Thurston County Natural Resources Manager Wins Water Leadership Award

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  Thurston County Natural Resources Program Manager Bryan Benjamin received the WaterNow Alliance's 2026 Emerging Leader Award“Olympia - Thurston County today announced that its natural resources program manager, Bryan Benjamin, received the WaterNow Alliance's 2026 Emerging Leader Award.”
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  The award was received on August 5, 2026“Natural Resources Program Manager Selected for WaterNow Alliance Emerging Leader Award August 5, 2026”
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  Benjamin led efforts to protect water rights in growing rural areas“Protecting Water Availability in Fast-Growth Areas: Helped secure funding to protect water rights in the County's fastest-growing rural areas so new and existing residents, farms, and businesses can count on clean water without harming streams and wildlife.”
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  Benjamin led efforts to create a local stream restoration fund“First-of-Its-Kind Restoration Fund: Led the creation of the County’s first local fund dedicated to stream restoration. By combining grant money with local fees, the fund ensures restoration projects are completed and maintained.”
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  Benjamin led efforts to update policies to ensure reliable water for homes, farms, and wildlife“Smarter Water Policies: Helped update the County's Comprehensive Plan with practical policies that protect rural water supplies, reduce conflicts during dry years, and support long-term resilience.”
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  Thurston County Commission Chair Tye Menser called it a recognition of work securing natural assets critical to community and agricultural use“"This important recognition isn’t just about resource management - it’s about resource security. Our staff are protecing the community’s water and agricultural land assets now for community use," said Thurston County Commission Board Chair Tye Menser.”
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  The award highlights Benjamin’s role in strengthening partnerships with tribal governments“Stronger Partnerships: Renewed commitments to regional watershed groups like the Chehalis Basin Partnership, Nisqually River Council, and Salmon Lead Entities, including improving staff engagement with Tribal governments during policy updates, honoring government-to-government responsibilities with consistent, meaningful input.”
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  The award highlights Benjamin’s role in strengthening partnerships with regional watershed groups“Stronger Partnerships: Renewed commitments to regional watershed groups like the Chehalis Basin Partnership, Nisqually River Council, and Salmon Lead Entities, including improving staff engagement with Tribal governments during policy updates, honoring government-to-government responsibilities with consistent, meaningful input.”
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  Thurston County residents benefit from healthier streams“Healthier streams for fishing, swimming, and wildlife – including salmon recovery.”
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  Thurston County residents benefit from better water access for farms“Resilient rural communities with better protection for wells and access to water for farms.”
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  Thurston County residents benefit from more resilient rural communities through these initiatives“Resilient rural communities with better protection for wells and access to water for farms.”