Elwha: A River Reborn by Lynda Mapes is the Natural History Society’s book selection for June 2017.  The discussion of this book will be held on Monday, June 26, 2017, 3:30-5:00, at the shelter at Ilahee Preserve.  For directions or further information, contact Jean at jltnatural@saveland.org

Seattle Times science writer Lynda Mapes tells the story behind the removal of the two dams on the Elwha River in Olympic National Park, the largest dam removal project in the world to date.  She tells the story of the building of the dams, as well as the long political fight that led to their removal.  In this book we meet members of the Lower Elwha Klallam tribe, who had fished the river for generations; the biologists who study the Elwha and its plants and animals; and the dam workers who ultimately powered down the old turbines.  The book includes many color photographs and historic images.

The impact of the removal of the Elwha dams at Glines Canyon and Lake Aldwell continues to be studied by scientists around the world, and these results are a consideration in the political battles over proposed dam removals in the United States.