People curious about Enloe Dam, the long-dormant hydropower project on the Similkameen River, can learn more about its history and options for the future at “Enloe Dam: Behind, Beneath, Below.”
The Colville Confederated Tribes and Lower and Upper Similkameen Indian Bands from British Columbia are sponsoring a presentation on the dam on Wednesday (May 25).
Scientists from state and federal agencies will explain what they’ve learned about sediment that’s collected behind the dam and the potential for salmon habitat in the Similkameen River. The Colvilles; Similkameen Bands; and Aboriginal Outfitters, an Indigenous-led nonprofit, will provide tribal perspectives on the dam and river.
The Okanogan County Public Utility District (PUD) has owned the Enloe since 1945, but the dam hasn’t produced power since 1959. The PUD was working toward re-electrifying the dam until 2018, when they determined that it wasn’t economically viable. State agencies, tribes and conservation organizations are currently evaluating options for the dam, including removal.
The presentation is at the Cultural Community Center in Tonasket on Wednesday (May 25). Doors open at 4:30 p.m. for light refreshments. The meeting is from 5:30 to 8 p.m. Admission is free; donations welcome.
