Participate in the Department of Natural Resources Elwha Watershed Survey
The Washington Department of Natural Resources (DNR) wants to learn more about your interests in relation to the Elwha Watershed Study. This is an opportunity for you to voice your interest in the Elwha Watershed, including what topics interest you the most, such as recreation, watershed restoration, biodiversity conservation, etc.
In 2025, the Washington State Legislature directed the DNR to conduct an analysis of the ecological and conservation values of the Elwha Watershed on state-owned lands managed by DNR. That analysis will be provided as a report to the Legislature by October 1, 2026, and will include the following components:
- 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 Natural Area Preserves (NAP) or Natural Resource Conservation Areas (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.
Community engagement is a key part of the reporting process. Please take a few minutes to complete the online survey and offer your input to DNR on the Elwha Watershed and its importance to you.