Deputy Secretary Connor Marks Anniversary of Elwha River Restoration Project

In August, Deputy Secretary Michael L. Connor visited Olympic National Park and the Elwha Restoration Project, a highly successful natural resource restoration project managed and directed by the National Park Service in partnership with the Lower Elwha Klallam Tribe, the Bureau of Reclamation, US Geological Survey, US Fish and Wildlife Service, National Marine Fisheries Service, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, WA Department of Fish and Wildlife, Clallam County, and the City of Port Angeles.   

On September 18, Interior marked the anniversary of the Elwha River Restoration Project, which in addition to river restoration work, involved the largest dam removal project in U.S. history. Endangered salmon, trout and other fish now have access to more than 70 river miles of their historic migration and spawning habitat and the dam removal and river restoration has given the Lower Elwha Klallam Tribe access back to sacred sites, and the opportunity to renew important cultural traditions. 

This gallery shares photos of Deputy Secretary Connor’s visit, views from Olympic National Park and a map of the restoration project.

  • Deputy Secretary Michael Connor at Hurricane Ridge

    Deputy Secretary Michael Connor at Hurricane Ridge with representatives from Olympic National Park, USGS, and Lower Elwha Klallam Tribe.

    Deputy Secretary Michael Connor at Hurricane Ridge

    Deputy Secretary Michael Connor at Hurricane Ridge with representatives from Olympic National Park, USGS, and Lower Elwha Klallam Tribe.

  • A walk in the park

    A walk in the park with Deputy Secretary Michael Connor acting superintendent Rachel Spector and Interpretive Ranger Penny Wagner.

    A walk in the park

    A walk in the park with Deputy Secretary Michael Connor, acting superintendent Rachel Spector, and Interpretive Ranger Penny Wagner.

     

  • The mountains in Olympic National Park come into soft focus

    Between fog and smoke from forest fires, the mountains in Olympic National Park come into soft focus.

    The mountains in Olympic National Park come into soft focus

    Between fog and smoke from forest fires, the mountains in Olympic National Park come into soft focus.

  • Blacktail deer

    Blacktail deer in Olympic National park joined the welcome committee!

    Blacktail deer

    Blacktail deer in Olympic National Park joined the welcome committee.

  • Visitor's center at Olympic National Park

    In the visitor's center at Olympic National Park, Deputy Secretary Michael Connor is briefed on park watersheds at the relief map.

    Visitor's center at Olympic National Park

    In the visitor's center at Olympic National Park, Deputy Secretary Michael Connor is briefed on park watersheds at the relief map.

     

  • Overlooking the newly free Elwha River

    River Restoration Coordinator Robert Elofson, of the Lower Elwha Klallam Tribe, overlooks the newly free Elwha River with Deputy Secretary Michael Connor.

    Overlooking the newly free Elwha River

    River Restoration Coordinator Robert Elofson, of the Lower Elwha Klallam Tribe, overlooks the newly free Elwha River with Deputy Secretary Michael Connor.

  • Majestic views from Hurricane Ridge.

    Deputy Interior Secretary Michael Connor and staff from Olympic National Park take in majestic views from Hurricane Ridge.

    Majestic views from Hurricane Ridge.

    Deputy Interior Secretary Michael Connor and staff from Olympic National Park take in majestic views from Hurricane Ridge.