Resources

Abstract: Since the early 1900s, more than 1700 dams have been removed from rivers in the United States. Native American Tribes have played a key role in many significant removals, bringing cultural, economic, and legal resources to bear on the process. Their involvement contrasts with the displacement and marginalisation that have historically characterised the relationship […]

This article by Thomas O’Keefe in Mountaineer magazine explores the history of Elwha River dams, from the geology of the Elwha River through dam construction to dam removal and the ongoing river restoration. An additional feature by Rob Casey discusses some of the recreational opportunities that exist on the now-reconnected river.

Learn more about the history of the Elwha River dams, the challenging removal process, and some of the incredible early restoration progress post-dam removal. “Dams were once thought of as permanent features on the landscape, but the Elwha shows us that these projects do in fact have a finite lifetime. Many dams provide important benefits for our communities — electricity, […]

Comments from American Whitewater Affiliation on the Elwha River Ecosystem Restoration Draft Environmental Impact statement (DEIS). “AWA believes that removal of the Elwha and Glines Canyon dams is important both as: 1) a benefit to restoring the Elwha, and 2) a much needed national policy regarding future dam removals.”

Read the 1986 Motion for Intervention of the Lower Elwha Klallam Tribe in the Elwha and Glines Canyon projects. “Under such circumstances it does not seem prudent for the Tribe to continue a relatively “low profile” with regard to the fate of these dams. It is therefore the position of the Lower Elwha Tribe, after […]

The River Access Planning Guide is a resource for planners, river managers, and users as they design new river access sites, improve existing access, or integrate river access into larger infrastructure projects. The information provided in the guide is intended to provide advice and direction for those involved in river access development and can help facilitate […]

This is a comprehensive guide for dam owners and practitioners on removing hydropower dams regulated by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC). Removing dams is a common practice and a good option for dam owners or licensees who determine that the expense of ownership is too great relative to the benefits provided by their dams.

Since the removal of two dams on the Elwha River in the Pacific Northwest, salmon are spawning once again, animals large and small are returning to the river banks, and hundreds of acres of barren former lakebed are greening.

This guide explains how to effectively participate in the hydropower licensing process, geared towards citizens. This A to Z description of the licensing process includes an overview of FERC; in-depth guidance for the ILP, TLP, and ALP; and settlement agreements. Appendices: Compendium of court cases commonly cited in licensing decisions Common filings in a licensing […]

2011 was an historic year for rivers. The two dam removal projects that began as “crazy ideas” 30 years ago kicked off this year on the Elwha and White Salmon Rivers in Washington. These dam removal projects are the largest in history and represent a turning point in the effort to restore freeflowing rivers for salmon, recreation and culture.