Reestablishing Moose Creek’s Fisheries

ALASKA

Before coal mines and a railroad were constructed through Moose Creek in the 1920s, the creek was a winding and slow meandering stream supporting various Alaska salmon species. During construction, the creek was modified with human-made waterfalls which became barriers to the fisheries along the rerouted waterway and ultimately led to migrating salmon losing access to their upstream habitat.

In 2003, the Chickaloon Village Traditional Council requested assistance from the National Park Service - Rivers, Trails and Conservation Assistance program (NPS-RTCA) to develop a partnership approach for restoring Moose Creek to its natural course. NPS-RTCA engaged local and agency partners in developing a strategy for restoring the creek. With support from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, community volunteers and other funders, the creek was reconstructed to its original channel morphology and gradient, giving salmon access to historic spawning and rearing areas. Learning about the area’s natural history from tribal elders and collecting data about salmon through survey work aided with the restoration efforts and educational outreach.

Today, Moose Creek is once again home to salmon populations, proving how successful partnerships can support local initiatives, enhance natural resource stewardship, and provide outstanding opportunities for cultural and environmental education.

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