[9] The earthen dam has been part of several flood mitigation proposals to protect the Centralia and Chehalis communities from continuing overflow events.

[10][11] The embankment contains a trap system in which mature steelhead are caught and transported over the spillway but existing fish passages prevent young salmon from migrating.

[7] In June 2024, a petition to remove the dam at the termination of the Centralia Steam Generation Plant operations was filed by the Quinault Indian Nation.

Additionally, a network of dams, dikes, and removal of natural barriers has disconnected the floodplain, causing more erosion to the habitat as waters rush through the Skookumchuck during high rain and thaw events.

The decrease in native trees and shrubs, with deep roots and shade cover ideal for the banks of the river, lead to more erosion and subsequently a lack of food and shelter for aquatic animals.

The project has helped to protect the river from agricultural and farming impacts with a focus on surface runoff, and has included the removal of invasive plants, the planting of native vegetation, a reconnection of the floodplain by creating higher flow channels, the placement of logjams, and integrating both natural river habitats with that of farms by the practice of silvopasture.