The Elwha River winds its way through the forested lowlands of the Olympic Peninsula. Photo by Dan Coe, WGS/DNR

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:

A Washington Natural Heritage Program site survey to identify rare flora, native ecological communities

Locations of structurally complex forests

Scenic or other natural features worthy of consideration for conservation

Current uses, including recreation and cultural practices

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.

A flowchart detailing the Elwha Proviso process

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.

Elwha Heritage Study Priority Map