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Elwha River restoration update open to public

This photo taken July 29, 2011, shows an aerial view of the Elwha Dam west of Port Angeles, Wash. Dignitaries will gather at the site today to mark the beginning of the process to dismantle the dam. (Associated Press)
This photo taken July 29, 2011, shows an aerial view of the Elwha Dam west of Port Angeles, Wash. Dignitaries will gather at the site today to mark the beginning of the process to dismantle the dam. (Associated Press)

RIVERS -- The first public gathering to report on restoration of the Elwha River since the last remnants of the dams were removed and upstream passage for salmon was restored is set for next week in Port Angeles.

The presentations would be worth the trip to the Olympic Peninsula for anyone following the restoration of free-flowing rivers.

The Elwha Research Consortium and Peninsula College will host a special public event at 6:30 p.m. on Thursday, Nov. 19, highlighting the science and researchers of the Elwha River dam removal. 

The event will be held at the Pirate Union Building (PUB) on the campus of Peninsula College, 1502 E. Lauridsen Blvd., in Port Angeles.

Elwha researchers will be available for one-on-one discussions about their work, and scientific posters will be on display for viewing.

The award-winning documentary film, “The Return of the River,” also will be screened. Local filmmakers John Gussman and Jessica Plumb will introduce the film, which documents the Elwha River dam removals.

The film recently won two awards at the Jackson Hole Wildlife Film Festival, a summit and celebration of wildlife and conservation media. The film was also recognized for Conservation Impact and received the Marian Zunz award for emerging filmmakers.

Following the film, a panel discussion with project scientists will provide additional opportunity for the community to discuss the research and science associated with these ground-breaking dam removals.

This event is free but advance registration is requested.

Other inquiries can be made to the organizing committee at info2015elwha@gmail.com

Following is the trailer for The Return of the River:



Rich Landers
Rich Landers joined The Spokesman-Review in 1977. He is the Outdoors editor for the Sports Department writing and photographing stories about hiking, hunting, fishing, boating, conservation, nature and wildlife and related topics.

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