Restoration of Eklutna River

Authors: Brophil, Carrie Ann. Native Village of Eklutna (NVE); Robillard, Kyle. NVE; Beadle, Michelle. NVE; Galvin, Corey. NVE; Lamoreaux, Marc. NVE

Video Presentation

Abstract

Idlughetnu, Eklutna river, is a smaller river in the Anchorage Bowl of Alaska. This river was once the lifeline of Eklutna Dena’ina, providing year-round sustenance to a flourishing community. In the early 1900s the river water was cut off by a dam without consulting the community. A second dam was added in the 1950s, effectively cutting off all water flow from the lake downstream and making the lower dam defunct. Native Village of Eklutna and partners have been working for over 20 years on restoration efforts, not only to restore the salmon population, but to restore the unique ecosystem surrounding the river. In recent years monitoring efforts on the river have increased. Spawning surveys, redd counts, and habitat characterization is leading the way for future modifications to increase salmon habitat.

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