Connecting Habitat and Learning in Cripple Creek and across the Yukon River Watershed

Authors: Buffington, Christina L. University of Alaska Fairbanks International Arctic Research Center; Elena Sparrow, University of Alaska Fairbanks International Arctic Research Center; Malinda Chase, University of Alaska Fairbanks International Arctic Research Center and Association of Interior Native Educators; Grace Veenstra, University of Alaska Fairbanks; Maggie House, University of Alaska Fairbanks; Theodore Krauss, University of Alaska Fairbanks; Scott Faulkner, Fairbanks Soil and Water Conservation District; Joni Scharfenberg, Fairbanks Soil and Water Conservation District

Video Presentation

Abstract

Cripple Creek in Fairbanks, Alaska, a tributary to the Chena River near its confluence with the Tanana River, is undergoing restoration to provide habitat for juvenile chum and Chinook salmon. Like many small tributaries in the Yukon River Watershed, Cripple Creek was impacted by hydraulic mining, cutting off habitat for juvenile salmon for over half a century. After years of dedicated work with many partners, the Interior Alaska Land Trust and the US Fish and Wildlife Service replaced and retrofitted culverts for fish passage and engaged interns and volunteers to monitor for water quality and fish in Cripple Creek. The University of Alaska Fairbanks "Introduction to Watershed Management" class and the Fairbanks Soil and Water Conservation District "Youth for Habitat" program engaged undergraduate and middle school youth in learning about urban stream restoration. Youth for Habitat participants planted riparian vegetation and monitored water quality at the junction of Happy Creek and Cripple Creek near the "Welcome to Fairbanks" sign. Watershed management students planted over 130 birch trees at this same location and conducted research investigations on permafrost, soil temperature, relative humidity, temperature, and water quality parameters (dissolved oxygen, temperature, pH, conductivity, and transparency). The undergraduate students utilized Global Learning and Observations to Benefit the Environment (GLOBE) protocols to design their investigations and present and publish their posters. Four undergraduates were awarded funding to study stream restoration and communicate the story of Cripple Creek. They have monitored conditions for overwintering fish, recently finding anoxic conditions in Happy Creek. This presentation highlights their work and findings. We also share how we utilize GLOBE as a youth-led and scientifically robust monitoring program in both summer camps and classroom contexts. Next steps include connecting our work in Cripple Creek to restoration and monitoring priorities in Yukon River Indigenous communities that are affected by mining.

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