Back to the Future: Dam Removal and Native Salmon Restoration on the Elwha River

Authors: Brian Footen and Jovana Brown

Disciplines: Biology, Environmental Studies, Political Science and Public Administration

Themes: Environmental Restoration, Federal and State Relations and Policy, Intergovernmental Relations, Leadership, Salmon, Treaty Rights and Sovereignty

Tribes: Lower Elwha Klallam

Dams on the Elwha River in Washington State have blocked salmon migration for one hundred years. These dams are now being removed. The Lower Elwha Klallam Tribe is looking forward to having its treaty rights to fish from the Elwha River restored. This case examines two approaches for restoring harvestable, viable, and self-sustaining salmon runs to the River.

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