For a long time the waterways are a lifeline to Hood Canal and other areas, this info below will help to inform you about some of the positive things happening locally!
Elwha River Restoration
The largest dam removal in U.S. history will free the Elwha River after 100 years, Salmon populations will swell from 3,000 to more than 300,000 as all five species of Pacific salmon return to more than 70 miles of river and stream.
Renewing a Culture
The returning salmon and restored river will renew the culture of the Lower Elwha Klallam Tribe, who have lived along the river since time immemorial. Tribal members will have access to sacred sites now inundated and cultural traditions can be reborn. The NPS and the Tribe are primary partners on this project.
Restoring an Ecosystem
This project creates a living laboratory where people can watch and learn what happens when salmon return after a century to a still wild and protected ecosystem. The return of fish will bring bear, eagles and other animals back to an ecosystem that has been deprived of a vital food source for 100 years.
Economic Benefits
Just as the dams played a vital role in the history and development of the area, removing them will create new opportunities for growth and regional vitality.
Restoring the Coast
Removing the dams will reestablish the natural flow of sediment from the mountains to the coast-rebuilding wetlands, beaches and the estuary at the river's mouth.
This means better fishing and more places to enjoy with our families!
Comments(0)