Elwha Watershed Information Resource

The wetlands provide a key and integral habitat for numerous species of the Elwha River watershed. Like many ecosystems in the watershed, the wetlands were affected by the construction of two dams on the river in the early 1900s. When those dams are removed, many acres of wetland that are covered currently by the dams’ reservoirs can be reclaimed. Before the dams are removed, it is important for scientists to gather baseline information on the wetlands so that they can assess any post dam removal changes and judge the effectiveness of restoration efforts.

Conducting visual encounter surveys for amphibians on the Elwha floodplain. U.S. Geological Survey

Through an Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) wetland grant, the Lower Elwha Klallam Tribe (LEKT) is collecting baseline data to assess the physical, biological, and chemical characteristics of the Elwha River Estuary complex. Based on the results, LEKT will develop a plan for managing and monitoring the estuary complex. Research assistance will be provided by the National Park Service, Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (Anne Shaffer), Western Carolina University (Rob Young), United States Geological Survey (Jeff Duda), and the National Audubon Society.

The following list describes the current wetland research activities by category (Beirne 2006):

• Amphibians. Amphibian egg mass counts were surveyed in March and April 2006.
• Birds. Bird surveys have been conducted along two transects adjacent to the estuary on a quarterly basis since December 2005.
• Fisheries. Fish community sampling of the estuary began in late March 2006 and has continued on an approximately bi-weekly basis. Fish sampling methods included minnow traps, beach seines, and fyke nets. Stomach content samples and otoliths were taken from juvenile salmonids to determine diet and life history patterns.
• Macroinvertebrates. Sampling of macroinvertebrates began in April 2006 and has included terrestrial, riparian, and estuarine benthic invertebrate sampling. Fallout traps were located in three habitat zones: emergent vegetation (cattails), shrub layer, and canopy layer.
• Mammals. Small mammals were collected in September 2006 using Sherman live traps. Body measurements, sex, and hair and tissue samples were collected. Captured animals also received ear hole punches for identification in subsequent captures.
• Nutrients. The United States Geological Survey began collecting nutrient samples from the estuary in 2006. Monthly samples were collected from various locations in the estuary to test for marine-derived nutrients, which are nutrients transported commonly by salmon and steelhead to freshwater environments.
• Water Quality. Water quality samples (temperature, dissolved oxygen, pH, salinity, and turbidity) have been collected in the estuary on a monthly or bi-weekly basis since March 2006.

Reference

Beirne, M. 2006. Lower Elwha Klallam Tribe, EPA Wetland Grant Progress Report April-September 2006.