Elwha River Science Symposium

The Elwha River dams on the Olympic Peninsula, Washington will soon be the
largest dams ever removed. Electric generation has ceased and engineering
preparations are underway. After more than 20 years of planning, Saturday
September 17, 2011 will mark the official beginning of deconstruction. A
public "Celebrate Elwha" event will mark the day with many leaders and
prominent citizens present (http://celebrateelwha.com/).


On September 15-16, 2011(the two days preceding the "Celebrate Elwha"
event), the Elwha Research Consortium and the Elwha Nearshore Consortium
will hold an Elwha River Science Symposium hosted by Peninsula College in
Port Angeles.

Thursday September 15 will be devoted to talks and poster sessions by
researchers currently working in the Elwha watershed. Friday September 16
will feature invited distinguished scientists from around the country. The
keynote speaker will be Dr. Thomas E. Lovejoy from the Heinz Center in
Washington DC. The Science Symposium will benefit the Peninsula College
Foundation and a scholarship fund for student research in the Elwha.
Conference registration and additional details may be found at
http://elwharesearchconsortium.wildapricot.org/.

Great interest has surrounded the Elwha project from across the nation and
around the world. There are not many hotel rooms in Port Angeles -- so
early registration and accommodations planning are advised.