The West Elwha Beach Stewardship project started as an intern project in 2016-18, where usage surveys conducted as an intern project observed excessive dog and human waste entering the nearshore at this popular local beach. This waste carries a risk for fecal coliform bacteria and nutrient overload – much more so than waste from wildlife, because of the supplemented diet of domestic dogs. Due to these water quality concerns, the Clallam MRC (CCMRC) now sponsors an additional SaniKan, dog waste bag dispenser and dog waste trash container, along with documenting the usage of these facilities and the beach. The goal of the effort is to protect and improve water quality, contribute to nearshore habitat and species protection, and encourage community stewardship. The CCMRC has conducted surveys on foot as well as implementing a QR code survey option in 2024. In October 2023, a beach cleanup was conducted that removed 50 pounds of trash.

2023 - 2024 Beach Use Survey Results

Between October 2023 - September 2024, the MRC conducted both on-foot and online surveys to capture how the public uses the beach. A total of 25 surveys were received.

Elwha Stewardship project by year

The MRC continues to sponsor a SaniKan and dog waste receptacle at Elwha Beach, and supplies dog waste bags.

Elwha Beach Stewardship