Completed in 2002
For more information contact
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
Fairbanks Fisheries Resources Office
101 12th Avenue, Box 17, Room 222
Fairbanks, AK 99701
| Project Description: |
In place for over 75 years, the abandoned Fairbanks Exploration
Dam on the Chatanika River, a tributary of the Yukon River, blocks
fish from historic spawning and rearing habitat in the upper reaches
of the Chatanika River . To our knowledge, removal of this dam
will be the first time an Alaska dam will be removed for conservation
purposes. |
Chatanika dam before removal |
| Project Outcome: |
In January 2002, when
fragile riparian areas were frozen solid, contractors removed the
dam. |
Removal of Chatanika dam
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Benefits: |
Chinook and chum salmon, Arctic
grayling, and resident fish species were provided access to over
100 miles of historic spawning and rearing habitat. |
Partners: |
Using $109,000 of Congressionally-authorized
funds, this project has been a cooperative venture with Alaska
Department of Fish and Game, National Marine Fisheries Service,
the Yukon River Drainage Fisheries Association, Bureau of Land
Management, Sandstrom and Sons, Inc., and the private landowner. |
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