After Largest Dam Removal in U.S. History, This River Is Thriving

Amazing story. Let's hope it starts a trend. Since the removal of the dam, there has been an increase in the number of young Chinook salmon, Coho salmon, chum salmon, bull trout, and steelhead. Eulachon also showed up in the estuary for the first time in a long time, and in abundance. Did you know, these small fish are so oily they can be lit on fire, and they are an important food source for many animals...  

June 2, 2016 - Conservationists can now point to the largest dam removal project in the U.S. as a success story. The ecosystem of Washington's Elwha River has been thriving since the removal of its hydroelectric dam system. Recent surveys show dramatic recovery, especially in the near shore at the river's mouth, where the flow of sediment has created favorable habitat for the salmon population. A new generation of salmon species, some of which are endangered, are now present in the river. Some hope that the restoration of the Elwha River will become a shining example for the removal of dams across the U.S.

 

National Geographic