The Elwha River Restoration

Question 1

What were some of the social issues related to the river restoration?

Answer 1

1. Loss of food source of Indigenous communities
2. Tribal sovereignty
3. Community displacement

Question 2

What were some ecological issues related to the dams?

Answer 2

1. Increased water temperature ( increase in disease and parasites, mortality pre-spawning, dissolved oxygen, macro-invertebrates)
2. Loss of Salmon & other local species
3. Sediment build up
4. Vegetation degradtion
   5.Flooding

Question 3

How might this project relate to food systems and ecological health?

Answer 3

1. Improved salmon populations
2. Restored riparian habitats: restoration of native plant species such as berries, mushrooms and game species
   3.Climate change resilience: better able to adapt to climate change impacts such as flooding and drought
3. Local food sovereignty: restored traditional fishing and gathering practices of the Lower Elwha Klallam Tribe that supports the health and well-being of the tribe