Knotweed elimination is an important factor in preserving habitat for fish species. It is also important for elk and deer and other species that forage on the floodplain, where knotweed is out-competing native vegetation.

The Dickey is a large, low gradient river, draining 108 square miles, characterized by sandy bank soils and extensive off-channel fish habitat and riparian areas. The mainstem Dickey River flows for 8 miles from the confluence of the East and West Forks, joining the Quillayute River approximately one mile from the Quillayute's mouth on the Pacific at La Push. Knotweed infestation levels in the Dickey before treatment began were possibly the worst on the Olympic Peninsula. Surveys indicated the source was probably an old homestead approximately a quarter of a mile upstream of the East and West Fork confluence.

In 2002 the Dickey system was chosen as a first priority for knotweed control because of the known (although extensive) confinement of knotweed infestations to the lower reaches, and the importance of the Dickey River to the Quileute Tribe's fishery.

In 2003 and 2004 the Quileute Natural Resources (QNR) treated over 4.5 miles of stream and associated off channel and riparian areas (417,000 knotweed stems on 135 sites).

In 2005 QNR monitored and retreated each site as necessary. Additionally, the North Cascades Exotic Plant Management Team with the National Park Service treated the remaining mile of knotweed within the Park boundary at La Push.

In 2006 QNR worked on knotweed control on the Dickey from June to October. Lauren Urgensen, a University of Washington Graduate student studying knotweed impacts and control, had established plots along the Dickey as part of her study. QNR worked with her by treating certain plots and by staying out of others. They also helped the Olympic National Park in 2006 in their efforts to control knotweed within their ownership in the lower Dickey River.

In 2007 the Quileutes did a follow-up treatment along the entire stretch from the East/West Fork confluence to the National Park Boundary. This included at least eight miles of riparian area along the river covering some estimated 140 acres of previously treated sites.

In 2008 QNR treated some single plants in the upper five miles of river. The lower 4.5 miles still had plants remaining from the research plots established by Lauren Urgenson which the Quileutes refrained from treating. Lauren's research was concluded in 2008.

In 2009 the Quileutes followed up with treatments on the Dickey, helped at times by the CCNWCB crew. The crew treated the research plots, using almost 17 gallons of herbicide. The crew noticed new plants emerging late in the season, after they had sprayed.

In 2010 the Quileutes monitored and re-treated knotweed sites on the Dickey in early July and again in early September. Again, a great number of new plants were found late in the season. No large patches of knotweed are left on the Dickey but there are still a number of small, stunted single plants and finding them has become quite a challenge. Frank Geyer, biologist with the Quileute Nation, says there has been a remarkable recovery of the stream banks along the Dickey since the project was started seven years ago.