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) sponsors a SaniKan, dog waste bag dispenser and dog waste trash container, thanks to grant funding from the North Olympic Development Council. 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 in-person and digital surveys of beach use, along with hosting a beach cleanup in 2023.
