Lessons & Opportunities from the Columbia River Basin Restoration Program
Lacamas Lake Lodge, Camas, Washington
Sep 2, 2026
On Wednesday, September 2, 2026, more than 100 scientists, researchers, restoration practitioners, public officials, and others attended the 14th Science to Policy Summit, joining both in person and virtually. They gathered to lean more about the successes and future opportunities provided by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's Columbia River Basin Restoration Program. This competitive grant fund has brought more than $81 million to the region since 2020 to monitor and clean up toxic contaminants across the Columbia River Basin. The program is shedding light on critical water quality challenges, while also implementing solutions for reducings across the Columbia Basin.
Panelists shared results from recent monitoring projects as well as toxics reduction efforts, and attendees had the chance to discuss opportunities to expand this critical work through collaboration and increased program funding.
The Honorable Jeff Merkley (OR) offered opening remarks.
The Summit was recorded, and can be watched below (video coming soon). Presentation slides from the summit are included in agenda order.
We opened with an overview of the program from Robin Parker, Columbia River Basin Restoration Partnership Coordinator with US EPA, then moved into a panel featuring lessons from monitoring projects from Washington Department of Ecology and Yakama Nation. After lunch, our afternoon panel featured results and lessons from projects across the Basin that are focused on reducing toxic contaminants from entering the Columbia River.