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 a 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.
