Dam-induced sediment starvation and diking are the dominant limiting factors of the Elwha estuary and have severely disrupted hydrologic processes and habitat function (NOPLE nearshore strategy 2005). Two dams on the river will be removed, opening up 70 miles of habitat and replenishing the sediment-starved river, estuary (historically up to 100 acres), and nearshore drift cell. Dam removal will re-establish riverine sediment processes, but does not address the disrupted estuary functions or habitat access that, if left unaddressed, will continue to significantly impact the Elwha estuary and ecosystem.