A stream restoration project at a popular bear-viewing destination more than 20 miles north of Ketchikan has been completed after two years.
By Raegan Miller
This story was published by KRBD - Ketchikan Community Radio. Read the full story here. The story features the Southeast Alaska Watershed Coalition's SASS project focused on engaging tribal and community partners in salmon habitat restoration in the Maragret Creek Watershed.
Photo from the KRBD article: Crew members work to carry a log to the restoration location. (Khrystl Brouillette/KRDB)
About 22 miles north of Ketchikan lies Margaret Creek, accessible only by boat or float plane. It was heavily damaged by intensive logging in the 1950s through 80s. That logging took out most of the old-growth timber that lined the creek, eroding the banks and damaging floodplains.
The damage has had major impacts on the natural habitat of sockeye, coho and chum, plus the Dolly Varden and cutthroat trout that run through the area. The Watershed Coalition said the completed restoration work will — hopefully — reverse the damage, by creating better spots for the fish to feed, swim and rest.