A two minute time lapse video of the removal of the Elwha Dam and Glines Canyon Dam, produced as part of an exhibit by the Burke Museum, in collaboration with the Seattle Times, Mountaineers Books, and the Lower Elwha Klallam Tribe.
In 2011 and 2012, the Elwha Dam and Glines Canyon Dam were removed from the Elwha River on the Olympic Peninsula in Washington State. The two dams were hydroelectric plants that provided power for the development of the region, but blocked the passage of migrating salmon. In order to restore the river habitat and fish populations, a 1992 Congressional act authorized the National Park Service to dismantle the dams.
As you watch the short video, consider the competing values represented by different uses of the river.
What purposes should the river serve? Who should get to decide?
Citation:
“Time Lapse of Elwha River Dam Removal,” YouTube video, 2:17, posted by “Burke Musuem,” February 12, 2014.
Library Item date:
2011