Elwha Dam Removal and River Restoration

In 1992, Congress passed the Elwha River Ecosystem and Fisheries Restoration Act, authorizing the removal of dams to restore the Elwha River's altered ecosystem. The Elwha Dam and Glines Canyon Dam were removed in 2011, allowing water to flow freely from the Olympic Mountains to the Strait of Juan de Fuca. The project also aimed to restore salmon and trout populations, reconnect river habitat from headwaters to coast, minimize invasive species, restore natural ecosystem processes, and establish native forests. The restored watersheds revived significant cultural values for the Lower Elwha Klallam Tribe and created additional recreational opportunities for local residents.