Silt collected from behind the dams has been used for testing growth rates and vigor of native plant seedlings. Information from this work is vital to developing a revegetation plan for the lands currently inundated by the reservoirs.

Overview:
Removal of the two dams in the Elwha River is just one of many steps towards ecosystem restoration. There are a number of projects included within the Elwha River and Ecosystem Restoration project. Flood protection, sensitive species management, sediment management, restoration of anadromous fish stocks, and revegetation are all important aspects of the complete restoration of the Elwha River and ecosystem surrounding dam removal.

Water treatment facilities are currently under construction and will ensure that water for human needs is protected during and after dam removal.