American Rivers, a national advocacy group opposed to mining and energy development in wilderness areas, says the two Southeast Alaska rivers are “at a crossroads.”
"chilkat river"
Eagle numbers soar near Haines, while visitors to annual festival decline
Eagles flocked to the Chilkat River near Haines and Klukwan in great numbers this year. But the number of human visitors coming to see them was way down.
Chilkat River fall eagle forecast on the rise
It’s eagle season in Haines. Raptors and bird enthusiasts alike flock to Haines for the Bald Eagle Festival, when the world’s highest concentration of eagles gathers on the Chilkat River. Last year, the bird count spiked — and numbers are even higher this year.
King salmon returning to Chilkat River exceed expectations, but continue on downward trend
Adult king salmon are returning to the Chilkat River at historically low numbers. The population has been decreasing over the past 10 years. In 2016, the Chilkat saw the lowest escapement estimate in about 25 years. Preliminary counts for 2017 show the downward trend is not letting up and fishing restrictions are likely to continue next year.
Stream temperature monitoring could provide insight into important fish populations
Tribal leaders around the region are trying to get a handle on one factor that may contribute to declining returns in the Chilkat River and its nearby waters, which are a major source of food for subsistence fishermen in Haines and Klukwan.
Chilkat sees lowest Chinook escapement since 1991 in 10-year trend
This year saw a poor run of king salmon in the Chilkat River — the lowest escapement estimate in about 25 years. The trend has persisted in the area for the last 10 years and it’s not expected to let up soon.
Haines Chamber of Commerce grapples with role of nonprofts
Whether nonprofit and for-profit businesses should have an equal voice in the Haines Chamber of Commerce has been debated for a while. This week, members will vote on amended bylaws that would clarify the role of nonprofits — allowing them to be members and vote, but not to serve on the board.
Sockeye records set at the Chilkoot weir
Commercial fishermen in the Upper Lynn Canal are working overtime after a flood of sockeye salmon showed up last week.
Critics question mine exploration near Alaska eagle preserve
Vancouver, British Columbia-based Constantine Metal Resources Ltd. has applied to expand exploration near the Alaska Chilkat Bald Eagle Preserve in Haines.
Hooligan make strong return to Chilkoot and Chilkat rivers
Area biologists don’t know why the runs fluctuate so much. But they’re trying to bolster research to understand the traditionally important fish a little better.