flood waters to be mostly contained in deeper valleys and channels. Though some floods continued to occur, they were sparse enough that flood control measures were considered too costly and unnecessary. Development in the floodplain began in

2944-417: The nearby unincorporated communities of Doty and Dryad . The first public education building erected in Pe Ell was a one-room school constructed in 1882. The schoolhouse was built of split cedar and funded by donations; twelve students attended the first year. The growing population led to the construction of a new, larger Central school beginning in 1892 only to find an expansion necessary in 1913, with

3008-493: The other side of the dam. Studies of the build of the dam has been determined it to be of positive economic value to the region as major flooding events would be significantly reduced while protecting infrastructure and various populated areas. The flood retention project has also shown to likely produce negative returns, such as disturbances to aquatic habitat, water quality of the Chehalis River, as well as adverse affects on recreation and Native American lands and culture. Based on

3072-438: The population. There were 259 households, of which 32.8% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 49.0% were married couples living together, 10.4% had a female householder with no husband present, 5.8% had a male householder with no wife present, and 34.7% were non-families. 26.6% of all households were made up of individuals, and 12.8% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size

3136-424: The population. 23.5% were of American, 15.1% English, 12.8% German, 9.9% Irish and 8.5% Polish ancestry. There were 248 households, out of which 33.9% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 54.8% were married couples living together, 8.9% had a female householder with no husband present, and 29.8% were non-families. 23.8% of all households were made up of individuals, and 12.1% had someone living alone who

3200-451: The region, rely on natural corrections to the floodplain , including heavy biome restoration in the basin as well as the prevention of future construction in the watershed. The Chehalis River Basin encompasses over 3,400 square miles (8,800 km) of creeks, rivers, and streams, and is a biome for indigenous amphibian and aquatic species, especially salmon , as well as mammals and birds, some of which are listed as endangered. The watershed

3264-506: The restoration of aquatic ecosystems. The river system within Lewis County by the turn of the 21st century had gauges operated by the United States Geological Survey (USGS). Specifically used to track the depth of the waters, it was run in conjunction with the county. In 2010, the flood authority implemented the installation of an online flood warning system available to residents in the Chehalis basin. Known as

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3328-560: The state legislature that is to fund the authority and basin strategy until 2027, helping to "aggressively pursue" various continuing projects, including the advancement to build a pass-through dam. As of 2024, the OCB, authority, basin strategy, and connected participants have completed 140 ecosystem restorations, which includes over 300 acres (120 ha) of preservation, and provided flood protection for more than 200 residences and commercial buildings. The Chehalis Basin Strategy began in 2014 and

3392-410: The town, along with Mossyrock . The town is governed by an elected Mayor, along with a town council of 5 members. Similar to other towns within Lewis County, Pe Ell is recognized as being majority Republican and conservative . The Pe Ell School District provides public education from preschool to 12th grade. The Pe Ell School occupies a single campus and students attend from Pe Ell, as well as

3456-420: The town. The population density was 1,099.7 people per square mile (422.8/km ). There were 289 housing units at an average density of 483.7 per square mile (186.0/km ). The racial makeup of the town was 93.15% White , 0.30% African American , 2.28% Native American , 0.91% Asian , 0.61% Pacific Islander , 1.07% from other races , and 1.67% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 2.28% of

3520-420: The upper basin and floodplain to return to a more natural state, allowing natural processes to prevent future flood issues. The most expensive options could cost as much as $ 1.8 billion, despite the report noting that a failure to reduce flooding in the basin over a 100-year span could potentially lead to $ 3.5 billion in losses. In late 2024, the OCB requested a $ 80 million budget appropriation from

3584-686: The watershed's aquatic habitats. The directive allowed the groups time to propose such alternatives in time for the 2021 state legislature session, and asked that communication and participation with tribal communities be improved. During the same year, the United States Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) completed their own environmental impact statement . Known as the Chehalis River Basin Flood Damage Reduction Project EIS, it proposed over 60 alternatives to flood control methods in

3648-413: The waterway near Satsop and the Chehalis River conjunction. Plans included the elimination of excess erosion with logjam jacks, the reintroduction of 350 acres (140 ha) of riparian habitats, improving the ecosystem for salmon and other aquatic species, and helping mitigate flood concerns in the area. Part of the basin strategy is to remove artificial barriers and to restore forests and woodlands near

3712-613: The year, and the planting of native vegetation, while continuing to improve the riparian habitat to provide a healthier habitat for fish and other aquatic animals. The authority and strategy work with the Chehalis Lead Entity through Chehalis Basin Salmon Restoration and Preservation Strategy, a habitat restoration program specific to salmon recovery and the preservation of salmon environments. Pe Ell, Washington Pe Ell ( / p iː ɛ l / )

3776-422: Was 2.44 and the average family size was 2.91. The median age in the town was 40 years. 25% of residents were under the age of 18; 7.2% were between the ages of 18 and 24; 23.4% were from 25 to 44; 26.6% were from 45 to 64; and 17.7% were 65 years of age or older. The gender makeup of the town was 49.7% male and 50.3% female. As of the 2000 census , there were 657 people, 248 households, and 174 families living in

3840-460: Was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.65 and the average family size was 3.17. In the town, the age distribution of the population shows 30.6% under the age of 18, 7.3% from 18 to 24, 25.9% from 25 to 44, 22.2% from 45 to 64, and 14.0% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 34 years. For every 100 females, there were 107.3 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 103.6 males. The median income for

3904-427: Was around 1,000—larger than it is today. The rich agricultural and timber resources of the region attracted farmers, millworkers, and loggers. By 1909, the town had a bank , three dry goods stores, two general stores , three grocery stores , two barber shops, five saloons , four hotels , a newspaper , a blacksmith , and even an opera house . Pe Ell was officially incorporated on March 9, 1906. The community

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3968-655: Was distributed to non-native settlers in 1866 via Executive Order. An additional 471 acres (1.91 km ) was given to schools. By 1906, fewer than 150 Chehalis people remained on the reservation and a 1984 survey found the population to be 382. The Confederated Tribes of the Chehalis Reservation's headquarters is in Oakville, Washington . The Tribe is governed by a democratically elected five-member General Council. The existing constitution and bylaws were ratified on July 15, 1939. As of November 2022, Dustin Klatush serves as

4032-816: Was formally created in 2017. As of 2017, the board has seven members, two of whom are appointed by the Confederated Tribes of the Chehalis and the Quinault Indian Nation. A comprehensive study, known as the Programmatic Environmental Impact Statement, was released by the Department of Ecology in September 2016 and detailed four options, titled "Alternatives", on flood control and the creation, protection, and restoration of aquatic habitats in

4096-628: Was once home to the Rock Creek sanitorium in the 1930s. Owned by both Lewis and Pacific counties, it was overseen by Dr. Angus MacMillan who also managed a similar tuberculosis hospital in Forest, Washington during the 1940s. According to the United States Census Bureau , the town has a total area of 0.59 square miles (1.53 km ), all of it land. State Route 6 passes through the town and connects it to Chehalis in

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