Elwha Ecosystem Restoration Project and Research Experiences for Undergraduates

Join our team, and become a part of environmental history.

Research Experiences for Undergraduates (REU): No matter what it takes... (wmv file, 2.9mb)

The 45-mile (72km) long Elwha River in Washington State was historically one of the most productive salmon rivers in the Pacific Northwest. However, two dams built on the lower Elwha in the early 1900s set off dramatic changes: 90% of salmon habitat vanished, triggering ripple effects on wildlife, food webs, and habitat throughout the watershed.

In 1992, Congress mandated removal of the Elwha dams and restoration of the river’s fisheries; the two dams will be removed in 2012. These dams are the largest ones ever proposed for removal, and this will be the most complete restoration of a wild salmon river ever attempted. This project presents a remarkable opportunity to address questions concerning fundamental ecological topics involving nutrients and trophic webs, succession, aquatic and terrestrial habitats, and fluvial processes operating within a wild salmon watershed.

As the largest dam removal ever conducted this presents a unique opportunity for the study of ecosystem processes and ecosystem restoration. Predictions of the ecological effects of large dam removal are difficult. While nearly 450 dams have been removed in the United States, there are few published studies documenting post-dam removal effects.

In addition, the studies that do exist are primarily focused on short-term effects following removal of relatively small dams (<15 m in height) in watersheds without historically large populations of anadromous fish. Regionally, anadromous fish are essential to terrestrial ecosystems by providing an essential source of marine-derived nutrients, primarily nitrogen and phosphorous, to these relatively nutrient poor freshwaters. The combination of the shrinkage in habitat and reduction in nutrients in the Elwha River watershed due to damming is thought to have also caused declines in at least 22 species of terrestrial mammals and birds.

After dam removal and salmonids colonize the habitats above the dams, marine derived nutrients are expected to increase and permeate throughout the aquatic and terrestrial habitats of the system. Other changes are also predicted to occur in nutrient chemistry dynamics and transport, sedimentation, physical characteristics, the fate of large woody debris, erosion, and exposure of formerly limnological soils. These will likely lead to other ecological changes in the watershed, affecting all trophic levels. Nowhere else is there such an opportunity to gain ecosystem-wide information.

The Elwha Research Consortium

The Elwha Research Consortium (ERC) is a strategic partnership between governmental agencies, educational institutions, and community groups focused on understanding societal and ecological effects of dam removal and ecological restoration activities in the Elwha River watershed and nearshore environment in northwestern Washington State.

As a consortium, we wish to create and maintain a research and monitoring program over a long period to observe the full course of ecosystem responses. We also wish to create and maintain a wide-ranging education program linked to research on the Elwha, to fully distribute the knowledge gained to society, and for practical assistance in carrying out monitoring and research tasks.

Our mission is to facilitate a long-term program of research and education on the ecology and management of the Elwha River watershed, from its headwaters to its nearshore ocean environments. We wish to improve understanding of the Elwha River watershed and the ecological and societal processes and effects of large-scale dam removal.

The ERC facilitates annual conferences for researchers and educators to share their work, network, and communicate with other like-minded individuals. Occasional workshops are held that disseminate research or education tools and techniques relevant to the Elwha project. We also publish a monthly e-newsletter, UPSTREAM, which provides updates on recent ERC members’ activities, funding and workshop opportunities, etc.

Researchers or educators interested in the scientific aspects of the Elwha Project are invited to contact ERC coordinator Dwight Barry (360.417.6586) or visit our information resource at www.elwhainfo.org.

Research Experiences for Undergraduate Students (REU)

A One Year Research Experience for Undergraduates on the Olympic Peninsula

REU: Unravel the mysteries... (wmv file, 9.0mb)

Experience science first hand as part of a National Science Foundation program. Play an important scientific role in an internationally-significant environmental management issue: the Elwha River Restoration Project. Enhance your academic qualifications and acquire essential scientific methods and skills through a yearlong course sequence (minimum 20 credits) that will include over 100 hours of project related course activities, lectures, seminars, and field trips, in addition to more than 350 hours of field research.

Click here to download REU application form

In this program, you will gain experience with the professional practice of science–in the field, in the lab, and with the public. You will work alongside mentor scientists studying the ecological conditions in the watershed throughout the year. At the same time, you will conduct research on projects of your choice and work closely with the scientists analyzing the Elwha ecosystems.

By participating in this project, you will:
▲ develop a deeper understanding and appreciation of the sciences and scientific methods
▲ acquire a strong background in the multi-disciplinary aspects of applied ecology
▲ play an important role in addressing major natural resource management questions
▲ become more effective in teamwork situations
▲ and acquire skills essential for academic and professional success.

We will accept 16 students for the 2008-2009 academic year:
4 students in the sciences from Peninsula College (sophomores),
4 students from other rural districts who will spend the year at Peninsula College (sophomores);
4 students from the WWU Huxley College of the Environment– Peninsula (juniors or seniors); and
4 from district tribal communities enrolled in either a 2-year Peninsula   College or 4-year Huxley College at Peninsula science program (sophomores-seniors).

Click here to download REU application form

Applications for the 2008-2009 academic year are due May 1, 2008. Notification will be made by end of May, with confirmation required by mid-June.

This program will engage you in the practice of scientific inquiry and communication, both as an individual and as part of a team. As part of a year-long course series, you will collect and analyze data in the Elwha watershed and participate in activities that will enhance your abilities in scientific methods, leadership, team work, and outreach. Under the guidance of faculty and professional scientists, you will develop and implement research projects within the Elwha Project, linked to your interests and abilities. You will also engage in outreach and public relations activities that allow you to share your experiences with the public and perhaps encourage others to study the sciences. These research projects and outreach activities will address significant environmental issues, exploring the conditions under which different ecological management and restoration strategies can lead to preferred outcomes that benefit wildlife and humans alike. Currently:

• Four students are gathering baseline data on the genetic and functional diversity of the microbial communities of the soils and periphyton of the Elwha watershed.
• Four students are assessing methods for effectively sampling mesocarnivore (e.g., otters) presence in the lower Elwha watershed.
• Three students are gathering information on the diversity and productivity of the fish communities of the Elwha estuaray wetlands and nearshore ocean environments.
• Two students are collecting baseline data on the forest community of the area of microbial soil assessment, as well as sampling for marine derived nutrients in riparian vegetation.

Hear from the REU students themselves...

Wondering what it is like to be an REU student in this program? Go to the ElwhaREU site at Protopage.com to see the rss-feed compilation of current REU student blogs.

Click here to listen to a 3 minute podcast (mp3) of a 2006-2007 REU student on his team's research.

Download other REU students' podcasts on our Education page.

Highlights

Full year, full time study on the Olympic Peninsula of Washington

• $6,200 stipend / year

• Earn 20 credits in Environmental Science or Biology Research, plus 25-30 credits from a variety of other courses

• Experience the world’s largest dam removal / river restoration project

• Contribute to unprecedented research on the effects of dam removal in the Elwha River valley

• Design and execute individual and group field research projects

• Learn about current opportunities in field and lab research

• Gain experience with field and lab equipment and research methodologies

• Work with professional scientists, professors, and environmental science educators

Click here to download REU application form

Checklist for Application
___ 1. Letter of Application (include your tribal and/or 1st generational student status if relevant)
___ 2. An essay of approximately 1000 words detailing your:
• Educational and career goals;
• Reasons for wanting to participate in this program; and
• Previous experiences that indicate how much success you could have in this program.
___ 3. Unofficial transcripts
___ 4. (Applicants from the Huxley program only): a letter of reference from a work supervisor, teacher, or other person outside the Huxley and Peninsula College community.
___ 5. REU application form

Click here to download REU flyer

Click here to download REU application form

Submit by May 1, 2008 to: Dr. Brian Hauge
Director, Undergraduate Research
Peninsula College / WWU-PC
1502 E. Lauridsen Blvd.
Port Angeles, WA 98362
360.417.6587
brianh@pcadmin.ctc.edu