DOCSLIB.ORG

Hatcher Pass Water Quality Sampling Report (May 2008 Through February 2009)

Total Page：16

File Type：pdf, Size：1020Kb

Download full-text PDF Read full-text
Hatcher Pass Water Quality Sampling Report (May 2008 Through February 2009) Hatcher Pass Water Quality Sampling Report (May 2008 through February 2009) Prepared for the Matanuska-Susitna Borough by Jeffrey C. Davis and Gay A. Davis P.O. Box 923, Talkeetna, AK 99676 (907) 733.5432 www.arrialaska.org April 2009 Aquatic Restoration and Research Institute Hatcher Pass 2008 Report Aquatic Restoration and Research Institute Hatcher Pass 2008 Report Summary Seasonal water chemistry and biological sampling was conducted at five Little Susitna River sampling locations from the Goldmint Trailhead to Edgerton Park Road in Hatcher Pass. This study provided the fourth year of water quality data. Water samples collected in May, August, October, and February were analyzed for total fecal coliform bacteria, ammonia nitrogen, nitrate plus nitrite nitrogen, pH, specific conductivity, and turbidity. August samples were analyzed for aromatic hydrocarbons. Stream macroinvertebrates were sampled at three locations and analyzed using the ASCI methods as a biotic measure of water quality. Data loggers were used to measure and record water temperatures. Stream water nutrient concentrations were generally consistent with previous years. Ammonia nitrogen concentrations were high downstream from the sampling location at Mile Post 12 to the Edgerton Park Road Bridge. However, previous similarly high values were observed in 2005. Nitrate nitrogen concentrations decreased during the growing season, but not to the degree previously recorded. Decreasing summer nitrate concentrations are most likely related to uptake by terrestrial vegetation. Cooler air temperatures and cloudy days may have reduced terrestrial vegetation uptake of nitrate resulting in higher stream concentrations. These cooler temperatures were reflected in measures of water temperature, which were lower than recorded in 2007. Discharge recorded by the U.S.G.S gauging station showed rising flow during the summer related to glacial melting but no large fall increases due to storms as seen in previous years. The hydrograph likely explains the moderate increases in turbidity up to 3 NTU and no large drop in pH during storm events as seen in prior years. In addition, the fecal coliform bacteria counts remained low. Concentrations of hydrocarbons remained below detection limits in August samples. The macroinvertebrate community showed an increase in water quality likely reflecting a recovery from the August 2006 flood. Water quality sampling in 2008 demonstrated the range of natural variability in water chemistry and biotic measures. Understanding the range of natural variability and the related environmental factors will provide for clearer evaluation of potential changes in water quality due to increased development or recreational uses. An additional year of data should be collected to adequately describe reference water quality within the Little Susitna River in Hatcher Pass. Aquatic Restoration and Research Institute Hatcher Pass 2008 Report Introduction The Little Susitna River is within the Cook Inlet Ecoregion (Gallant et al. 1995). The Cook Inlet Ecoregion includes portions of the Kenai Peninsula, the Knik and Matanuska River drainages, and the Susitna River drainage up to 500 m elevation. The Cook Inlet Ecoregion extends north of Talkeetna, east to the Talkeetna Mountains and west to the Alaska Range. Average annual precipitation ranges from 280 to 680 mm. Winter temperatures range from lows of -15°C to highs of -5°C and summer highs of about 5 to 8°C. May through September is generally frost free (Gallant et al. 1995). The Little Susitna River flows an estimated 113 miles from the Talkeetna Mountains to Cook Inlet, with an elevation change of over 4,000 feet. The Little Susitna River is an important recreational area for south-central Alaska. The river supports a popular Chinook and coho sport fisheries. The river is road accessible upstream from the Park’s Highway. Access downstream of the Park’s Highway and the Miller’s Reach subdivision (river mile 62) is limited to the Public Use Facility (river mile 25) located at the end of Ayrshire Road. The Little Susitna River is one of the rivers managed under the Susitna Area Recreational Rivers Management Plan. The lower river is located within the Susitna Flats State Game Refuge, and a small portion of the river downstream from the Park’s Highway flows through the Nancy Lake State Recreation Area. The river is within the Hatcher Pass State Management Area upstream of the Edgerton Park Road Bridge. Residential and commercial development is restricted to the road accessible areas near the cities of Wasilla and Houston. The Little Susitna River’s headwaters begin at the Mint Glacier in the Talkeetna Mountains in Hatcher Pass within the Matanuska-Susitna Borough (MSB). Hatcher Pass is a historic gold mining district and there are still active mines within the area. The Independence Mine State Historical Park is managed by Alaska Department of Natural Resources (ADNR), Division of Parks and Outdoor Recreation. Most of the gold mining on the Little Susitna side of Hatcher Pass is historic, with the most recent mining occurring in the 1970’s. There has been recent interest in reactivating some of the hard rock mines located outside of the 20-acre Independence Mine State Historical Site located on upper Fishhook Creek. The area geology is mostly diorite and granite. Most of the gold in the area is associated with granite seams. There is some pyrite (which is associated with sulphides and acid mine or rock drainage) but it is not high. Most of the gold mining on the Little Susitna side of Hatcher Pass was done with tunnels. ADNR, Division of Mining Land and Water, does not know if any of the old tunnels are leaking or if they connect to groundwater and/or tributaries to the Little Susitna River. The population within the Matanuska-Susitna Borough has been increasing rapidly over the past few years. This has resulted in an increase in development and recreational use along the Little Susitna River. Residential development and recreational use have the potential to negatively affect the aquatic ecosystem. Residential development and 1 Aquatic Restoration and Research Institute Hatcher Pass 2008 Report associated road construction can result in the direct loss of fish habitat and indirect effects to water quality. Riparian vegetation often is removed for home construction or to provide unimpeded river views. The removal of bank vegetation can cause accelerated bank erosion rates. Increases in bank sediments in excess of the stream transport capacity can cause areas of sediment deposition. Fine sediment deposition can affect the transport of water and oxygen through the substrate, reducing the quality of fish spawning habitat and the living space for aquatic insects. Road construction can be a source of sediment, concentrating surface flows along ditch lines, and delivering sediment to streams at road crossings. The delivery of toxic hydrocarbons can increase at road crossings. The construction and use or failure of residential septic systems can result in an increase in concentrations of fecal coliform bacteria in adjacent waters causing increased risk to human health through direct or indirect contact with contaminated waters. Increases in stream water nutrient concentrations resulting in blooms of nuisance algae also have been associated with residential development. Water quality monitoring in the upper portion of the Little Susitna watershed was initiated in the spring of 2005. Intensive sampling was conducted throughout the summer of 2005 with monthly water samples collected June through October and in January, February and March of 2006 (Davis et al. 2006). Water quality sampling was continued through 2006 and 2007 with spring, summer, fall, and winter water chemistry measures and spring and fall biotic measures of water quality (Davis and Davis 2006, 2008) There is an active USGS gauging station (15290000) with 57 years of record downstream of the bridge on Palmer Fishhook Road as the river exits the Hatcher Pass area. The objectives of this project were to continue the evaluation of water quality within the upper Little Susitna River by obtaining chemical and biotic measures of water quality through the summer of 2008 and winter of 2009. These data will be used to support the overall goal of obtaining long-term measures of base-line water quality that can be used to assess potential future changes due to development, mining, or increased recreational use. Methods Water sampling in 2008 was conducted at five sampling sites on the Little Susitna River within Hatcher Pass. Sampling sites were located at the Goldmint Trailhead, Mile 12 (just upstream from Fishhook Creek), Mile 10.2, the USGS gauging station (below the Palmer Fishhook Road bridge), and upstream from the Edgerton Park Road bridge. Sites were labeled HP-1 through HP-5 from upstream to downstream (Figure 1). 2 Aquatic Restoration and Research Institute Hatcher Pass 2008 Report A A r r c F c h is h a h a n h n g o g e o e l l k C C r C r e r e e e e k e k k HP-1 HP-2 Little Susitna River HP-3 Figure 1. Map showing the location of the Hatcher Pass sampling sites. Edgerton Park Road Water samples were collected from all site H P and October 6, 2008; and February 23, 2009. -4 H in Anchorage for total fecal coliform bacteria analyses.P Samples were submitted to AM - Palmer Fishhook Road Fishhook Palmer Test Inc. in Kirkland, WA to be analyzed 5 Road Fishhook Palmer nitrogen. Water samples were also returned specific conductance, and tu analyzed for the BTEX aromatic hydrocarbons total xylene) components of gasoline. 3 rbidity. Water samples collecteds for inchemical August analyseswere also on June 9, August 14, Samples were submitted to SGS laboratory for nitrate plus nitrite nitrogen and ammonia to the ARRI laboratory for measures of pH, (benzene, ethyl ben zene, toluene, and Aquatic Restoration and Research Institute Hatcher Pass 2008 Report Stream water temperature was measures at HP-2 (Mile 12) and at the Edgerton Park Road Bridge.
Load more

Recommended publications
  • Field-Trip Guide to Volcanic and Volcaniclastic Deposits of the Lower Jurassic Talkeetna Formation, Sheep Mountain, South-Central Alaska
    Field-Trip Guide to Volcanic and Volcaniclastic Deposits of the Lower Jurassic Talkeetna Formation, Sheep Mountain, South-Central Alaska U.S. Department of the Interior U.S. Geological Survey Open-File Report 2006-1124 Field-Trip Guide to Volcanic and Volcaniclastic Deposits of the Lower Jurassic Talkeetna Formation, Sheep Mountain, South-Central Alaska Amy E. Draut U.S. Geological Survey, Pacific Science Center, Santa Cruz, CA 95060 Peter D. Clift School of Geosciences, University of Aberdeen, AB24 3UE, U.K. Robert B. Blodgett U.S. Geological Survey–Contractor, Anchorage, AK 99508 U.S. GEOLOGICAL SURVEY Open-File Report 2006-1124 2006 U.S. Department of the Interior P. Lynn Scarlett, Acting Secretary U.S. Geological Survey P. Patrick Leahy, Acting Director U.S. Geological Survey, Reston, Virginia 2006 Revised and reprinted: 2006 Any use of trade, firm, or product names is for descriptive purposes only and does not imply endorsement by the U.S. Government To download a copy of this report from the World Wide Web: http://pubs.usgs.gov/of/2006/1124/ For more information on the USGS—the Federal source for science about the Earth, its natural and living resources, natural hazards, and the environment: World Wide Web: http://www.usgs.gov Telephone: 1-888-ASK-USGS Although this report is in the public domain, permission must be secured from the individual copyright owners to reproduce any copyrighted material contained within this report. LIST OF FIGURES FIGURE 1. Regional map of the field-trip area. FIGURE 2. Geologic cross section through Sheep Mountain. FIGURE 3. Stratigraphic sections on the south side of Sheep Mountain.
    [Show full text]
  • The Glenn Highway EMBODIES ALL SIX QUALITIES of a SCENIC BYWAY
    The Glenn Highway EMBODIES ALL SIX QUALITIES OF A SCENIC BYWAY. Scenic Historic Cultural Natural Recreational Archaeological This resource This resource Evidence and Those features of Outdoor Those offers a heightened encompasses expressions of the the visual recreational characteristics of visual experience legacies of the past customs or environment that activities are the scenic byways derived from the that are distinctly traditions of a are in a relatively directly associated corridor that are view of natural associated with distinct group of undisturbed state. with and physical evidence and man made physical elements people. Cultural These features dependent upon of historic or elements of the of the landscape, features include, predate the arrival the natural and prehistoric human visual environment whether natural or but are not limited of human cultural elements life or activity that of the scenic man made, that to crafts, music, populations and of the corridor’s are visible and byway corridor. are of such dance, rituals, may include landscape. capable of being The characteristics significance that festivals, speech, geological The recreational inventoried and of the landscape they educate the food, special formations, fossils, activities provide interpreted. The are strikingly viewer and stir an events, vernacular landform, water opportunities for scenic byway distinct and offer a appreciation of the architecture, etc. bodies, vegetation, active and passive corridor’s pleasing and most past. The historic and are currently and wildlife. There recreational archaeological memorable visual elements reflect practiced. The may be evidence of experiences. They interest, as experience. All the actions of cultural qualities of human activity but include, but are not identified through elements of the people and may the corridor could the natural features limited to downhill ruins, artifacts, landscape – include buildings, highlight one or reveal minimal skiing, rafting, structural remains landform, water, settlement more significant disturbances.
    [Show full text]
  • Table of Contents Appendix A
    TABLE OF CONTENTS APPENDIX A: BACKGROUND INFORMATION Historic and Regional Context.............................................................. A-1 Location and Setting.............................................................................. A-2 Vegetation and Wetlands..................................................................... A-3 Existing Conditions ....................................................................... A-3 Implications for Development ................................................... A-4 Geology and Soils................................................................................... A-4 Geology ........................................................................................ A-4 Soils................................................................................................. A-4 Implications for Development ................................................... A-5 Topography and Drainage ................................................................... A-5 Existing Conditions ....................................................................... A-5 Implications for Development ................................................... A-6 Climate ..................................................................................................... A-6 Existing Conditions ....................................................................... A-6 Implications for Development ................................................... A-7 Fish and Wildlife......................................................................................
    [Show full text]
  • The Climate of the Matanuska Valley
    U.S. DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE SINCLAIR WEEKS, Secretary WEATHER BUREAU F. W. REICHELDERFER, Chief TECHNICAL PAPER NO. 27 The Climate of the Matanuska Valley Prepared by ROBERT F. DALE CLIMATOLOGICAL SECTION CENTER. U. S. WEATHER BUREAU, ANCHORAGE, ALASKA WASHINGTON, D. C. MARCH 1956 For sale by the Superintendent of Document!!, U. S. Government Printing Office, Washington 25, D. C. • Price 25 cents PREFACE This study was made possible only through the unselfish service of the copperative weather observers listed in table 1 and the Weather Bureau and Soil Conservation officials who conceived and implemented the network in 1941. Special mention should be given Max Sherrod at Matanuska No. 12, and Irving Newville (deceased) at Matanuska No. 2, both original colonists and charter observers with more than 10 years of cooperative weather observing to their credit. Among the many individuals who have furnished information and assistance in the preparation of this study should be mentioned Don L. Irwin Director of the Alaska Agricultural Experiment Station; Dr. Curtis H. Dear­ born, Horticulturist and present weather observer at the Matanuska Agri­ cultural Experiment Station; Glen Jefferson, Regional Director, and Mac A. Emerson, Assistant Regional Director, U. S. Weather Bureau; and Alvida H. Nordling, my assistant in the Anchorage Climatological Section. RoBERT F. DALE. FEBRUARY 1955. III CONTENTS Page Preface____________________________________________________________________ III 1. Introduction____________________________________________________________
    [Show full text]
  • Dall Sheep Management Report and Plan, Game Management Unit 13A
    Species Management Report and Plan ADF&G/DWC/SMR&P–2019–1 Dall Sheep Management Report and Plan, Game Management Units 13A, 13E, 14A, and 14B, Talkeetna Mountains and Chulitna–Watana Hills: Report Period 1 July 2011–30 June 2016, and Plan Period 1 July 2016–30 June 2021 Christopher J. Brockman ©2008 Richard A. Merizon 2019 Alaska Department of Fish and Game Division of Wildlife Conservation Species Management Report and Plan ADF&G/DWC/SMR&P-2019-1 Dall Sheep Management Report and Plan, Game Management Units 13A, 13E, 14A, and 14B, Talkeetna Mountains and Chulitna–Watana Hills: Report Period 1 July 2011–30 June 2016, and Plan Period 1 July 2016–30 June 2021 PREPARED BY: Christopher J. Brockman Wildlife Biologist II APPROVED BY: Todd A. Rinaldi Management Coordinator REVIEWED BY: Meg Inokuma Michael R. Guttery Biometrician I Research Coordinator Laura A. McCarthy Publications Specialist II ©2019 Alaska Department of Fish and Game Alaska Department of Fish and Game Division of Wildlife Conservation PO Box 115526 Juneau, AK 99811-5526 Portions of the work reported on in this report were funded by the Alaska Energy Authority for wildlife studies related to the proposed Watana-Susitna Hydroelectric Project, and by the federal Wildlife Restoration Grant program, under the division’s Dall sheep survey and inventory project 6.0. Hunters are important founders of the modern wildlife conservation movement. They, along with trappers and sport shooters, provided funding for this publication through payment of federal taxes on firearms, ammunition, and archery equipment, and through state hunting license and tag fees.
    [Show full text]
  • Assessment and Classification of Matanuska-Susitna Fish Habitat— Stream Water Temperature
    Assessment and Classification of Matanuska-Susitna Fish Habitat— Stream Water Temperature Cottonwood Creek at Edlund Road 24 22 20 18 16 14 12 10 8 Temperature (C) Temperature 6 4 Max Min Ave 2 0 6/1/2007 6/21/2007 7/11/2007 7/31/2007 8/20/2007 9/9/2007 9/29/2007 Jeffrey C. Davis and Gay A. Davis The Aquatic Restoration and Research Institute P.O. Box 923, Talkeetna AK, 99676 [email protected] 907.733.5432 January 2008 Acknowledgments Funding for this project was provided through the National Fish Habitat Initiative Mat-Su Salmon Partnership, and by the State of Alaska Department of Environmental Conservation and the Alaska Clean Water Actions program. We appreciate the support provided by the project managers, Laura Eldred and John DeLapp. We appreciate discussions and assistance provided by Sue Mauger of Cook Inlet Keeper. ARRI January 2008 Habitat Classification—Temperature Abstract Stream water temperatures influence most chemical and biological processes in stream ecosystems. However, we have limited water temperature data for streams within Southcentral Alaska. Recent data have shown that stream water temperatures within the Cook Inlet Ecoregion often exceed State Water Quality Standards and approach tolerance values for anadromous salmon. Stream water temperatures vary with regional climate, elevation, vegetation cover, channel shape, ground water input, and other physical features, which differ widely among streams within Cook Inlet. We summarized stream water temperature data collected through a number of different projects within the Matanuska-Susitna Borough from 2001 to 2007 and evaluated the range of stream temperatures, the factors influencing variability, and the relationship to State Water Quality Standards.
    [Show full text]
  • Glenn Highway NSB Interpretive Plan
    Interpretive Plan Prepared by Alaska Division of Parks and Outdoor Recreation, Interpretation and Education. Prepared for Glenn Highway National Scenic Byway Organization. Summer 2006 GHNSB OVERVIEW MAP Table of Contents GHNSB OVERVIEW MAP . i EXECUTIVE SUMMARY . iv INTRODUCTION . 1 • Purpose of the Plan . 1 • Background . 2 • Planning Process . 4 • Goals and Objectives . 5 - Glenn Highway National Scenic Byway Partnership Board Goals . 5 - Interpretive Plan Goals and Objectives . 5 • Mission and Vision Statements . 8 OVERVIEW OF RESOURCES . 9 INTERPRETIVE THEMES . 16 VISITOR EXPERIENCE GOALS . 20 EXISTING VISITOR EXPERIENCE . 22 • Information and Orientation . 22 • Interpretation and Education . 23 AUDIENCE ANALYSIS . 27 PROPOSED INTERPRETIVE SITES AND SERVICES . 34 • Informational/Interpretive Materials and Services . 34 • Implementation Priorities for Site-Specific Interpretive Projects . 38 • Site-Specific Interpretive Projects Map . insert • Site-Specific Interpretive Projects . 41 DESIGN GUIDELINES . 88 PARAMETERS AND CONSIDERATIONS . 94 EVALUATION . 96 ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS . 98 APPENDICES . 99 • Appendix A: Summary of Public Comments . 99 • Appendix B: Mile by Mile Resource Inventory . 101 • Appendix C: Sample Design Standards . 115 • Appendix D: Evaluative Techniques for Interpretive Services . 122 • Appendix E: References . 125 Contents iii Executive Summary Executive Summary The Glenn Highway National Scenic Byway winds 137 .5 miles from Anchorage, Alaska’s largest city, through the glacially sculpted Matanuska River Valley, and empties into the expansive Copper River Basin . Stories about the Byway’s cultural and natural history are hidden in the towns and landscapes along the way . Several existing sites including businesses, nature centers, and waysides do a wonderful job sharing Byway stories with travelers . However, existing interpretation reveals only a fraction of the Byway’s significance.
    [Show full text]
  • Parks Highway Road Log
    Parks Highway Road Log Mile by Mile Description of the Parks Highway from Anchorage to Fairbanks, Alaska Parks Highway Highway Over twelve years and $150 million went into the mile 0 Anchorage - Junction with Ingra Street. The completion of this route which extends through 358 Parks Highway follows the Glenn Highway for 36 miles/576 km of Alaska’s most rugged terrain. Yet this miles before branching off. highway need not be feared, because it is the state’s widest and best year-round road. There are over mile 2 Boniface Parkway. Russian Jack Springs city 40 bridges to cross with the longest being a 1050- campground is located south of the highway off Boni- foot span of the Susitna River at mile 104. The most face Parkway. Not suitable for large units. Turn north spectacular, Hurricane Gulch Bridge, at mile 174.3 is for Elmendorf. only half the length of the Susitna Bridge, but it is a breathtaking 254 feet above the white water of Hur- mile 4 Muldoon Road. City bypass route to Seward ricane Creek. Highway and the Anchorage International Airport. Exit for Alaska Native Heritage Center. www.alaskanative. Denali (Mt. McKinley), the nation’s tallest peak at net 20,320-feet, lies about half way between Anchorage and Fairbanks and can be seen from the Park High- mile 6.5 Northbound exit to Joint Base Elmendorf- way on a clear day. There are much excellent views Richardson and Arctic Valley Road. Arctic Valley Ski of the mountain from mile 70 at Willow, and the rest Area is 7.5 miles on a steep road not recommended areas at mile 133 and mile 163.
    [Show full text]
  • Geology of the Northern Chugach Mountains, Southcentral Alaska
    GEOLOGY OF THE NORTHERN CHUGACH MOUNTAINS, SOUTHCENTRAL ALASKA BY L.E.Burns, G.H.Pessel, T.A. Little, T.L. Pavlis, R.J. Newberry, G.R. Winkler, and John Decker Professional Report 94 Published by STATE OF ALASKA DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL RESOURCES DMSION OF GEOLOGICAL & GEOPHYSICAL SURVEYS Alaska Department of NATURAL RESOURCES GEOLOGY OF THE NORTHERN CHUGACH MOUNTAINS, SOUTHCENTRAL ALASKA BY L.E. Burns, G.H. Pessel, TA. Little, T.L. Pavlis, R.J. Newberry, G.R. Winkler, and John Decker Cover: View looking east into valley of a tributary of Coal Creek in the Anchorage C-4 Quadrangle. Photo shows Mesozoic schist (Mzsh) and a very mixed unit of Jurassic diorite-quam diorite (Jdqd) inmdcd by Creraceow rrondhjemite (Kt). A smaU fault-bounded sliver of Jurassic gabbroic rocks (Jgu) is imbedded in the rrondhjemite. A mkture of Jurassic plutonic rocks, including compositionsfrom gabbroic to quom diontic, crops our in the background. Foreground is composed of a rock glacier (Qrg) and glacier (Qg). Photo by G.H. Pessel, 1983. Professional Report 94 Division of Geological & Geophysical Surveys Fairbanks, Alaska 1991 STATE OF ALASKA Walter J. Hickel, Governor DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL RESOURCES Harold C. Heinze, Commissioner DIVISION OF GEOLOGICAL & GEOPHYSICAL SURVEYS Thomas E. Smith, Acting Director and State Geologist DGGS publications may be inspected at the following locations. Address mail orders to the Fairbanks office. Alaska Division of Geological & Geophysical Surveys 794 University Avenue, Suite 200 400 Willoughby Avenue, 3rd floor Fairbanks, Alaska
    [Show full text]
  • Gypsiferous Deposits on Sheep Mountain Alaska
    Gypsiferous Deposits on Sheep Mountain Alaska GEOLOGICAL SURVEY BULLETIN 989-C GYPSIFEROUS DEPOSITS ON SHEEP MOUNTAIN, ALASKA By RICHARD A. ECKHART ABSTRACT Gypsum-bearing rocks crop out in Gypsum and Yellow Jacket Gulches, on Sheep Mountain, which is about 90 miles northeast of Anchorage, Alaska. The gypsiferous rock occurs in deposits of irregular shape in the greenstone. Both the gypsiferous rock and the greenstone are hydrothermal alteration products of the volcanic rocks of Jurassic age which comprise the bulk of the mountain. Near-surface samples of the gypsiferous rock contained an average of 25 to 30 percent gypsum; some contained as much as 50 percent. Quartz, alunite, clay, sericite, and pyrite are contaminating constituents of the ore. Six of the largest and most accessible of the gypsum deposits were mapped and calculations show that three of the deposits contain an aggregate of approximately 311,000 short tons of indicated gypsiferous rock and four of the deposits contain 348,000 short tons of inferred gypsiferous rock. INTRODUCTION Gypsiferous deposits occur on the south side of Sheep Mountain (see fig. 12), 112 miles northeast of Anchorage via the Glenn Highway. Sheep Mountain is a high east-trending ridge, approximately 10 miles long and 3 miles wide. It is bordered on the west by Caribou Creek and on the east by Tahneta Pass. To the north it is separated from the Talkeetna Mountains by the valley of Caribou and Squaw Creeks and from the Chugach Mountains, to the south, by the valley of the Matanuska River. Two creeks, Gypsum and Yellow Jacket, have incised V-shaped gulches 1,500 to 2,000 feet deep in the area of the gypsiferous deposits.
    [Show full text]
  • USGS Scientific Investigations Map 3153
    Prepared in cooperation with the Alaska Department of Natural Resources Division of Oil and Gas Geologic Map of the Cook Inlet Region, Alaska Including parts of the Talkeetna, Talkeetna Mountains, Tyonek, Anchorage, Lake Clark, Kenai, Seward, Iliamna, Seldovia, Mount Katmai, and Afognak 1:250,000-scale quadrangles Compiled by Frederic H. Wilson, Chad P. Hults, Henry R. Schmoll, Peter J. Haeussler, Jeanine M. Schmidt, Lynn A. Yehle, and Keith A. Labay Pamphlet to accompany Scientific Investigations Map 3153 Aleutian Range mountains south of Chakachamna Lake made up of Tertiary to Cretaceous quartz diorite of the Alaska-Aleutian Range Batholith. 2012 U.S. Department of the Interior U.S. Geological Survey This page intentionally left blank Contents Conversion Factors .......................................................................................................................................ii Introduction ....................................................................................................................................................1 Acknowledgments ........................................................................................................................................1 Physiographic Setting ..................................................................................................................................1 Regional Framework .....................................................................................................................................2 Description of Map Units
    [Show full text]
  • Chapter 2. Community Overview 2.1 History the City’S Rich History and Diversity of People and Ideas Are Actively Treasured and Preserved
    Community Overview Chapter 2. Community Overview 2.1 History The City’s rich history and diversity of people and ideas are actively treasured and preserved. The community’s heritage includes the indigenous Athabaskan (Dena’ina) people, gold miners, and homesteaders, as well as contemporary entrepreneurs and wilderness enthusiasts. The Dena’ina, the original inhabitants of the Wasilla area, called the area “Benteh,” meaning many lakes. Chief Wasilla, circa 1900. The numerous lakes and streams provided ample fishing for indigenous populations and the area became a popular wintering ground for semi-permanent Native villages. Trails connected these villages to hunting grounds in the Susitna Valley and the Talkeetna Mountains, while others linked the villages to the Ahtna people east of the Matanuska Valley. The town site of Wasilla is named after Chief Wasilla, a local Dena’ina chief and shaman who died in 1907. Prominent theories peg “Wasilla” as meaning “breath of air” in the Dena’ina Athabascan language; or an alternative theory is that Wasilla is derived from “Vassily,” a Russian name derived from trading post influences in Lower Cook Inlet (1741 to 1867). Wasilla’s history as a community dates back to 1916 when the Alaska Rail construction in 1916 was followed by townsite development. Engineering Commission constructed a work camp at the intersection of the Alaska Railroad and the Carle Wagon Trail (now known as the Wasilla-Fishhook Road), which linked the coastal community of Knik with the Willow Creek mining district. The work camp housed men engaged in surveying, clearing, and establishing the rail line that would eventually connect the port of Seward to Fairbanks.
    [Show full text]