Return of the River is a feature documentary that tells the story of the largest dam removal and river restoration project in history, currently taking place on the Elwha River in Washington State. The film follows a group of committed people as they attempt the impossible: to change the public opinion of a town—and eventually the nation—in order to bring two dams down. Ultimately the community comes to a consensus, launching the largest dam removal in history and showing the way to a more sustainable future. The film offers inspiration amid grim environmental news, showing how an idea moved from "crazy" to celebrated reality.
This critically acclaimed documentary will be followed by a discussion with filmmaker John Gussman, US Geological Survey scientist Jonathan Warrick, and NOAA Fisheries Research Ecologist David Boughton about geological, ecological, and other issues involved in complex dam removal projects across the west and beyond.
Free and open to the public.