Removal of two dams on the Elwha River – our nation’s largest dam removal to date – will restore the river to its natural free-flowing state, allowing all five species of Pacific salmon and other anadromous fish to once again reach habitat and spawning grounds.
The Elwha watershed is the largest in Olympic National Park; restoration of salmon to the over 70 miles of river and tributaries will return vital nutrients to the watershed and will restore the entire ecosystem. For the Lower Elwha Klallam Tribe, this project will bring cultural, spiritual and economic healing as salmon return after a century’s absence and flooded sacred sites are restored.