February 6, 2024 | Written By: Lila Hobbs
The Eklutna River is home to one of the oldest villages in Southcentral Alaska, the Dena’ina Village of Eklutna, which was founded on the banks of the Eklutna River because of its historic runs of Chinook, coho, and sockeye salmon. The Eklutna Dena’ina peoples have relied on and carefully stewarded the Eklutna River’s rich salmon runs since time immemorial.
The Eklutna Hydroelectric Project, built in 1955, has dried up and cut off the entire Eklutna River from the lake and upper tributaries. With dams being built from the project, the Eklutna River has not been allowed to flow out of the lake, cutting off historic salmon runs and impacting local people.
The proposed Eklutna Hydro Plan is inadequate to protect salmon and the Eklutna Dena’ina peoples. Native Movement therefore supportʻs the Community Alternative put forth by the Native Village of Eklutna. This alternative respects the Native Village of Eklutna’s stewardship and addresses decades of cultural and environmental neglect. It would restore the natural flow of the Eklutna River and its salmon habitat, allowing the salmon to return to their spawning grounds. It would also save ratepayers money and allow for the transition to new renewable energy projects.
To learn more, check out these FAQs compiled by the Eklutna River Restoration Coalition.
Additionally, Native Movement supports the Anchorage Assembly’s recent resolution AR 2024-40 that passed unanimously and seeks a two-year extension of the 1991 agreement. This extension would provide an opportunity for more meaningful consultation between the Native Village of Eklutna and the Eklutna Hydroelectric project owners (Chugach Electric Association, Matanuska Electric Association, and the Municipality of Anchorage).
HOW TO TAKE ACTION:
Eklutna Hydro is currently taking public comments until February 19th. Sign onto our letter below to make your voice heard and help restore the Eklutna River!
