PORT ANGELES — The Lower Elwha Klallam tribe is the Conservationist of the Year, according to the Society of Ecological Restoration’s Northwest Chapter.
The award, announced earlier this year, was given to the tribe for its central role in the $325 million Elwha River Restoration Project, which includes the demolition of two dams on the river, and which is which is “clear, and well-recognized by other partners in the Elwha project,” said Allison Warner, chapter president.
The award, while recognizing the entire tribe, specifically honors to people for their leadership in the project: Tribal Chairwoman Frances Charles and Robert Elofson, river restoration director.
Charles “has shown a great dedication to the cultural restoration of her people and has remained steadfast in her support of this project,” Warner said, adding that Charles “continues in the footsteps of the tribal leaders before her in achieving this historic victory for the tribe.”
Elofson, a tribal elder, “has been involved since the initiation of the effort to getting the law passed, in the alternatives analysis and in preparation of the Elwha Report,” Warner said.
“The tribe’s foundation and investment in numerous other restoration projects within their watersheds under Robert’s leadership positioned them strategically with the knowledge and experience as a partner for sound science in this effort,” Warner added.
Elofson said it was a great honor for the tribe to be recognized, not only for years of work on the project, but also for “our ongoing efforts in other watersheds of the North Olympic Peninsula,” said Robert Elofson, river restoration director for the tribe.
“This award is not the work of one or two people seeking dam removal, but years of the excellence of the Elwha staff and tribal community working towards what is right for our community and our environment,” he said.
The Conservationist of the Year award is given to a person or entity “for recognition for yearlong efforts to preserve, protect, restore or enhance environments necessary for healthy ecosystems.”