Olympic National Park News Release
August 11, 2010
For Immediate Release
Barb Maynes 360-565-3005
Dave Reynolds 360-565-2985
Sediment Work Scheduled for Upper Lake Mills Delta; Reservoir Will Close to
Boating August 26 – October 15
With removal of the two Elwha River dams set to begin next year changes are
coming to Olympic National Park’s Elwha Valley. A culvert replacement
project to allow fish passage at Griff Creek is nearly complete, and
several other projects are slated to begin later this month.
Beginning on August 26, contractors will begin moving heavy equipment to
the south end of the Lake Mills reservoir. The equipment will be used to
remove trees and create a pilot channel through the extensive delta at the
head of the reservoir.
The Lake Mills reservoir, along with nearby trails and an upstream section
of the Elwha River within Olympic National Park will close to all boating
for approximately eight weeks beginning on August 26.
The delta, created by the river’s sediments as they flow downstream, has
become overgrown in recent years by a large number of alder trees. As the
trees and root systems have grown, the delta has become more stable and
less easily eroded by the river. This project will help maximize erosion
through the delta before, during and after dam removal.
“Once dam removal begins, the river will carry large amounts of sediment
downstream where it will restore fish habitat, shellfish beds and beaches
along the Strait of Juan de Fuca,” said Karen Gustin, Olympic National Park
Superintendent. “Creating a pilot channel and removing trees from the
delta will give the river the head start that it needs to erode the
sediment.”
As the reservoir levels drop during and after dam removal, the river will
naturally erode and carry downstream the sediments that have accumulated in
the reservoirs, replenishing downstream spawning beds and the estuary and
beaches at the river’s mouth.
The entire Lake Mills reservoir and the Elwha River between Goblins Gate
and Lake Mills will be closed to boating. Kayakers using the River will
need to exit the river at Goblins Gate and hike out the Rica Canyon Trail
and Elwha River Trail to the Whiskey Bend Trailhead.
The Lake Mills boat launch, boat launch access road and the West Lake Mills
Trail and the Upper Lake Mills Trail will also close during this period.
“We ask for the public’s patience during this period and regret any
inconvenience that may be caused by this closure,” said Olympic National
Park Superintendent Karen Gustin. “This project must be finished before
the fall rains arrive so we can maximize winter erosion, accomplish the
work safely and be prepared for dam removal to begin next year.”
In addition to removing trees and creating a pilot channel through the
middle of the delta, workers will reposition logs within the river and
reservoir to help redirect the river towards the new pilot channel. The
likelihood of floating and submerged logs within the existing river channel
and reservoir, along with heavy equipment at work, necessitate the boating
closure.
Removing of the two dams on the Elwha River will begin next year, setting
in motion one of the largest restoration project in U.S. history. The
Elwha River Restoration project includes:
Removing Elwha & Glines Canyon Dams
The largest dam removal in U.S. history will free the Elwha River after 100
years. Salmon populations will swell from 3,000 to more than 300,000 as
all five species of Pacific salmon return to more than 70 miles of river
and stream.
Renewing a Culture
The returning salmon and restored river will renew the culture of the Lower
Elwha Klallam Tribe, who have lived along the Elwha River since time
immemorial. Tribal members will have access to sacred sites now inundated
and cultural traditions can be reborn. The NPS and the Tribe are primary
partners on this project.
Restoring an Ecosystem
This project creates a living laboratory where people can watch and learn
what happens when salmon return after a century to a still wild and
protected ecosystem. The return of fish will bring bear, eagles, and other
animals back to an ecosystem that has been deprived of this food source for
a century.
Economic Benefits
Just as the dams played a vital role in the history and development of the
area, removing them will create new opportunities for growth and regional
vitality.
Restoring the Coast
Removing the dams will reestablish the natural flow of sediment from the
mountains to the coast— rebuilding wetlands, beaches and the estuary at the
river’s mouth.
-- NPS --
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