2020s Dam Removal and Ecosystem Restoration in the United States

2020s Dam Removal and Ecosystem Restoration in the United States

Post-Elwha Dam Removal Ecosystem Recovery:

The removal of the Elwha Dam, located on the Elwha River in Washington State, took place between 2011 and 2014. This project is recognized as one of the largest and most influential dam removals in the United States. Following the removal, salmon (Chinook Salmon) and steelhead (Oncorhynchus mykiss) resumed their migration, significantly improving the fish habitat.

Entering the 2020s, the number of salmon spawning in the Elwha River increased by approximately 50% compared to 2018. Additionally, it is reported that about 700 million tons of sediment have naturally flowed downstream, aiding the recovery of wetlands and coastal ecosystems, particularly around Merrill & Ring Creek Bay, where wetland restoration and water quality improvements have been observed.

Klamath Dam Removal Project:

Following the success of the Elwha Dam removal, the Klamath River Dam removal project in Oregon has gained attention in the 2020s. This dam, constructed in the early 20th century, has impacted the Klamath River ecosystem for over 100 years. The removal of the Klamath Dam began in 2023, and it is expected that approximately 30,000 square kilometers of the watershed will return to its natural state after completion.

This project predicts that the free flow of the river restored by the dam removal will result in the movement of approximately 10,000 tons of sediment annually, with the recovery of salmon and trout migration. Furthermore, the post-removal ecosystem monitoring uses the latest remote sensing technology and drones to monitor environmental changes in real time.

Economic and Social Impact:

The removal of the Elwha Dam has also significantly impacted the regional economy. The increase in salmon populations has resulted in a 25% increase in fishing income compared to the 2010s. Ecotourism has further developed, with around 50,000 tourists visiting the Elwha River annually by 2022, contributing approximately 5 million dollars to the regional economy.

Similar economic effects are expected from the Klamath Dam removal project. Local Indigenous communities are leveraging the restored fishing resources to maintain traditional culture and achieve economic independence.

Future Outlook:

In the 2020s, the United States continues to remove aging dams, aiming for sustainable development in both environmental and economic aspects. Projects following the Klamath Dam removal are also planned, with ecosystem recovery and regional revitalization expected to continue for decades.