INTERPRETING ELWHA RIVER RESTORATION

The Elwha River Restoration project in Olympic National Park, Washington, is the largest dam removal project in world history. With the removal of Glines Canyon Dam and Elwha Dam, 72 miles of aquatic, coastal, and riparian habitat is being restored. Considerations of the ecological restoration include anadromous fish passage, cultural significance, revegetation, sediment transport and dispersion, river bed and bank erosion, and water quality treatment for the city of Port Angeles, Washington. The Glines Canyon Dam removal was completed in 2014, but restoration efforts are ongoing. This Geoscientists-in-the-Parks Internship at Olympic National Park focuses on creating updated communication tools regarding the Elwha River Restoration project for both park staff and visitors. While many resources and texts exist concerning the dam removal process, these sources do not include current research.

The GIP project encompasses many aspects, including an updated brochure, a current research factsheet, interviews with resource experts, roving at the Glines Canyon Spillway Overlook, ranger programs, and the creation of a digital visual library. The visual library is the foremost focus of the project, and its digital platform allows for this tool to be updated as research progresses. The library incorporates ground and aerial time lapse photography, interactive maps and timelines, and animated flyovers of the river. The library is stored on a tablet, which park interpreters use while roving in the Elwha River valley. The digital visual library, along with other tools developed throughout the GIP project, uses technology to help interpreters tell the ongoing, dynamic story of Elwha River Restoration.