Finding the River: An Environmental History of the Elwha (Paperback) (ISBN-13: 9780870716072)

In 1992 landmark federal legislation called for the removal of two dams from the Elwha River to restore salmon runs. Jeff Crane dives into the debate over development and ecological preservation in "Finding the River, " presenting a long-term environmental and human history of the river as well as a unique look at river reconstruction.

"Finding the River" examines the ways that different communities--from the Lower Elwha Klallam Indians to current-day residents--have used the river and its resources, giving close attention to the harnessing of the Elwha for hydroelectric production and the resulting decline of its fisheries. Jeff Crane describes efforts begun in the 1980s to remove the dams and restore the salmon. He explores the rise of a river restoration movement in the late twentieth century and the roles that free-flowing rivers could play in preserving salmon as global warming presents another set of threats to these endangered fish.

A significant and timely contribution to American Western and environmental history--removal of the two Elwha River dams is scheduled to begin in September 2011--"Finding the River" will be of interest to historians, to environmentalists, and to fisheries biologists, as well as to general readers interested in the Puget Sound and Olympic Peninsula and environmental issues

Author: Jeff Crane
ISBN-10: 0870716077
ISBN-13: 9780870716072
Publisher: Oregon State University Press
Language: English
Published: 12/01/2011
Pages: 256
Format: Paperback
Weight: 0.88lbs
Size: 8.99h x 6.53w x 0.61d

Review Citation(s):
Choice 06/01/2012
Reference and Research Bk News 04/01/2012 pg. 44