Elwha Watershed Study
In 2025, the Legislature included a proviso in the Capital Bill (SSB 5195), under Trust Land Transfer (Sec. 3120) that directs the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) to use $250,000 of this appropriation to conduct an analysis of the ecological and conservation values of the Elwha watershed on state-owned lands managed by DNR, pursuant to the priorities and processes identified in 79.70 and 79.71 RCW. DNR must provide the Legislature with a report by October 1, 2026, that includes the following deliverables:
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A Washington Natural Heritage Program site survey to identify rare flora, native ecological communities
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Locations of structurally complex forests
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Scenic or other natural features worthy of consideration for conservation
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Current uses, including recreation and cultural practices
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Identification of lands appropriate for NAP or NRCA conservation, and if applicable a proposed boundary, as well as acknowledgement that such lands will be developed through the process described in 79.70 and 79.71 RCW.
DNR has assembled a team to undertake the analysis of the ecological and conservation values and the current recreation and cultural practices in the Elwha watershed. Work kicked off in Fall of 2025, and is expected to continue through the summer of 2026. The final report to the legislature due October 1, 2026.
Stay engaged –please check this page often for more information:
Community Meeting #1
Date: November 18, 2025 @ 2 - 3:30 pm - Virtual
Link to register: https://dnr-wa-gov.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_u56Ec1hoR12rOVn_2_4ukw
Presentation Slides - Link Forthcoming
Post Meeting Recording - Link Forthcoming
Community Meeting #2
Date: TBD – anticipated June 2026
Link to Meeting - Link Forthcoming
Presentation Slides - Link Forthcoming
Post Meeting Recording - Link Forthcoming
Community Meeting #3
Date: TBD – anticipated August 2026
Link to Meeting - Link Forthcoming
Presentation Slides - Link Forthcoming
Post Meeting Recording - Link Forthcoming
