This interactive story map explores Budd Inlet’s history and current environmental state, and the Port’s role in its future. As a living story map, the series will evolve with real‑time updates on topics like stormwater, sea level rise and the Budd Inlet Cleanup Project.  

The idea for the story map originated with the Port’s Budd Inlet Community Advisory Committee in 2025. The group envisioned a tool that could showcase the Port’s environmental history, the unique industrial lands it manages and the legacy of past land uses.

“The project brings the story of Budd Inlet to life in a meaningful, accessible format,” said Environmental Planning and Programs Manager Shawn Gilbertson.

“We are excited to share their work in the form of a story map to help increase transparency and community understanding of Budd Inlet and demonstrate some of the ways the Port’s environmental actions, from cleanup work to the ongoing stewardship of Port properties, is working to improve and protect the health of Budd Inlet.”  

We hope the project will deepen understanding of the waters we share and how our history as a community has shaped today’s shoreline. As we look ahead, the Port remains committed to protecting the waterway for both the aquatic ecosystem and future generations to come. 

Featured in the Series: 

• History of Budd Inlet and the Port of Olympia 
• Cascade Pole Cleanup Site – The history of the Cascade Pole project, past and present.
• Stormwater on the Port Peninsula – How the Port manages its stormwater and keeps its discharges into Budd Inlet clean. 
• Sea Level Rise – What is the Port doing for anticipated sea level rise? 
• Budd Inlet Cleanup Project – Where are we in the cleanup project, and what have we discovered?