"I think we're too far along in the licensing process now to start talking about dam removal," Mr. Piquette said.

Significantly, this study evaluated dam removal as an alternative.

Human activities also benefited from the dam removal.

Fish will return to the upper reaches of the Elwha as quickly as a year after dam removal is complete.

The ultimate goal of the dam removal is restoring the river to a nearly pristine state.

The ecology of dam removal: a summary of benefits and impacts.

In 2000, it adopted a policy that allowed for dam removal, although only if all other measures had failed.

The plan called for dam removal to begin in 2006 and capped PacifiCorp's liability at $17.5 million.

In 2005 they applied for an operating extension to 2008, to earn another $3.3 million to help offset the cost of dam removal.

Some structures remained for several years; full dam removal took place in 1995 and the Cottonwood River is again free-flowing through the park.