Threatened fish makes a comeback in restored Elwha

It's not just salmon and steelhead that are making a comeback in the Elwha.

A small fish listed as threatened under the Endangered Species Act has suddenly appeared at the mouth of the Elwha River after a decadeslong absence.

Scientists were surprised late last month to find hundreds of candlefish spawning in the Elwha, a river that was freed from dams just five months ago.

LINK (via:The Kitsap Sun)

Largest Dam Removal in U.S. History Scientifically Characterized

The effects of dam removal are better known as a result of several new studies released this week by government, tribal and university researchers. The scientists worked together to characterize the effects of the largest dam removal project in U.S. history occurring on the Elwha River of Washington State. New findings suggest that dam removal can change landscape features of river and coasts, which have ecological implications downstream of former dam sites.

LINK (via: USGS)

Time Lapse of the removal of Elwha Dam, Washington State

Time Lapse of the removal of the Elwha Dam Removal between 13 September 2011 and 15 July 2012.

Closing In on 50,000 Signatures

A crew from Patagonia will be heading to Washington DC next week to deliver the petition to Crack Down on Deadbeat Dams directly to the White House.

There are currently just over 1,300 more signatures needed to get to the magic 50,000 mark.

Mission accomplished! There are now over 50K signatures on the deadbeat dam removal petition.

LINK

Elwha River Virtual Tour

Take a virtual ride on the Elwha River from the former Lake Mills to the mouth as the river empties into the Strait of Juan de Fuca.

Users of the Google Street View-style project by Flying Fish Views, a Seattle-based startup also known as F2V, can see rapids and even dive underwater to see the “fish view” version of the trip.

The “travel” is via 30,000 individual photographs stitched together to create a 360-degree view of the lower third of the river and valley around a river raft.

The trip reveals everything from underwater views of spawning salmon to towering rock overhangs as it explores the mysteries of the river now that it has been freed from two dams and is reclaiming its historical route through steep valleys and narrow canyons.

LINK (via: Peninsula Daily News)

“Those who cannot remember the past are condemned to repeat it”

Two words to keep in mind when you read this story..... Susitna Dam.

Salmon runs, and wildlife that depended on salmon, were never rehabilitated after dams were built on the Eklutna River to supply electricity in the early years of Anchorage. A multi-agency working group has been unable to restore the river, much less the fish. Electric utilities, which own all rights to the water, are unwilling to share it with fish. Few people remember the original agreement. More than two decades after the agreement was signed, Alaskans are still searching for a solution.

LINK (via: Alaska Dispatch News)