Exploring Social Dimensions Of Ecological Restoration In The Removal Of Two Dams On The Elwha River

The United States is approaching a critical juncture regarding aging dam infrastructure. Recently, a common path forward has been to decommission and remove dams, returning rivers to a free-flowing state. The primary focus of most literature on ecological restorations, especially dam removals, has been the ecological impacts of the restoration. Attention from practitioners and researchers is shifting towards the importance of participation and the social dimensions of ecological restorations. The social situation surrounding a dam removal can lead to expedited success, delayed progress, or an abandoned removal effort. This study seeks to connect selected social dimensions of dam removals with the broader literature of ecological restoration by exploring the question, “how are selected social dimensions of ecological restoration expressed within public participation in the dam removal process?” A qualitative research design using a directed content analysis was used to study selected social dimensions of dam removals. A codebook was developed to explore the social dimensions of restoration attitude, environmental attitude, place attachment, connectedness to nature, sense of community, and economics within public comment letters sent to the federal agency in charge of removing two dams on the Elwha River in Washington. The findings of this study revealed those with positive restoration attitude more frequently referenced the social dimensions of environmental attitude, place attachment, connectedness to nature, and sense of community. While participants with negative restoration attitude centered more of their testimonies around the economic situation surrounding dam removals. Additionally, participants with a positive restoration attitude framed their comments and references to other social dimensions around the potential ecological, economic, and social gains following dam removal, while participants with a negative restoration attitude framed their comments around the possible losses that would ensue following dam removal. Findings from this study emphasize the importance of public participation, the framing of the restoration, and the continued exploration of the social dimensions of dam removals. As this river restoration method becomes more commonplace, environmental managers will need to be able to effectively engage with the public and understand not only the ecological dimensions, but also the social dimensions of dam removals.