Complementary to the removal of two hydroelectric dams on the Elwha River, efforts are being made by Lower Elwha Klallam Tribe (LEKT) to restore floodplain habitat conditions in the lower Elwha River below River Mile (RM) 3.5. These efforts include the removal of older flood control dikes, reforestation, control of exotic plants, barrier corrections and additions of large wood. Between 1999 and 2010, 33 engineered logjams (ELJ) have been constructed in the reach between RM 1.5-2.5. Recently, LEKT has secured funding for the construction of 16 ELJ's in the reach above RM 3.0. The work will begin in 2014-2015 and will result in the construction of 10 additional ELJ's in the reach between RM 0.0-1.5, which is located on the Tribe's reservation. This reach includes the estuary, which has been dramatically simplified after channelization and truncation of sediment supplies resulting from dam construction.
A recently completed assessment of restoration opportunities in the Elwha estuary and nearshore has identified several large scale projects that are complementary to dam removal. These include activation of historic distributaries (river mouths), realignment of west side estuary dike, and actions along the nearshore to retain sediment that will be recruited following dam removal. Funding to complete engineering design is necessary to accurately estimate costs.