MISSOULA, Mont. — They are beautiful, glistening icons of the West, filled with life and history. But there is far more to mountain rivers, scientists are learning, than the water churning between their banks. In a paper published earlier this year, a team of ecologists sought to outline the essential role of gravel-bed rivers in … Read more
Tiny forage fish don’t have the iconic status of Northwest species such as salmon or orcas, but the marine creatures at the bottom of the food chain play a critical role. So scientists are excited to see signs they’re spawning in new habitat created by the Elwha dam removals. At the mouth of the Elwha … Read more
In mid-October 2013 three coffer dams were removed from the Salt River creating a new 300-acre tidal marsh area. The Salt River channel will benefit as the new tidal marsh area maintains the river’s width and depth, enhancing habitat and migratory conditions for Coho Salmon, Chinook Salmon, Steelhead Trout, and Coastal Cutthroat Trout. Humboldt … Read more