Trout Unlimited Alaska 2022 Project Updates
Seminar by Trout Unlimited Alaska
Trout Unlimited, Alaska is involved in several projects throughout the state. In this seminar, TU staff give us the rundown on several of these projects.
Eric Booton kicks it off, explaining the details of the West Susitna Access Road, which will provide largely private access for primarily industrial activities rather than fishing, hunting and other recreational uses.
Trout Unlimited’s Meghan Barker describes the current state of the Pebble Mine. Although denied a key permit in 2020, Pebble is not yet dead. Until permanent protections are put in place, we need to stay active in our opposition to this potentially disastrous mine. Two key things need to happen. First, we need the EPA to pass Clean Water Act protections for the Bristol Bay region. Second, we need congressional legislation to retire the hard-rock mineral leases in the area. Go to savebristolbay.org and take action to lend your support.
Trout Unlimited is also invested in the restoration of Resurrection Creek near Hope. Marian Giannulis provides an update on Phase II of the project. Resurrection Creek’s spawning and rearing habitat was severely degraded by the mining that took place in the early 20th century. Phase I was completed in 2007. Phase II is in progress.
Eric Booton explains the status of Trout Unlimited’s Eklutna River restoration project. Last year, for the first time in 66 years, water was released from the diversion at Eklutna Lake, greatly improving spawning and rearing habitat in the river. Visit eklutnariver.org for updates.
Trout Unlimited is also involved in the Tongass National Forest. Marian Giannulis provides an update on the Tongass. In July of 2021, the US Forest Service decided to stop large-scale, old-growth logging in the Tongass, and instead invest in recreation, restoration and resiliency, the first step of which was to reinstate the “Roadless Rule.”
For updates on all of Trout Unlimited Alaska’s projects, follow them on Facebook and Instagram @ Trout Unlimited Alaska.