P.O. BOX 1560, CORDOVA, 99574 tel 907.424.3334 email [email protected] web COPPERRIVER.ORG

COPPER COPPER RIVER WATERSHED PROJECT

“The care of the Earth is our most ancient and most worthy, and after all, our most pleasing SPRING 2021 responsibility. To cherish what remains of it and to foster its renewal is our only hope.” - Wendell Berry

Five dump truck loads of metal, debris, old car and RV parts, nasty COMMUNITY SUPPORT GETS THE foam and a few freezers later, we thank the watershed community KOTSINA DELTA CLEANED UP that made this possible. Your Crowdfunded contributions took those huge piles of garbage and got them to the recycler or landfill. You

BY LISA DOCKEN also helped facilitate a volunteer cleanup day where 20 participants hiked on foot or drove on ATVs to clean up any remaining trash on For those of you who have ever visited Chitina; whether to operate a state, and Chitina lands in the area. In addition to individual , dip net, have a summer camping outing or live there, you contributions, we received financial support from Chitina Village will have seen the ever-changing landscape of the Kotsina River delta. Corp., Ahtna, Inc., Chitina Native Corp., Alyeska, A/C Value Center Beloved by many, this area holds promise of migrating every (Cordova), and Wrangell Institute for Science and Environment year that many families rely on to fill their hearts and their freezers. (WISE) partnered with the Bureau of Land Management. The Unfortunately, changes in sediment deposition across the delta Juneau Community Foundation provided WISE with some follow up means that numerous cars, fish wheels, RVs, cables, concrete blocks, funds for local school programming in the area to talk about waste rope, and other debris has been flooded, partially buried, or even management and help design signs for the site encouraging people to swept away over the years. take precautions to avoid losing their equipment or leaving garbage. In Fall 2020, Dave Cruz and Cruz Construction offered services to excavate and remove debris, waste and sources of contamination at Our next step is to connect with the State to discuss how we can this beloved fishing site. Dave and his neighbors are fish wheel users prevent this from happening again. I witnessed old car parts, including that, like many, love the area. Dave graciously donated his services gas tanks, come right out of the water this year. Gas tanks and vehicle to the Copper River Watershed Project to clean up the Kotsina delta, parts that no doubt had oil, gasoline and other contaminants in them and his gesture sparked the outreach and community support that when they were taken by the river. Fish wheels contain floats made brought hope to a challenging year and a sense of warmth around the from Styrofoam which break apart and form microplastics. These power of good. assets are not lost on purpose – no one wants to have their car adopted into the delta! So, support salmon and support future fishing in these cherished areas by taking extra measures to be safe. We all wish for safe and fruitful future fishing throughout the Copper River and congratulations to our Copper River watershed community- you made this happen! LETTER FROM CRWP CRWP Online CRWP EXECUTIVE Local shop Documentary DIRECTOR

Dear CRWP Supporters,

It is with my deepest gratitude that I write to each of you for being with us this past year. No matter the person, in 2020, Covid-19 touched our lives in one way or another. Each person struggled in their own daily lives, each one of us experiencing the world we knew as something foreign and uncharted. I don’t know a person, small business or nonprofit that wasn’t without worry; worry about health and safety, the economy and being able to survive the year. It was and has been like a heavy dark cloud hanging over each one of us. My first year as ED of the CRWP certainly came with some unique challenges and no reference manual. But this organization has been built on and continues to be supported by some of the most generous, loyal and selfless people and businesses I have been lucky enough to interact with.

We are not going anywhere but forward and up. And what an amazing feeling! This past year we were not updated our website to better inform our members in the red- and our board had a huge exhale over that of our activities and your donation supported time to report! (me too, of course). And that is because of YOU. develop future projects and plans for habitat restoration Your donation supported getting an online gift shop to across the watershed, paving the way for watershed- showcase local products that then could be sold anywhere! scale efforts for the next decade. It supported having our first-ever virtual fundraising event and documentary. It ensured we could have the Kotsina I hope you enjoy this Spring issue and all the successes clean-up (see front page). Your donation secured the because they are all of ours, together. salmon tank program for kids in school and kids being homeschooled with sidewalk science (see Classroom Sincerely, Currents). We had the baler installed and began baling nets for recycling. Your support assisted with replacing three culverts on the Copper River Highway- one of our largest construction projects to date. We upgraded and Lisa Docken

CRWP BOARD OF DIRECTORS CRWP STAFF Nik Merlino, Board Chair, McCarthy Joelle Hepler, Glennallen Lisa Docken, Executive Director Pete Mickelson, Vice President, Cordova Sunshine Meitzner, Glennallen Kate Morse, Program Director Caitlin McKinstry, Secretary, Cordova Dave Saiget, Cordova Shae Bowman, Operations Manager Matt Piche, Treasurer, Cordova Kate Wilson, Copper Center Chris Iannazonne, Greenhouse Initiative Development Kirsti Jurica, Hydrologist Daniel Schmalzer, Invasive Plant Program Manager Ashley Taylor, Website and Communications GREENHOUSE INITIATIVES

BY CHRIS IANNAZZONE

One thing we all have in common is that we all need to eat, it is one of the essentials to human life, alongside fresh air and water. The foods we consume in Alaska from subsistence activities give us nourishment and a sense of appreciation for the natural resources that surround us. Although despite various opportunities CLASSROOM CURRENTS for subsistence harvesting, approximately ADVERSITY FUELS INNOVATION FOR SALMON EDUCATION 95% of all food Alaskans consume is BY KATE MORSE imported, making food security one of our state’s biggest concerns. With food I had always wondered what it looks like when salmon hatch—All at once? security becoming a more prominent Or one at a time like popcorn? Or is it more subtle than that? Well, no need issue in rural Alaskan communities due to keep wondering…our Kenny Lake salmon tank lead teacher, Jennifer to growing concern for disruptions in the Hodges, caught it on camera! Thanks to the generous support of our donors, supply line, the Greenhouse Initiative is a including everyone who adopted a salmon fry this past December, we were direct product for positive action. able to purchase cameras for three of our tanks in the watershed, including The Greenhouse Initiatives objective is in the front window of our office. to increase the amount of nutrient dense produce being grown in the community Now students can tune in to check out their salmon day and night, and of Cordova, Alaska. The Initiative aims you can too! These cameras were purchased after schools closed last spring to address local food security issues by during the pandemic and students had to learn remotely, with the hope providing the infrastructure and resources that no future closures would interfere with their chance to witness these which will increase access to more locally delicate stages of the salmon life cycle and sustain their connection to their grown foods. Situated on the eastern side salmon. of the Prince William Sound, Cordova is off the road system, only accessible However, this innovation will serve our programs into the future, Covid by boat or plane. Heavily reliant on or not! The cameras provide a whole new level of engagement with the imported produce by barge or plane, any tank, allowing unlimited access to the video stream for anyone interested disruption in our food supply chain would in checking them out, expanding the reach of this fun and exciting be detrimental to our community’s food educational program. With the recording feature, we will also continue to security. capture the amazing life stage transitions that occur, usually hidden from plain sight under ice and snow during the winter months, providing amazing Alongside efforts to increase local food “real world” materials for students (and us!) to work with for school projects production, the Greenhouse Initiative and other educational materials. Be sure to check out some of the first seeks to create a sustainable composting footage of hatching salmon collected and compiled by Kenny Lake by program that not only reduces landfill visiting our salmon tank education page on copperriver. waste, but provides quality, nutrient org, or scanning the QR code here. dense compost for our community. CRWP STAFF Continuously building relationships with Lisa Docken, Executive Director organizations and individuals on a local, Kate Morse, Program Director Shae Bowman, Operations Manager state, and national level are crucial to the Chris Iannazonne, Greenhouse Initiative Development overall success of this initiative. Kirsti Jurica, Hydrologist Daniel Schmalzer, Invasive Plant Program Manager Ashley Taylor, Website and Communications JOELLE Hepler SUNSHINE MEITZNER

New Copper Basin Former Wildland Fire Dispatcher, Massage Therapist ADF&G Assistant Wildlife Biologist Board Members Living on an active salmon stream on the The watershed provides resources to not McCarthy Road introduced me firsthand only the local community but the entire to the struggles (ie culverts!). Working state of Alaska as well as the lower 48. The as a firefighter and logistics coordinator watershed is home to a huge diversity of highlighted the importance of knowing fish and wildlife that rely on it year-round where the anadromous stream are and to sustain life. With a Masters in Wildlife how we can protect these waterways. Management and Conservation I can And residing in the Basin for 11 years has understand how important this watershed is provided me with a deep appreciation for for people, fish, and wildlife alike. the land and the life it supports. The Copper River and its tributaries comprise the WELCOME! lifeblood of this region. I feel privileged to live in such an abundant ecosystem.

CHRIS IANNAZZONE DANIEL SCHMALZER NEW to the CRWP TEAM

Greenhouse Initiative Invasive Plant Program Manager I joined the Copper River Watershed I grew up just outside Chicago, Illinois, and Project team in the Fall of 2020 as the attended Carroll University in Waukesha, Greenhouse Initiative Project Manager. Wisconsin and graduated with a Degree With a background in Environmental in Resource Conservation Management Sustainability, and a passion for growing in 2011. For the last 10 years, I have been food, I began working on small and medium working on recreation projects, terrestrial scale organic farms during University and and aquatic vegetation surveys, and Elodea continued to do so after graduation. Having monitoring as a Recreation Technician and moved to Cordova, Alaska in January of Biological Technician for the US Forest 2019, I quickly realized the differences Service in Cordova. In my free time you between Southeast Alaska and Southeast can often find me boating, hunting, and Florida, where I had grown up. I enjoy fishing throughout the Copper River delta exploring the unique wonders of the Copper and Prince William Sound, with my favorite River delta with my dog Boswell and local food to catch and cook being shrimp. being an active member in my community Spring is my favorite time in Cordova, with through various volunteer opportunities. snow melting, days getting longer, bears Each day I spend in Cordova is filled with awakening and birds migrating through I try new experiences and appreciations which to spend every free moment outside. I am continuously humbled by. I am very grateful for the opportunity to work with the CRWP on addressing local food security issues in rural Alaska. 2020 ANNUAL REPORT 2020 FUNDERS Alyeska Pipeline $2,329,760 / 93% Ahtna Intertribal Resource Commission GRANT INCOME Bureau of Land Management $155,786 / 6% Copper Valley Electric Association Community Foundation REVENUES CONTRIBUTIONS Exxon Valdez OIl Spill Trustee Council $2,494,129$802,082 Eyak Corporation $4,384 / <1% Prince William Sound Regional Citizens Advisory Council SPECIAL EVENTS National Fish & Wildlife Foundation National Oceanic & Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) $4,200 / <1% Rasmuson Foundation OTHER U.S.D.A. Cordova Ranger District U.S.D.A. Forest Service $153,093 / 6% U.S.D.A. Secure Rural Schools PROGRAM STAFF U.S.D.A. State and Private Forestry $109,810 / 5% U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service EXPENSES ADMIN. & FUNDRAISING Western Native Trout Association $2,404,523 Wild Salmon Center $2,088,533 / 87% Wrangell Institute for Science & Education PROGRAM SPECIFIC EXPENSES We’d like to recognize the following businesses who generously supported CRWP events and educational programs with significant gifts $53,067 / 2 % in 2020. We hope you can support these businesses that contribute to SHARED OPERATING sustainable economic development in the Copper River region. EXPENSES ANCESTORS’ LEGACY, $1000+ ASSETS Current Assets Checking/Savings 214,247.73 Accounts Receivable 42,750.14 Other Current Assets 18,316.65 Total Current Assets 275,314.52

Fixed Assets 41,886.32 Investment Reserve 65,171.25

TOTAL ASSETS $ 382,372.09

LIABILITIES & EQUITY Liabilities Current Liabilities WILSON CONSTRUCTION Accounts Payable 691.28 Credit Card 2,303.08 Other Current Liabilities WATERSHED STEWARDS, $500+ Vacation Accrual 18,027.16 Deferred Revenue 7,525.39 Payroll Liabilities 2,592.17 PPP Disbursement 47,358.00 Sales Tax Payable 296.49

Total Liabilities 78,793.57 TRIBUTARIES, $250 – 499 Equity Retained Earnings 141,850.25 TR Net Assets Contributions 64,990.78 Net Income 96,737.49 PETER BRONZE Total Equity 303,578.52

TOTAL LIABILITIES & EQUITY $382,372.09

2020 - 2021

Gakona Brownfield Task Force ❸

Copper Basin & Cordova Invasive Plants ❹

Little Tonsina Fish Passage Restoration ❺

❼ Kotsina River Cleanup ❻ Town Lake Restoration Project

Eyak Lake Weir Study ❶ ❷ Copper River Delta Fish Passage Restoration ❶ ❹ Eyak Lake Weir Study Copper Basin & Cordova ALASKA CANADA Eyak Lake and its tributaries provide highly Bering Sea Invasive Plants productive habitat for sockeye and coho salmon, In 2020, 92 acres of orange hawkweed, supporting important subsistence, sport, and reed canarygrass, butter & eggs, and white commercial fisheries. In order to maintain the sweetclover were treated in the Copper Basin lake level after the earthquake, in 1972 a metal Pacific Ocean and Cordova with 190 total acres surveyed. sheet pile and stone weir was installed at the Treatment and monitoring of these known lake outlet. Almost 50 years later, the weir is infestations will continue in 2021. Report PARTNERS deteriorating, no longer maintaining water levels, invasive plant infestations to our Invasive Plant and reducing upstream passage of adult and Reporter on Anecdata.org. juvenile salmon. CRWP is working with partners PARTNERS to develop concept designs and cost estimates USFS, BLM, NPS for improving the weir and reducing its impact on ❼ ❻ fish passage and habitat in Eyak Lake and River. PARTNERS ❺ U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS), U.S. Little Tonsina Fish Forest Service (USFS), Alaska Department of ❼ Transportation & Public Facilities (ADOT&PF), Passage Restoration Alaska Department of Fish & Game (ADF&G), This project will remove a dual culvert structure National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration near the lower section of the river. Currently (NOAA), Eyak Corporation the culverts restrict juvenile king and coho ❶ ❷ ❺ ❶ ❷ ❺ salmon movement up and downstream and ❷ are a partial barrier to migrating adult salmon. Copper River Delta Fish The two adjacent undersized culverts will be ❼ replaced with a 2-lane bridge, restoring critical Passage Restoration connectivity to an estimated 74 miles of Kotsina River Cleanup EVOSTC awarded funding to restore fish upstream habitat. ❼ passage at multiple sites on the Copper River Town Lake Restoration Project ❺ ❸ PARTNERS ❻ delta for coho and and coastal ADF&G, ADOT&PF, Alaska Sustainable Salmon Fund, cutthroat trout. In 2020, three culverts were Bureau of Land Management, Denali Commission, replaced on the 25-mile system, and three more Chugach Alaska Corporation, NOAA, USFWS ❼ are slated to be replaced at 18-mile in 2021. Design is also underway for an additional five ❻ stream-simulation culverts, where the culvert is designed to convey the stream in more natural Town Lake Restoration Project ❺ ❷ The Native Village of Chitina Elders have conditions under the roadway. expressed a desire to restore the salmon in the PARTNERS Town Lake system. Ahtna Intertribal Resource Exxon Valdez Oil Spill Trustee Council (EVOSTC), Commission, with the help of CRWP, are ❶ ❷ ❼ USFWS, USFS, ADFG, NOAA, ADOT&PF, Eyak Corporation currently assessing the current fish habitat conditions and developing a restoration plan. PARTNERS ❸ Ahtna Intertribal Resource Commission, ❼ ❶ ❷ ❺ Gakona Brownfield Native Village of Chitina Task Force The Brownfield Task Force project in Gakona ❼ ❹ began in 2020 and is an ongoing partnered collaboration to locate and fund brownfield site Kotsina River Cleanup In the fall of 2020, 5 dump truck loads of clean-ups throughout the Copper Basin. This old fish wheels, RVs, metal debris and foam effort is led by Native Village of Gakona EPA were removed from anadromous waters of the ❺ ❶ ❷ and assisted by Native Village of Tazlina and Kotsina River. Heavy equipment was used and Copper River Native Association. followed up by a great volunteer cleanup day PARTNERS with the community. ❶ ❷ ❺ Native Village of Gakona EPA, Native Village of Tazlina, PARTNERS Copper River Native Association Cruz Construction, Chitina Village Council, Community Donors, WISE, Eyak Corporation, ❼ Ahtna Inc., Alyeska, Alaska Commercial Co., Juneau Community Foundation THANK YOU, MEMBERS ANCESTORS’ LEGACY, Deirdre Henderson Shawn Gilman Kelsey Appleton Hayden Amanda & James Wiese $1000+ Anne & John Herschleb Susan Goodwin Kate & Alex Arduser Carrie Wittmer Alaska Marine Lines Dr. Phil Hess Beth Grady Sam Aslan Lynn & Craig Grams Auklet Charter Services Bill & Marion Alexander Patti Kallander KINGFISHERS, $25-49 R.J. & Barclay Kopchak E & B Gray Heidi Babic William Beattie & Babic Fisheries Jonathan Aguirre Sam Gregory Ron Andersen Evonette Aponte-Beattie Bill Leighty & Nancy Waterman April & Robert Beedle Cheri & John Grocott Patience Andersen Faulkner Bert Lewis & River Gates Mark & Janet Bloch BioFish LLC Tom Haddock Kris Anderson Sue Kesti & Dan Logan Paul Boos & Janelle Eklund Allison & Chris Bovard Kent & Lynda Hamby Nathan Anderson McCarthy River Tours Timothy Bowman Chitina Native Corporation Kevin Hammer Mike Babic and Outfitters Heather Hanson Taylor Brown Jeff Bailey & Helen Howarth Diane & Mark Colleran Cliff Eames & Ruth McHenry Robyn Butler Copper River Prince William Stormy & Mary Haught Teal Barmore Diane & Greg Morgan Bruce & Karen Butters April Bederman Sound Marketing Association Sarah Hayes Kate & Andy Morse Amanda Highfield & Casa de la Arte Gabrielle Brown Barbara Cellarius Cordova Community Foundation Howard Mozen & Carson Tortorige Mary C Convey Brian Charlton Cruz Construction Elizabeth Schafer Kirk Hoessle & Gabrielle Markel Erica & Dan Clark Chinook Auto Rentals Eyak Corporation Native Village of Eyak Teresa & Jim Holley Susanna Colloredo-Mansfeld John Cholish III John Garner & Liz Cardwell Old Town Copper Center Inn Margaret Hunt Shelly Crowe Jeff Conaway Judy & John Day Meg Jensen & Mike McQueen Drifters Fish & Restaurant Joe and Belen Cook Amber Degn H.B. Alexander Foundation, Inc. Orca Adventure Lodge Connie & Bill Jones Cordova Realty Jim & Nancy DeWitt Dan Hull & Nancy Pease Pam Ore Cynthia Jones & Phil Oman Julie Cox Stephen Diane Thorn Jim & Martha Hutchison Dr. Oliver & Eve Osborn Ray & Linda Kelley Sam Cox Miriam & Roger Dunbar Kelly Kennedy Peter Mjos Matt & Nicole Piche Current Rhythms Rachel Ertz Adam Kenyon Karla Freivalds Riki Ott Margaret Rader Nick & Lisa Docken Scott Ramming & Diana Godfrey Cathy & Fred Keuthen Mark Heidbrink & Becca Dodge Signe & Jim Fritsch Ruud-Mjos Tributaries Alyssa Kleissler & Curtis Herschleb Doug Fulton Rich Rogers RuthAnn Dohner Alaska Family Fund Ben & Kaitlin Kramer Margo Ghia Hugh Rose Robert Dyson SenaSea Seafood Pete & Loreen Kramer Angelica Evans Brandi Gibbs Clair & Steffan Scribner Joan Smith Jamie L. Hart Michael Ferraro Kristen Gorman Cathy & Dixon Sherman Gary Lamouria Alaska Fresh Tracy Hansen Cece Stack & Britt Pedicord Shoreside Petroleum Dr. Richard Harper Ridgeline Aviation Ray Landgraf Mark & Cindy Frohnapfel Sandra & Rich Staples Bill & Renee Lindow Morgan Gantz Heidi Hatcher Bert Stammerjohan & Liz Senear Brad & Denise Stern Rochelle Lubbers Jessica Garron Kris Hegland Brian Hodges Jim Staszewski Karen & Paul Swartzbart Kevin & Suzanne McCarthy Chris & Leah Grey John Patrick Hudson The Triton Foundation Theresa Tanner Conor McManamin Dick & Kay Groff Denton & Tamara Hamby Phil & Audrey Huffman Charles Wilson The Net Loft Dave Merlino Kathleen & Chris Jones Paul Hanis Wilson Construction Cliff Ward Doug Merlino Tom McGann & Sue Laird Tamara Harper Eric & Janice Warga Nik & Gina Merlino Tom Lanini Claudia Hartley Katherine Wilson Midnight Sun Environmental, LLC Dennis Lavey WATERSHED Mark Miller David & Judy Heller Amy LeBlanc Gloe STEWARDS, $500-999 Virginia & Jack Miller Maya Heubner Kristin Link Alaska Glacial Essentials Skincare WRANGELL PEAKS Steve Moffitt Mary Higgins Mike Mahoney Rob Alexander & Chip Brown Sarah Morrow Arthur Hodgins Michelle McAfee CIRCLE, $100-249 Elizabeth & Martin Hubbe Samuel Adams Eric Manzer & Molly Mulvaney Ruby & Cody Oatman Leo Americus Jill Huisken-Wiebenga Luca & Chantel Adelfio Sally, Gibert, & Dick Mylius Jerry McCune John Andrew Bachner Christopher Iannazzone Thomasina Andersen Paul & Mary Newcome Kate McLaughlin Dr. Howard & Jean Baumann Oskar Johansson-Theis New North Consulting, LLC Kim Menster Jonathan Bigley Dave & Laura Beam Melissa J Robinson Elinor Beck Neil O'Donnell Galen Meyer Phil & Rich Blumstein-Ervin Kendra's Kreations Belle Mickelson Karl Becker & Nancy Bird Barb Petersen Dr. Chris & John Booren Denis Keogh Stanton Moll Bob & Joanie Behrends Andy Pfeiffer Caroline Ketron Andrew Morin Tim Brabets Thea & Will Bemben Eli Potter Karen Hyer & Ken Carlson Rodger & Gerri Koechling Gary Nygren Laurie Berger & John Jenkins Lee Reininghaus Meera Kohler Martin Parsons Danny & Kristin Carpenter Dan Bilderback & Christine Sager Laura & Neal Resnick Les & Joan Larson Tony Perelli & Becky King Cordova Telephone Cooperative Mary Anne & Nancy Bishop Felicia Riedel Liz & Bill Larzelere Amanda P Hults Sarah Eggebroten Brittany Blain-Roth & Brett Roth Larry Rinder Sophie Littee Dorothee Pruessner Tony Gasbarro Gavin Blood Riverside Inn & Childs Glacier Tours Robin Mayo Laura Prugh Jeff Guard & Dorne Hawxhurst David Blount James B Robinson Molly McCormick Ivy Rae Patton Cynthia Hendel John & Patty Bodner Rebekah Robinson Laurel McFadden & John Giardina Frederic Reid Cathy & Micah Renfeldt Ken Hodges Keith Boruff Bill & Mary Earl Rogers Dan McIntosh Alys Bowman David Rosenthal Wendy Robbins Marie & Charles Hoffman Pete Mickelson Russell Bowman Al Rule & Jane Browning Henry & Marcia Milette Jeremy A Robida Gary & Cynthia Jacobs Shae Bowman & Joe Hamm Hannah Sanders Marleen Moffitt Ann Robinson Iyad & Carol Khalaf Tyler Boyes & Brita Mjos Beth & Rich Schluter Bill Mohrwinkel & Carrie Klein Aaron Sandone Russell Scribner Ian Lindsay Stan Bradshaw Steve Silber Ethan Moorhead Lynn Loacker Peggy Morsch Melissa & Derek Sikes Jenny Brandt Allison and Doug Smith Aubrey Smith Erik Mundahl Donna McBain Evans & Sam Evans Mimi & Tim Briggs Jennifer Sutton & Todd Smith Bob & Pam Smith David Noriega Pamela Moe Laura Brooks Dustin Solberg & Ann Harding Jessica Speed Northern Nights Inn Mary Jane & Alan Morse Wade Buscher Carla & Mark Somerville Spirit Mountain Art Works Justin and Tracey Nuzzi Arlene and Danny Rosenkrans Angela & Brian Butler St. Elias Alpine Guides & Wily Splain Blackburn Cabins Copper Oar Rafting Darrel Olsen Norma & Doyle Traw Valdez Fisheries Development James Pomplun Association Sarah Cameron Margie Steigerwald Glenn & Diane Ujioka Chitina Traditional Indian Graham W Taylor Beth Poole Mae Vansant Village Council Christopher Timmons Julie & Brad Reynolds David Hartley & Helen Weagraff Yoke-sim Choong Torie Baker & Troy Tirrell Jonathan Riehle & Angela Bohmann Ann Welshko TRIBUTARIES, $250-499 Sharon Shallow Becky Clausen & Dirk Lang Dr. Gilbert Urata XOAK A/C Value Center Maria Shell Susan Clausen Mark Vail Kendra Zamzow Rich & Shannon Alloway Jonathan Shurtz Bill & Diane Cobb Barbara Vaile Alan & Diann Bailey Dave Siegal Erin Cole Gonzalo Villalon SUBSISTENCE LIVING, $10-24 Jeremiah & Kristie Beckett Dana & Anita Smyke Rebecca Calfina & Jimmy Paley Alexis Cooper Jeff Van Dyke Katie & Ben Bobowski Douglas Solomon Joshua Gold Copper Valley IGA Doreen Warren Specialized Bicycle Jenny Harrell Toni & John Bocci Andy Craig & Seawan Gehlbach Mike Webber & Katrina Hoffman Peter Brondz Aline Stevenson Joyce Levine Frederick Dure Violet and Joe Whaley Bryan & Breanna Mills Dr. Rob Campbell Ashley Taylor St. Elias Alpine Guides Kris Wiley Lynne D Taylor Joscelyn Moffitt Debbie & Dino Ciabattoni G. Warren & Donna Elliott John & Kate Williams Rick Van De Poll Mimi & Steve Rothchild Cordova Wireless Communications Jamie Esler Erika Wolter Kenneth Van Gilder Anne Schaefer Greg DeRango Lynne M Esler Danielle Verna Zachary Schroeder Marnie Graham & Ken Fay Linda & Henry Wall John Stack & Barbara Solomon RAVEN’S CLAN, $50-99 Jordan Stover Douglas Vollman John Ferguson Katherine Adams Gay & David Wellman The Patinka Family Janet & Donald Groschel Sandra Friendshuh Ronald Andersen Tara Wheatland Darren Thorne MAXIMIZING ' ABILITY TO ADAPT

New Culvert

BY KATE MORSE

“Smaller body sizes”, “more parasites”, and “softer flesh”. These are some of the observations shared by Copper River salmon harvesters in recent years. While there is no one answer to explain these observations, many agree that the water conditions are changing. Recent summers have Old Culvert been warmer and drier, while winter snowpack is changing. Glaciers are retreating, storms are increasing in duration and intensity, and the ocean is more acidic. The best way to help salmon adapt to these changing conditions is to maximize the habitat available to salmon and sustain the genetic diversity within salmon species. The undersized culvert in the foreground was This is where the Copper River Watershed Project has focused our resources—to help replaced with the larger culvert to allow the stream, and aquatic organisms like salmon, provide an intact, and barrier free watershed to allow salmon unimpeded access to a diversity to pass under the highway unimpeded. of habitats. For over a decade, CRWP has been working with our partners to prioritize and Photo: USFS replace failing and undersized culverts with crossings that mimic natural systems.

Juvenile salmon will live multiple years in freshwater before migrating out to the ocean. During this time, they need to be able to escape unsuitable conditions, such as warm water and low flow conditions, and find more favorable habitats. To maximize the number of fish migrating out of the watershed, we need to maximize their access to quality habitat.

As for the return migration, everyone eagerly awaits the return of Copper River Sockeye. Did you know there are an estimated 156 spawning sites for Sockeye in MORE INFORMATION this watershed, representing an estimated eight genetically distinct populations? on our fish passage and other This genetic diversity within the species is crucial to support the adaptations of programs available at salmon to the changing habitat conditions they are facing. copperriver.org. By working towards reinstating a barrier free watershed by replacing undersized culverts, CRWP is hopeful we can help salmon effectively mitigate the changes they face, maintain genetic diversity and support the future of salmon. RIDGELINES: AROUND THE WATERSHED BROWNFIELD TASK FORCE The Copper Valley Brownfield Task Force will be a multi- disciplinary group of people with a vested interest in the cleanup and redevelopment of a community’s brownfield sites. Its members will bring multiple perspectives and resources to the table. Before Brownfields are abandoned, unused, or underused properties that are hindered from desired reuse or redevelopment by real or perceived environmental contamination. A brownfield can be anything from a 200-acre industrial property, to an abandoned building, or an old illegal dump site. Due to changes Gakona Clean Up in technologies, economic forces, local priorities, among other localized forces, brownfields can be found in many corners of Photos by Derrick Sinyon, Native Village of Gakona Alaska, in both urban and rural communities alike.

Communities can realize many environmental, social, and IS THERE A DOCTOR IN THE ROOM? economic benefits through brownfield reuse and redevelopment, Former CRWP Invasive plant program coordinator, including: preserving open space that would otherwise be Danielle Verna, recently completed her Ph.D. in developed or used as a greenspace. It is important to remember Environmental Science and Management from Portland that brownfields are not only an urban problem, and reuse State University. Her dissertation research was focused doesn’t have to mean new construction projects. Thus, recycling on marine invasive species. Since maritime shipping is a brownfields may have benefits to a community that are unique leading vector of invasive species to coastal ecosystems to it and important to its identity, but not easily quantifiable. globally, she looked at how international trade drives commercial shipping patterns and how certain The four direct objectives of the C.V.B.T.F. will be: commodities can influence the volume and location • Learning to identify potential brownfields. of ballast water discharge by ships. Congratulations • Reporting potential brownfields. Danielle, and we wish you well as you join Prince • Monitor brownfield sites to ensure presence and William Sound Regional Citizens Advisory Council as visibility of Institutional controls. the Environmental Monitoring Program Manager • Educating the public on brownfields.

These actions will directly help in the planning of the clean- up and redevelopment of the community’s brownfield sites. The actions and planning efforts of the brownfield Task Force will be beneficial in obtaining funding, community engagement, and ultimately the clean-up of Brownfield sites.

An example of a successful brownfield project can be seen from the Native Village of Gakona in their short video on the clean-up of the “Heinz” site. via. YouTube channel - “Native Village of Gakona” https://youtu.be/j_KzGqXvvaE

Benjamin Frank Native Village of Gakona, Environmental Assistant

Danielle collects plankton samples from the ballast tank of a commercial ship. RIDGELINES: AROUND THE WATERSHED WISE SCIENCE LECTURE SERIES For 18 years the WISE Science Lecture Series has connected the people of the Copper River basin with current science and research. This winter they went virtual, gathering speakers and learners around glowing computer screens instead of in meeting halls. Although we certainly missed Before After the camaraderie of gathering to learn and share, there were some silver linings. Geographical barriers melted away as WISE gathered diverse audiences from not only around the region, but around the world. Robin Mayo, ED of WISE has been delighted to welcome speakers from far away who didn’t need plane tickets and four wheel drive to come share their stories and expertise. Photos by Derrick Sinyon, Native Village of Gakona Topics this year have included the Nelchina Caribou Herd, Avian Research in Alaska’s National Parks, and several talks DEVELOPMENT OF CLIMATE CHANGE exploring exciting new archaeological finds in Wrangell-St. ADAPTATION PLAN UNDERWAY Elias National Park. The first “brownbag” lunchtime lecture The Copper River Native Association received funding from featured Kate Morse with CRWP’s fish passage and culvert the BIA Tribal Resilience Program to create and implement replacement projects, drawing an audience of professionals the Copper River Climate Change Adaptation Plan. Climate as well as interested locals and far-away friends and family. change has had a big effect on Alaska, and rural communities are struggling to plan and adapt to the changing environment. This spring watch for two talks on migratory birds, one This project will allow the communities of the Copper River scientific and the other aimed at aspiring birders looking Valley region to collaborate to identify, assess, plan for, and to build skills and get inspired. Program partner Prince adapt to extreme climate events and harmful environmental William Sound College is exploring getting the lectures to trends that impact local and regional resources. This is an online audiences even when we are able to once again gather important effort to anticipate and plan for future changes in in crowded rooms, knocking the snow off our boots and the climate to ensure the protection of environmental health greeting friends. and human health and safety. For more information, and to find out about upcoming opportunities to participate in Find the schedule of upcoming events and recordings of the development of the plan, contact Sarah Sherwood at recent WISE Science Lectures at www.wise-edu.org. [email protected] or 907-822-8846.

WISE Science Lectures at www.wise-edu.org P.O. BOX 1560, CORDOVA, ALASKA 99574 tel 907.424.3334 email [email protected] web COPPERRIVER.ORG

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*** TO inside ***

* Salmon Tank Camera * Greenhouse Initiative COPPER RIVER RIVER COPPER PROJECT WATERSHED * Welcome to the Team * 2020 Annual Report * CRWP Project Map SPRING 2021 SPRING

CRWP MISSION The Copper River Watershed Project promotes a salmon-rich, intact watershed and culturally diverse communities by forming partnerships for watershed-scale planning and projects.

WHY SUPPORT CRWP?

Cassidy Austin-Merlino is an 18 year old from McCarthy, Alaska on the traditional unceded hunting grounds of the Ahtna Athabascan people, who is currently living in Bellingham, Washington working as an intern whitewater raft guide for a local company. In recent years, she has worked closely with the Climate Strike Movement, the Copper River Stewardship Program, the fight against Pebble Mine, and much more. Cassi also recently attended the 2021 Alaska Forum on the Environment as a keynote speaker, addressing the connection between environmental and social justice, along with how outdoor recreation workers can influence activism and stewardship in their communities. Honored to have received the Copper River Watershed Project scholarship and the Alaska Conservation Foundation Denny Wilcher Award in 2020, Cassi plans to attend Western Washington University this fall to further her education on environmental policy and outdoor inclusion to advocate for a more Cassidy Austin-Merlino sustainable future. We are so proud of you Cassi!