Salmon vs. Dams:
The Dam Removal Debate on the Elwha River
Grade Level: 10-12

Summary: This lesson is derived from real testimony given to Congress regarding two small dams in the pristine Olympic National Park in Washington. In this lesson, students will use roll playing to discuss the merits of tearing down these dams so that the Elwha River can run free. The activity is presented in the form of a council meeting to encourage students to try to build consensus in finding solutions instead of militantly standing behind their own viewpoints.

View the Lesson Plans for this Unit
View the Content Standards

Download Related Documents:
Student Instructions for Elwha River Council

Environmental Decision Making Model

Directions for Elwha Council Members

Personal Statements of Participants

Historical Background on the Elwha River Dams

Activity 1:
Land Use Controversies - The Stakeholders

Students examine the issues surrounding land-use conflicts and discuss the different possible stakeholders in determining how public land is used.

Featured video clips in this activity:

Sipsey Wilderness - Clash of Viewpoints Differing viewpoints about wilderness preservation and resource utilization have existed for hundreds of years.

Activity 2:
The Elwha River Council
Students will use role playing to conduct an Elwha River Council meeting. They will try to come up with a consensus solution to a conflict between the needs of society and the environment.

Featured video clips in this activity:

Snake River Dam Controversy Though dams on the Snake River have provided flood protection and water for agriculture, they have also hurt fish populations and compromised water quality.

Snake River Water Management Farmers have benefited from the management and damming of the Snake River, sometimes at the cost of the environment.

Re-evaluating Dams: Pottstown, Pennsylvania An old dam that no longer serves its original purpose is being torn out in Pottstown, Pennsylvania, allowing scientists to study the effects of dam removal.

Grand Canyon Fish Study Many teams of scientists are busily studying the effects the Glen Canyon Dam has had on the Grand Canyon's fish species.

Returning Salmon to the Umatilla River Irrigation projects of the past century led to the disappearance of salmon on the Umatilla River; today, a cooperative effort is bringing them back.

Nez Perce and Chinook Salmon The Nez Perce Indian Tribe is taking measures to restore populations of Chinook salmon, a fish critical to their culture and daily life.

Water Tug of War The Snake River's water is valued highly by farmers, but it is also important to recreationists who boat on and fish in the river.