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Search & Rescue
The Lewis County Search and Rescue program is under the guidance and direction of the Lewis County Sheriff and his designees. The program is greatly dependent upon the efforts of many volunteers from the local communities and could not exist without their dedication.In 1959 the Mossyrock Search and Rescue Unit was developed to fill the need for an organized search and rescue unit. They were joined by Salkum in 1977 and Packwood in 1978. In 1986 the Civil Air Patrol organized the Fire Mountain Squadron.The Sheriff's Posse was reorganized as a SAR unit in 1987 and the Cascade Dogs Unit …
Sheriff - March 8, 2016, 1 p.m.
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Sheriff Marine Patrol
The Lewis County Sheriff's Office marine patrol unit and education program was created in the early 1980's in response to the increasing amount of recreational boaters. As recreational boating increased, so did the responsibilities of the marine unit. Today our primary responsibilities are education and enforcement. The Sheriff's Office has two lake vessels, a 20 foot Almar, and a 21 foot N.River. We have two primary inland lakes that we patrol: Lake Mayfield (2,250 sq. acres) and Riffe Lake (11,830 sq. acres). There are several other bodies of water including Mineral Lake, Lake Scanewea, and the Chehalis and Cowlitz Rivers. …
Sheriff - March 27, 2013, 8:21 a.m.
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European Coltsfoot
Tussilago farfara European Coltsfoot - a rhizomatous perennial that forms intricate colonies and grows up to 18" tall.Flower: Flowers bloom from March - May. The solid yellow flower looks somewhat like a dandelion, but on a stem absent of any basal leaves. The stems are unbranched and each produces a single flower.Leaves: Basal leaves emerge after flowers begin going to seed. They vary in size from 2-12" and grow from the rhizomes in rosettes. They also have a big variation in size and can be heart shaped, orbicular, or triangular, and have a narrow indentation at the base. The margins …
Weed Control - Sept. 29, 2022, 9:45 a.m.
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Lakes - Aquatic Weed Treatments
Aquatic weeds pose a variety of risks, including flooding, habitat degradation, impeding water flow, decreasing recreational opportunities, and much more. Often forgotten about and less visually obvious to most people, aquatic weeds are frequently going under the radar. It is important for the public to be aware of the presence of aquatic weeds in the water bodies they visit and take measures to prevent their spread!The PlayCleanGo campaign provides excellent information on necessary precautions and procedures that should be taken by all, in order to reduce the spread of aquatic noxious weeds. Stop Aquatic Hitchhikers also offers a variety of …
Weed Control - Sept. 6, 2022, 12:10 p.m.
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Proposed American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) Funding Plan
Survey results presented from POLCO to Lewis County Staff on 3-9-2022: Lewis County ARPA Baseline Survey resultsFull resident survey results: Residents ResultsFull business survey results: Business Results***Survey Closed December 10, 2021*** The American Rescue Plan will deliver $350 billion for eligible state, local, territorial, and Tribal governments to respond to the COVID-19 emergency and bring back jobs. On May 10, the U.S. Department of Treasury (Treasury) released an Interim Final Rule, FAQs, and a fact sheet for a significant portion of the $350 billion Coronavirus State and Local Fiscal Recovery Fund, established under the American Rescue Plan Act (ARP) signed …
May 26, 2021, 9:27 a.m.
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Public Comment
The Lewis County Board of County Commissioners (BOCC) allows public comment at all of its regular meetings. Any topics can be addressed during the weekly legislative meeting (the “BOCC Business Meeting” held on Tuesdays), but for all other meetings, public comment is limited to final-action items listed on the agenda. Written comment may be submitted via email at bocc@lewiscountywa.gov or by mail at BOCC Public Comment, 351 NW North Street Room 210, Chehalis, WA 98532. Written comment must be received at least 48 hours in advance of the meeting for which it’s being submitted and must be clearly marked as …
Commissioners - Feb. 25, 2026, 4:57 p.m.
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Short Term Rental Registry Process
On January 1, 2026, all owners and operators of short-term rentals (also known as Air BnBs) will be required to register the rental through Lewis County. Owners/operators will have one calendar year to come into compliance. The registry application is available through the online portal HERE.The requirements are specified in Lewis County Code Chapter 17.105. The following is a summary of the requirements (this is not an exhaustive list):A short-term rental can be a single family home, accessory dwelling unit (ADU), duplex, detached bedroom, RV/trailer, yurt or other similar structure.All short-term rentals will be required to have a building permit …
Community Development - Nov. 5, 2025, 3:01 p.m.
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Projects
Eradication: Class A Noxious Weeds Class A noxious weeds are Lewis County Noxious Weed Control's highest priority for early detection and rapid eradication. Generally, these noxious weeds are either entirely absent in Washington State or are only present in a very limited distribution. As such, and as required by law, the management goal for these weed species is total eradication in all plant parts. Garlic mustard, Giant hogweed, False brome and Milk thistle are all examples of Class A noxious weeds that have become more common in the state in recent years and could conceivably arrive in Lewis County from …
Weed Control - March 20, 2015, 1:11 p.m.
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County Manager
Ryan BarrettCounty ManagerRyan Barrett has served as County Manager for Lewis County, Washington, since August 2023. Selected by the Board of County Commissioners after a nationwide search, Barrett brings nearly two decades of public sector experience and a strong connection to the local community. His background includes leadership roles in law enforcement, regional corrections and municipal government, giving him a well-rounded perspective on the challenges and opportunities facing the county.As County Manager, Barrett is focused on building a thriving, sustainable and inclusive community. His priorities include strengthening the local economy, improving infrastructure and enhancing the quality of life for residents. …
Commissioners - Nov. 30, 2022, 2:02 p.m.
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Wheeled All-Terrain Vehicles (WATVs) on County Roads
Wheeled All-Terrain Vehicles (WATVs) on County Roads The Lewis County Board of County Commissioners (BOCC) approved Ordinance 1286 on June 4, 2018 in accordance with Chapter 46.09 RCW allowing the operation of WATVs on certain unincorporated county roads with posted speed limits of 35 MPH or less. Ordinance 1286 became effective upon ratification by the BOCC. • Text of Ordinance 1286 & Chapter 10.40 of Lewis County Code • Map of County roads where you may legally operate a WATV, subject to all Washington State registration and licensing requirements, and equipment laws. • List of County roads designated for WATV …
Public Works - June 6, 2018, 8:06 a.m.