HomeMy WebLinkAboutAPA456TK.
1425
.S8
E58
no.456
Alaska Resources
Library & Infnrmatton Service
Anct. ...., . ....JSka
SUSITNA HYDROELECTRIC PROJECT
ENVIRONMENTAL STUDIES
LAND USE ANALYSIS
NAVIGATIONAL USE
APRIL, 1982
Teue1hial
E nvitonmental
Speciali1tl, Inc.
......___ __ ALASKA POWER AUTHORITY=----~
JIJL 2 9 1982
ALASKA POWER AUTHORITY
SUSITNA HYDROELECTRIC PROJECT
TASK 7
ENVIRONMENTAL STUDIES
LAND USE ANALYSIS
NAVIGATIONAL USE
Apri 1 1982
by
TERRESTRIAL ENVIRONMENTAL SPECIALISTS, Inc.
Phoenix; New York 13135
for
ACRES AMERICAN, INCORPORATED
Liberty Bank Building, Main at Court
Buffalo, New York 14202
lk
ltJ 'l.S
.58
ES£,
no, 'iSb
TABLE OF CONTENTS
SUMMARY . . • . •
1 -INTRODUCTION
1.1-Purpose ••••...
1.2 -Background .
1.3 -Objectives .
1.4 -Approach
2 -AGENCY CONCERNS
3 -NAVIGATIONAL USE
3.1 -Historic Navigational Use .•...
3.2 -Recent Past and Present Navigational
(a) Susitna River .•.•.•
(b) Susitna Tributaries
3.3 -Navigability Considerations
3.4 -Anticipated Navigational Use
3.5 -Winter Navigation
4 -CONCLUSIONS .•.•
5 -LITERATURE CITED
6 -CONTACTS
APPENDICES
A -Historical Navigational Use
. .
Use • •
B -Maps of Navigational Use and DNR Disposal Areas
C -Aerial Survey of Navigational Use
D -Proposed Disposal Areas
Page
i i
1
1
1
2
3
4
5
5
9
9
11
14
15
16
18
19
20
SUMMARY
This report contains information on past, present, and anticipated
navigational use of the Susitna River drainage below Devil Canyon.
Information collected can be utilized to conduct an assessment of the
impacts of the proposed Susitna hydroelectric project on such
navigation when the Alaska Department of Natural Resources (DNR)
completes its hydrological investigation.
There is a history of navigational use of the Susitna which dates
' .
to 1834. Present areas of concentration of navigational use are on the
Talkeetna River; Willow Creek; the Yentna River and its tributaries,
the Skwentna and Kahiltna Rivers; the Deshka River (Kroto Creek);
Alexander Creek; and areas on the Susitna near boat launches at
Talkeetna, Sunshine, Kashwitna Landing, and Willow Creek. A variety of
craft utilize the river for navigation, including rafts, canoes,
airboats, and riverboats generally 14 to 27_feet in length with inboard
and outboard motors having either prop or jet units. In addition,
float planes are utilized in many areas throughout the Susitna
drainage.
Presently, there is considerable navigational use on the Susitna
and its tributaries. Population increases in the Railbelt area,
coupled with settlement and development of 56 DNR land disposal ar~as
(plus future disposal areas) in the drainage of the Susitna and its
tributaries below Devil Canyon, will result in increased navigational
use in the future.
The extent and nature of impacts of the Susitna hydroelectric
project on navigational use will depend on the effects of reduced
summer flows and stage in certain channels and sloughs on the Susitna.
Potential impacts include effects on navigational use of the mainstem
and, in addition, on uses in tributary streams dependent upon access
via the Susitna.
i i
1 -INTRODUCTION
1.1 Purpose
A preliminary assessment of the effects of post-project
streamflows from the proposed Susitna hydroelectric project on
downstream river navigation and access to state land disposal sites is
being conducted under a cooperative agreement between the Alaska Power
Authority and its contractors and the Alaska Department of Natural
Resources (DNR). This report summarizes historic and present
navigational uses below Devil Canyon, and has been prepared as
background for the evaluation of project-induced changes in streamflow
on navigation. This report was prepared by Terrestrial Environmental
Specialists, Inc. (TES) for Acres American, Inc. under a modification
to the scope of work of the Susitna Hydroelectric Project Phase I
Environmental Studies (Task 7).
1. 2 Background
The Susitna River has been designated "navigable" by the Bureau of
Land Management, U.S. Department of Interior (BLM), from the mouth to
approximately 7.5 miles upstream of Gold Creek (the eastern border of
the Indian River Remote Parcel). Navigational use is known to occur
to Portage Creek. There has been a high level of concern expressed by
federal and state agency personnel concerning the effects of
post-project streamflows on river stage due to operation of the
proposed Susitna hydroelectric project, and the subsequent impacts on
navigational use of the river for recreation, commerce, and land
access. Such concerns have been documented via Susitna Hydro Steering
Committee correspondence to the Alaska Power Authority during 1980.
These concerns were again expressed in the reports on instream flow
aspects (Dwight and Trihey 1981, Trihey 1981). In response to these
concerns, Terrestrial Enyironmental Specialists, Inc. (TES) conducted
a preliminary reconnaissance of issues related to navigational use of
the
1
Susitna River in early 1981. Several of those expressing such concerns
were contacted, including some who have experien~e using planes and
boats on the river. TES also reviewed preliminary hydrological data on
pre-and post-project flows, and obtained and reviewed documents
describing historic and present navigational use of the river.
A definitive description of the effects of post-project stream-
flows and stage on navigational use and shoreline.access could not be
made based upon existing data. Much of the Susitna River and many of
its principal tributaries have been used for navigation, float plane
landing sites, and access to shoreline areas and major tributary
streams. Additional data collection and investigation of these issues
were therefore warranted.
In response to this need, a memorandum of understanding pertaining
to cooperative investigations of the proposed Susitna hydroelectric
project was signed by the Alaska Power Authority and the Alaska
Department of Natural Resources in September 1981. A work plan was
established, coordinated through E. Woody Trihey, to investigate the
effects of the proposed Susitna hydroelectric project on navigational
uses and access to state lands. The Alaska Department of Natural
Resources, R&M Consultants, and TES are undertaking this work for Acres
American, Inc. and the Alaska Power Authority.
1.3 Objectives
The objectives of the work plan are for DNR, R&M, and TES to:
1) identify past, present, and anticipated use of the Susitna River
between Devil Canyon and Cook Inlet by boats and float planes and to
provide a preliminary assessment of the effects of pre-and post-
project flows on these uses, and 2) locate present and proposed state
land disposal sites within the Susitna basin and determine the effects
of pre-and post-project streamflows on access to these sites by boat
or float plane.
2
This report summarizes baseline information on past and present
boat and float plane use and state land disposal areas. An impact
assessment can be performed when additional hydrological data become
available.
1.4 Approach
Information was obtained on past~ present, and anticipated
navigational uses of the Susitna River below Devil Canyon, including
estimated numbers of users, types of craft, seasonal utilization~ and
areas of concentration. The principal navigation routes in the lower
river are identified. Because potential effects on the Susitna River
mainstem may cause consequent impacts on its tributaries, such as
affecting navigational access to them, TES also assembled information
about boating activity in the principal tributaries to determine extent
of use in those areas. Data were obtained primarily from existing
documents and interviews. Much of the discussion of historical use is
based upon the written record compiled by BlM to establish a case file
on navigability. Other sources of information were also utilized as
cited. In addition, TES observed the lower Susitna River and its
tributaries to augment the baseline description of river access and
use. The investigation addressed use of the river by float planes as
well as boats. It does not include details on current winter use by
dogsleds and snowmobiles since reliable information on these uses and
post-project ice cover could not be compiled and evaluated within the
time frame of this scope of work. Winter use is discussed in general
terms.
TES also prepared maps of existing state land disposal sites and
located future disposal areas from public information and in
consultation with DNR•s Southcentral District Office. This information
will be reviewed by DNR•s Water Management Section to determine which,
if any, of these disposal sites are adjacent to river reaches for the
navigational use investigation, and whether additional data should be
obtained and analyzed.
3
2 -AGENCY CONCERNS
Agency concerns were initially documented in the draft and final
reports pertaining to instream flow aspects of the proposed Susitna
hydroelectric project (Dwight and Trihey 1981). For the most part,
these involved conce·rns regarding access to the river and_ navigation on
the river.
TES contacted those who had identified access or navigability on
the river as concerns, as well as other state and federal agency
personnel, to obtain additional information. Those contacted generally
reiterated previous statements. The Alaska Department of Fish and
Game 1 s (ADF&G) and DNR 1 s concerns included the effects of the project
on navigation on the lower river and access to land disposal parcels
(Harle pers. comm., Trent pers. comm.). A more general concern
mentioned was for access for recreational purposes such as hunting and
fishing, and also mining (Harle pers. comm.). It was reported that
there appears to be more opportunity for employment in remote areas
with lands becoming available, and access to these remote jobs could
become an issue (Mielke pers. comm.). ADF&G stated that with
increasing boat traffic on the Susitna and its tributaries, any project
effects resulting in reduced flows and stage would affect more people
(Trent pers. comm.).
Evidence of increased boating use was also reported by the
operator at the Kashwitna Landing boat launch (also referred to as
Susitna Landing), who stated that there has been a ten-fold increase in
the number of boats launched in the past five years (Bloomfield pers.
comm.) .. Boating activity has increased sufficiently for DNR 1 S
Division of Parks to consider installing additional launches on the
lower river (Wiles pers. comm.).
4
3 -NAVIGATIONAL USE
3.1 Historic Navigational Use
From its delta region on Cook Inlet upriver to Devil Canyon, the
Susitna River is considered a major transportation corridor between the
coast and interior areas of southcentral Alaska. Native residents and
explorers built their trails paralleling the lower Susitna. The Alaska
Railroad, from a point near Willow and north to Gold Creek, parallels
the course of the lower Susitna. The Susitna provides access for
hunters, residents, and others to inland waterways in the drainage
area. This section summarizes recorded historical use of the rivers
and streams in the lower Susitna drainage; this information is
tabulated in Appendix A.
The first recorded ascent of the Susitna River was in 1834 by the
Russian explorer Vasili Malakoff. He was forced to drag, or ~line••,
his boat up river. He was the first explorer to obtain geographic
knowledge about the area. The next recorded incident took place in
1894 when J. M. Johnston and Edward Andrews ascended the Susitna with
sleds (BLM 1981). One year later, one hundred prospecting parties
entered the Susitna River. Two prospectors reached as far inland as
Chulitna Fork. In 1896, William Dickey and his partner Allen Monks
made the first well-documented trip up the Susitna using an open sea
dory. Along the way they built two boats, both being 25 feet long, 18
inches wide and flared across the top to 40 inches (Cole 1979). On one
occasion they moved up to Talkeetna trading station, then west up the
Chulitna River. In the same year, Dickey, a prominent mining man in
Alaska, ascended the Susitna on another prospecting trip. This time
the journey reached the mouth of Portage Creek. Initials carved in the
rock, including those of W. A. Dickey, are evident at this location.
The inscription, however, bears the inexplicable date of 1897.
Gold was discovered in the Susitna River country in 1896. By the
summer of 1897, one thousand prospectors had moved up the Susitna (BLM
1981). Captain Andrews and his party built a large dory and travelled
5
up the Susitna in 1896, but were forced to use dogsleds upon
encountering ice. 1897 marked the first recorded trip to the Susitna•s
headwaters. Nine men made the trip using a large dory of whipsawed
lumber in summer and sleds in winter. In the same year, a mining party
travelled up the Yentna River.
W. G. Jack acted as guide to a U.S. Geological Survey (USGS}
survey party which ascended the Susitna in 1898 by towing sma 11 boats
upstream. "Jack concluded that the river could be navigated to the
mouth of Indian River by a steamer drawing not more than 2 feet of
water" (Cole 1979). Reports indicate a good deal of USGS travelling in
1898. G. H. Eldridge and Robert Muldrow ascended the Susitna from Cook
Inlet to the mouth of Indian River. Six members of USGS canoed up the
Susitna and its tributaries, the Yentna and Skwentna Rivers. One
expedition moved overland from the Susitna up to the Tanana River.
Sgt. Yanert of the U.S. Army and two others moved up to the Chu 1 itna
from near the mouth of Indian River, over to Broad Pass and the Nenana
River. Also in 1898, 0. G. Herning and his crew poled their way up the
Susitna as far as Willow Creek.
In the fall of 1899 the ocean steamer Excelsior, piloted by Copper
River Joe, moved up the Susitna to pick up equipment from a surveying
party. About the same time an Alaska Commercial Company sloop moved
upriver to Susitna Station. The Herron expedition moved from the head
of the Yentna River to the mouth of the Tanana River. Lt. Herron (U.S.
Army) and his party travelled a total of one thousand miles.
In 1902, prospectors in search of gold used the frozen rivers as
highways and floated their boats in spring. At the same time,
explorations for a proposed rail line were conducted along the Chulitna
River. An ornithological trip led by Wilfred Osgood reached Bristol
Bay via the Chulitna, Mulchatna, and Nushagak rivers in 1902.
Five prospectors discovered gold on the Susitna River in 1903 (BLM
1981). Robert Dunn, a geologist and explorer, followed the western
tributaries of the Susitna to eventually reach the base of Mt. McKinley.
6
After an unsuccessful attempt to climb the mountain he rafted down
the Chulitna using pike poles. Records also suggest Dunn and a
companion reached the Kichatna River by boat. Also in 1903 Dr.
Frederick Cook's party arrived at the base of Mt. McKinley using pack
train and boats on the Susitna and Yentna Rivers. After the first
failure to climb Mt. McKinley, the party descended the west fork of
the Chulitna River using small, wooden two-man rafts.
Sometime during the early 1900's, two Englishwomen and two male
companions took part in a hunting trip travelling up the Kuskokwim
River to the divide between this drainage and the Susitna's. Kayaks
were used for the rendezvous with the party's sailing schooner (the
"Lily") which had been anchored at Cook Inlet.
Considerable prospecting was done in the general area of the
Susitna River for the next several years. Alexander MacDonald did his
prospecting in 1904 at Osborne Creek near the Deshka River (Kroto
Creek). Documents indicate that two more prospectors, a Mr. Coffee and
Mr. Miller, worked up the Susitna in 1905. The first recorded use of
the Tokositna River by white man occurred in 1905. Miners working in
the Home Lake area used the river. Dr. Cook made his second attempt at
climbing McKinley in 1906, and he explored the rivers in the area in
the process.
Two recorded trips occurred up the Susitna ·in 1907. Woolsey's two
riverboats moved up the river as did a gas-powered scow owned by a Joe
Anderson. Steamboats were operated on the Susitna the following year.
In 1908 J. E. Spurr and topographer W. S. Post entered the
Kuskokwim Valley by canoeing up the Yentna and Skwentna Rivers. In
1910 Herschel C. Parker and Belmore Browne approached Mt. McKinley from
the Susitna and Chulitna rivers.
7
Mining developed along the Talkeetna River in 1911. Two other
events are recorded in the same year. The 11 Susitna 11
, a river steamer,
moved up the Susitna from Cook Inlet. S. R. Capps and a companion
travelled by launch up the Yentna River. In 1912 supplies were sledded
up the Susitna for the Parker-Browne expedition. Two years later in
1914, a soils survey crew left Susitna Station aboard a sternwheeler of
the Alaska Engineering Commission. On board they carried an 18 foot
rowboat which they used to descend the Susitna from a point three miles
below Indian River. The Susitna was described as being navigable for
light-draft, strong power boats as far as Indian River, 100 miles
upriver from the mouth of the Susitna. It is not clear whether the
same team or another survey crew ascended the Yentna by powerboat to a
point 15 miles above McDougall near the confluence with the Skwentna
River (BLM 1981).
During the late 1910•s and early •2o•s, Alaska Engineering
Commission forces used the Indian River for transporting supplies and
men using tunnel (canvas covered) boats to points along the Alaska
Railroad. In 1919 mushers crossed the Susitna near the mouth of the
Indian River by using a ferryboat. During the early •2o•s, English
sportsmen were led in an expedition guided by Andy Simons. They
followed the course of the Susitna, Yentna, Skwentna, and Happy rivers.
No significant use of area waters is recorded for the next few
years until 1930 when George Thompson and his brother drowned on the
Yentna when their small boat capsized. They had spent the previous
winter trapping upstream. In August of 1930, several men travelled by
motorboat upriver from the mouth of the Yentna to McDougall (BLM 1981).
In 1947 the Army Corps of Engineers reported that the Chulitna
River was navigable by small outboard motor-powered boats as far as
Honolulu Creek (BLM 1980). In 1950, a Bureau of Reclamation survey of
the upper Susitna used two aluminum boats, each weighing approximately
156 pounds, 14 feet long, with 56-inch beams and 20 inches deep with a
8
10 horsepower motor (Cole 1979). During the summer of 1955 a crew of
eight, whose job was tB chart the navigable watersheds in the Susitna
drainage area, had hopes of using a 50-foot long boat with a decked-over
bow and two large engines. Unfortunately, th~ boat was destroyed on
rocks.
3.2 Recent Past and Present Navigational Use
This section summarizes more recent and present use of rivers and
streams in the Susitna region, information for which specific dates and
names are not always available. The following is a discussion of
generally acknowledged use patterns.
(a) Susitna River
Prior to the completion of the Alaska Railroad in the 1920's, the
Susitna River served primarily as a highway of commerce into the Susitna
Valley. During the construction of the railroad, the Alaska Engineering
Commission used gas-powered boats to transport men and materials to
construction crews upriver to the area near Talkeetna. Boat traffic
declined somewhat after the Railroad was finished, but today the Susitna
is important as a means of providing access to its tributaries for
recreationists and others traveling to upstream areas. Craft using the
Susitna include rubber rafts, kayaks, canoes, shallow-draft riverboats
and other small boats. The majority of boaters are private individual
recreationists. A few charter operators transport people and supplies
to various points in the drainage. Regardless of.the purpose or intent
of the use, craft used for either commercial or recreational navigation
require similar hydrologic condition~ (such as water depth). Therefore,
the size of vessels that can navigate most portions of the Susitna River
system is the same for both purposes.
Below Devil Canyon and upstream of Talkeetna, the Susitna is
highly regarded for its wild and scenic river values, and it is used by
9
rafters and kayakers. The reach in Devil Canyon has world class
whitewater status, and is regarded as one of the most difficult for
kayaking. Standard craft are unable to navigate Devil Canyon.
Downstream of Devil Canyon to Cook Inlet there is considerable
boating use on the Susitna River mainstem. The river is used for
fishing, access and transportation to hunting areas, and access to land
areas, both adjacent to the Susitna as well as its tributaries.
Recreational and other uses are increasing. Dwight and Trihey (1981)
reported a fifty percent increase in use of certain salmon streams in
the Railbelt in the past three years.
One of the flying services contacted by TES reported that several
points on the Susitna are used extensively by boaters or as landing
sites for float planes. These include Alexander Slough near the mouth
of the Susitna, and areas on the Susitna near the mouths of Alexander
Creek, the Deshka River (Kroto Creek), Willow and Little Willow creeks,
and the Kashwitna River (Rust pers. comm.). These areas are shown on
the maps in Appendix B.
Considerable boating activity is known to take place on the
Susitna near the four boat launches at Willow Creek, Kashwitna Landing,
Sunshine (Parks Highway) Bridge, and Talkeetna. The launches provide
boat access to the Susitna River itself and, via the Susitna, to its
tributaries. TES made several site visits to the launches and spoke
with many boaters. Most indicated that they used boats to fish in the
Susitna or its tributaries during the summer and to gain access to
hunting areas in the fall. Indications are that navigational use is
increasing. The operator of the Kashwitna Landing launch, at the
confluence of the Susitna and Kashwitna Rivers, reported that in 1976
there were 500 boats launched there, and based on the trend at
mid-year, estimated that 5000 boats would launch at Kashwitna in 1981.
On one Friday during_king salmon season, 147 craft launched (Bloomfield
pers. comm.).
10
TES also conducted an overflight of the Susitna and tributary
streams to observe boating activity. The flight was conducted on
Thursday, September 17, 1981, during moose season to enable observation
of a high number of boaters. Each observation was located on a map
along with the type of craft and other pertinent information. The maps
in Appendix B and table in Appendix C summarize the data collection.
Most of the craft observed were riverboats (flat-bottomed with square
bow) with a jet-unit outboard motor. Boats with prop motors, airboats,
rubber rafts, and canoes were also observed. TES observed 22 boats and
one plane on the Susitna River mainstem below Talkeetna.
(b) Tributaries
The Chulitna River is one of the larger waterways in the Susitna
drainage, although boat traffic is infrequent on the Chulitna. It does
provide a winter route of travel between the Susitna and the Tanana
River basins. Mining developments west of the river are served by
winter trails from Talkeetna and the Alaska Railroad. Most activities
along the Chulitna are related to hunting, fishing, trapping, and
recreation.
·The Talkeetna River is currently used quite heavily by
conventional riverboats and jet boats during the summer. The river is
used by area residents for trapping, subsistence, recreation, and
mineral development purposes. The drainage areas of the Talkeetna
River and the Sheep River (in the upper Talkeetna drainage) have a
history of prospecting and mining. In addition, both have been used as
access routes by backpackers, horsemen, and riverboaters. The
Talkeetna River is navigable by outboard craft with 18 inch shafts to a
point about 15 miles north of Talkeetna (BLM 1980). There are two
commercial jetboat operators in Talkeetna. Although they will
occasionally run up the Susitna to Portage Creek, Mahay•s Riverboat
Service reports that most of its business involves transportation on
the Talkeetna and its tributaries, especially Clear (Chunilna) Creek
11
(Carrera pers. comm.). Mahay•s operates jet boats, including a 27-foot
aluminum river boat with a 454 Chevy inboard jet unit. BLM reported
that Clear Creek is heavily used during June through August by both
private riverboats and commercial guides using jet boats upstream to a
point about three miles above its confluence with the Talkeetna River
(BLM 1980). Both the Talkeetna River and Clear Creek are capable of
carrying riverboats greater than 6,000 pounds in weight.
The Yentna River drainage is heavily used for recreational
boating~ for fishing~ and access to hunting areas. The Yentna and its
principal tributaries also serve as means to interior land areas. The
Skwentna River has been used by exploratory parties as an access route
to the Kuskokwim basin. Recently Joe Delia, a commercial guide~ has
several times ascended the Skwentna to Emerald Creek in a boat carrying.
more than 1000 pounds. His boat~ an 18 foot flat-bottomed riverboat
with a jet unit~ has been marginally successful above Emerald Creek
(BLM 1980). Today the Skwentna up to Emerald Creek is used by
commercial guides and recreational floaters, army units, government
officials, miners~ hunters, and trappers. Up to Emerald Creek the
river is wide and deep enough to support boats capable of carrying
one-half ton. The upper reaches of the Skwentna are used by kayaks,
covered canoes and inflatable rafts. In the last four years the U.S.
Army Alaska National Guard has floated 20-man rubber rafts of two ton
capacity from Emerald Creek to the Village of Skwentna. The Hayes
River is capable of carrying crafts greater than 1000 pounds to the
point of its confluence with the Trimble River (BLM 1980). The
Kahiltna River, another tributary of the Yentna, is also used by
boaters.
The Kashwitna River has a history of use from the highway down to
the Susitna River. It serves as a major means of access to the
Susitna, through a privately operated boat launch near the mouth of the
Kashwitna.
12
The Deshka River (Kroto Creek) experiences heavy use by sport
fishermen during salmon runs. Some recreationists fly to nearby Neil
and Amber Lakes, then float downstream using inflatable rafts. Once
downstream the rafters are picked up at the creek•s mouth. Amber Lake
is a heavily used recreation cabin lake and a "put in" point for
rafters going down the Deshka River. Rafters also put into Moose Creek
and float to the mouth of the Deshka where they are picked up by plane
or riverboat. One commercial operation-transports recreationists to
the Deshka from Kashwitna Landing via motorized raft, then flies them
back to Anchorage after several days• fishing (Bloomfield pers. comm.).
Both riverboats and airboats use the Deshka, with Neil Lake being a
popular terminus for boaters coming upriver. However, it was reported
that riverboats with jet units can travel·five miles or more above Neil
Lake (Trent pers. comm.).
Willow Creek is a popular put-in point for airboaters who travel
down to the Susitna and then to other areas. Airboats are also
commonly used on Alexander Creek.
During TES• aerial survey of boating use on the lower Susitna on
September 17, 1981, 102 boats and eleven planes were observed on
tributaries to the Susitna. Appendices B and C indicate locations of
observations and types of crafts. Craft included canoes, rafts,
airboats, and a variety of riverboats 14 to 24 feet in length with prop
and jet units. Also observed were the remains of the Lois Ann, a
90-foot sternwheeler used to haul supplies to mining operations. It is
located on the Yantna River at approximate river mile 34, near the
mouth of Lake Creek. There is the possibility that a modern
sternwheeler could commence operations on the Yentna and Skwentna
Rivers. Construction has started on a 53-foot sternwheeler with an
18-inch draft (Anchorage Daily News, 1981). The boat would haul
passengers and freight between Anchorage and Skwentna beginning in
1983.
13
3.3 Navigability Considerations
As discussed, a variety of craft are used for navigation on the
Susitna and its tributaries. Most riverboats, by definition, are
square-nosed flat-bottomed craft with shallow drafts. Equipped with
standard outboard engines with props, they require approximately 18
inches of water to operate .. When equipped with jet units, six inches
of water is required; although once the boats are up and cruising, they
draw only two inches. Airboats have drafts of only a few inches and,
during operation, an inch or s~ is sufficient.
Semi-vee craft generally have drafts of 10 to 15 inches, while
sitting, depending on load. During operation, they run on the top two
inches of water, except for the motor. Those equipped with jet units
require an additional inch or so of water, while those equipped with
props require an additional 12 inches.
Inflatable rafts and canoes have drafts of one to one and one-half
inches with light loads. With heavy loads they will have drafts of two
to three inches. Large inflatable rafts driven by outboard motors have
greater water requirements.
According to many pilots of light aircraft, a float plane can land
on almost any reach of river or lake that is at least 1500 feet long
and has wing tip clearance, with water that is at least 18 inches
deep. As a general rule, any river reach or lake over 3000 feet long
can be used by float planes to take off. Smaller areas can be used.
with clear approach and take-off paths, depending on velocity and
turbulence of the water.
A Super Cub type aircraft with large wheels can operate on most
beaches or sandbars over 100 feet long. Most aircraft operations along
a river occur where there is a cabin or in good hunting and fishing
areas.
14
The Susitna River has been determined by BLM to be navigable as
far upstream as 7.5 miles above Gold Creek based upon (a) prior use by
a boat for any purpose and (b) suitability as a highway of commerce
since Alaska Statehood in 1959 (BLM 1981). Beyond this point no
determination of navigability has been made by BLM. BLM will make a
determination of navigability only in those areas involving
state-selected lands. The U.S. Coast Guard considers the Susitna
River between Gold Creek and the Tyone River to be non-navigable due to
shifting sand and gravel bars· and shifting channels (USCG pers. comm. ).
Navigational use is known to occur as far upstream as Portage Creek.
Boating also occurs in the upper basin above Devil Canyon, but
documentation of such navigation is not within the scope of this
report.
3.4 Anticipated Navigational Use
Available informatinn indicates that navigational use on the
Susitna and its tributaries has increased substantially in recent
years. As the state's population (and particularly the Railbelt's
population) increases, more lands will be settled and developed in the
Susitna dra·inage. TES assembled information concerning DNR land
disposals adjacent to the Susitna River and its tributaries. Existing
disposal areas are shown on the maps in Appendix B. A list of proposed
disposal areas appears in Appendix D. DNR has offered disposals,
including remote parcels, agricultural disposals, open-to-entry lands
COTE's), and subdivisions. The availability of lands will cause
increased settlement of the drainage area and result in increased
demand for access to live, hunt, and fish in these areas. The Susitna
River and its tributaries will serve as a major means for such access
until roads are eventually built, particularly during the navigation
season from early May to October. Thus, future navigational use will
increase in relation to population growth along with development and
settlement of DNR land disposal areas.
15
Additional usage can be expected during fishing and hunting
seasons. Also, hunting and fishing are increasing. As population levels
rise, participation in these activities will entail increased use of
stream reaches identified previously, both for fishing and for access to
areas with sufficient game populations. This use·will occur from May to
November during salmon spawning periods, and in September during hunting
season.
DNR Division of Parks is studying several areas in the lower
Susitna as possible sites for improving existing launches, developing
new launches, and providing new access to the Susitna River (Wiles
pers. comm.). Such studies are being undertaken in anticipation of
increased demand for boating on the Susitna. If improvements are
ultimately made~ they could further stimulate navigational use.
3.5 Winter Navigation
Winter navigation consists of use of the river ice by dogsleds and
snowmachines when conditions permit. Use involves recreation,
subsistence (e.g. trapping), and other activities in numerous locations
on the Susitna River, including near Susitna Station, Willow, Kashwitna,
Montana, and Talkeetna:
The Iditarod Trail, used annually for dogsled racing, crosses the
Susitna River at Susitna Station and goes up the Yentna River.
Residents in the Deshka River area typically make two or three trips a
month between Willow and their residences on the west side of the
Susitna (Delaney pers. comm.). Several dogsled teams are known to run
out of Kashwitna (Susitna) Landing every weekend (Fredrickson, pers.
comm.). In the Montana Creek area, there is an active dogsledding group
that sponsors races almost every weekend. Races typically are 50, 100,
200, or 300 mi 1 es 1 ong. In these races, there is cons i derab 1 e trave 1 on
the Susitna River, usually for crossing in six main areas within 10
miles of Montana Creek (Fredrickson, pers. comm.). Residents of the
16
the Trapper Creek and Petersville area cross the river to Talkeetna for
supplies. Use of snowmachines for this purpose has declined since
completion of the Parks Highway in the early 7Q•s.
17
4 -CONCLUSION
The purpose of this report was to document navigational use under
pre-project conditions. The extent of impacts on navigational use will
depend on the magnitude of reduced summer flows and stage in certain
channels and sloughs on the Susitna. While it seems likely that
navigational use on the mainstem would be most affected by construction
(reservoir filling) and operation of the hydroelectric project,
alterations to stream-bed morphology and stage at the mouths of
tributary streams could affect a significant amount of boating activity
in the tributaries where access to them is dependent upon a clear
channel from the Susitna.
DNR's investigation is designed to estimate the extent of
hydrologic alteration at key points on the Susitna. When these data are
available, it should be possible to estimate the likelihood and extent
of impacts on navigational use resulting from construction and operation
of the Susitna hydroelectric project. A preliminary assessment of
impacts, prepared by TES with input from DNR through Acres American, is
presented in the Land Use Section of the Feasibility Report (Alaska
Power Authority 1982).
18
5 -LITERATURE CITED
Anchorage Daily News. June 1, 1981. Anchorage, Alaska.
Alaska Power Authority. 1982. Susitna Hydroelectric Project:
Feasibility Report. Volume 2: Environmental Report, Sections
5-11 (Final Draft). Alaska Power Authority, Anchorage, Alaska.
BLM. 1980. Navigability Reviews -State Selections for the Anchorage,
Tyonek, Talkeetna, and Talkeetna Mountains Quadrangles. U.S.
Department of the Interior, Bureau of Land Management.
BLM. 1981. Report of Historical Data in the Sus~tna Region. U.S.
Department of the Interior, Bureau of Land Management,
Anchorage, Alaska.
Cole, T. 1979. The History of the Use of the Upper Susitna River,
Indian River to the Headwaters. Alaska Department of Natural
Resources.
Dwight, L. and E. W. Trihey.
Pertaining to Instream
Hydroelectric Project.
Buffalo, New York.
1981. A Survey of Questions and Concerns
Flow Aspects of the Proposed Susitna
Prepared for Acres American, Inc.,
Trihey, E.W. 1981. Instream Flow Study Plan for the Proposed Susitna
Hydroelectric Project. Prepared for Acres American, Inc.,
Buffalo, New York.
19
6 -CONTACTS
Federal Agencies
Bureau of Land Management
Anchorage, Alaska
Mike Brown, Historian
-Telephone conversation and meeting with Robert Anderson;
March 4, 1981.
-Telephone conversation with Walter Kalina; October 19, 1981.
U.S. Coast Guard
Anchorage, Alaska
-Telephone conversation with Walter Kalina; October 13, 1981.
State Agencies
Alaska Department of Fish and Game
Division of Sport Fisheries
Anchorage, Alaska
Thomas Trent, Susitna Aquatic Studies Coordinator
-Meeting with Robert Anderson and Robert Krogseng;
March 4, 1981.
Kevin Delaney, Fisheries Biologist
-Conversation with Robert Krogseng; January 5, 1982.
Alaska Department of Natural Resources
Division of Forest, Land and Water Management
Land Management Section
Anchorage, Alaska
Frank Mielke, Chief
-Telephone conversation with Robert Anderson; March 6, 1981.
Water Management Section
Anchorage, Alaska
Mary Lou Harle, Water Management Officer
-Telephone conversation with Robert Anderson; February 20, 1981.
Division of Parks
Anchorage, Alaska
Jack Wiles, Chief
-Telephone conversation with Robert Anderson; March 4, 1981.
-Meeting with Robert Anderson and Alan Jubenville;
September 21, 1981.
-Telephone conversation with Robert Anderson;
September 22, 1981.
20
Division of Research and Development
Anchorage, Alaska
Al Carson, Deputy Director
-Telephone conversation with Robert Anderson; March 4, 1981.
Gary Stein, Historian
-Telephone conversation with Robert Anderson; December 12, 1981.
Alaska Department of Natural Resources
Southcentral District
Anchorage, Alaska
Romaine Clark, Land Disposal Officer
-Meeting with Robert Anderson; March 6, 1981.
Other Organizations and Individuals
Kashwitna Landing Boat Launch
Kashwitna Landing, Alaska
Ray Bloomfield, Operator
-Conversation with Vincent Lucid; June 25, 1981.
-Conversation with Robert Anderson; July 13, 1981.
Mahay's Riverboat Service
Talkeetna, Alaska
Wi 11 i am Carrera
-Conversation with Robert Anderson; August 15, 1981.
Steve Mahay, Operator
.,. Conversation with Vincent Lucid and Dana Schmidt; July 1, 1981.
Montana Creek Lodge
Montana, Alaska
·vivian Fredrickson, Owner
-Conversation with Robert Krogseng; January 15, 1982.
Rust's Flying Service
Anchorage, Alaska
Hank Rust, President
-Conversation with Robert Anderson; August 19, 1981.
Boater
Talkeetna River, Alaska
-Conversation with Robert Anderson; August 15, 1981.
Boater
Willow Creek, Alaska
-Conversation with Robert Anderson; August 15, 1981.
21
APPENDICES
(ii)
APPENDIX A: HISTORICAL NAVIGATIONAL USE (PAGE 1 OF 7)
YEAR LOCATION
OR TIME OF REPORTED TYPE ADDITIONAL
PERIOD WHO NAVIGATIONAL USE CRAFT PURPOSE INFORMATION
1834 Vas i1 i Ma 1 akoff Susitna River mainstem Exploration Had to drag his
boat upriver
1894 J.M. Johnston, Sus itna River Sleds Exploration
Edward Andrews
1895 One hundred (approx.) Susitna River mainstem Prospecting
prospectors Chu 1 itna fork
1896 Wi 11 i am Dickey, Susitna River mainstem, Open sea dory; Mining, prospecting
Allen Monks Talkeetna Station, Two boats: 25 1 ,
Chulitna River, 18 11 wide, flared
Susitna River to to 40 11
Portage Creek
1896 Capt. Andrews Susjtna River to Large dory; then Prospecting
with party Susitna Station used dog sleds
when they found
ice
1897 Approx. 1000 men Susitna River mainstem Prospecting
1897 Nine men Susitna headwaters Large dory of Prospecting
whipsawed lumber
in summer, -sleds
in winter
a. Sources: BLM (1980, 1981), Cole (1979), Dwight and Trihey (1981).
APPENDIX A -PAGE 2 OF 7
YEAR LOCATION
OR TIME. OF REPORTED TYPE ADDITIONAL
PERIOD WHO NAVIGATIONAL USE CRAFT PURPOSE INFORMATION
1897 Mining party Yentna River Mining
1898 W.G. Jack, guide, Sus itna River to Towed small Surveying Jack thought
and USGS survey mouth of Indian boats up-river could be
party River stream navigated to
mouth of
Indian River
by a steamer
drawing no
more than two
feet of water
1898 G.H. Eldridge, Susitna River to Exploration
Robert Muldrow mouth of Indian River and surveying
1898 Six USGS Susitna River, some Canoes Surveying
surveyors tributaries, Yentna
and Skwentna Rivers
1898 USGS Party Susitna, then to Surveying
Tanana River
1898 Sgt. Yanert, U.S. Chulitna to near mouth Exploration
Army, and two of Indian Creek, then
others over Broad Pass tn the
Nenana River
YEAR
OR TIME
PERIOD
1898
Fall of
1899
Fall of
1899
1899
1902
1902
1902
WHO
O.G. Herning and
crew
Copper River Joe
Alaska Commercial
Company
Herron Expedition
(Lt. Herron,
U.S. Army)
Prospectors
Survey parties
Wilfred Osgood
and party
APPENDIX A -PAGE 3 OF 7
LOCATION
OF REPORTED
NAVIGATIONAL USE
Susitna River to Willow
Creek
Susitna River
Susitna River to
Sus itna Station
Head of Yentna River
to mouth of Tanana
Various streams
Chulitna River
Reached Bristol Bay via
Chulitna, Mulkatna and
Nushagak Rivers
TYPE
CRAFT
Ocean steamer
11 Excelsior 11
Sloop
PURPOSE
Mining
Picked up
equipment from
surveying party
Exploration
Prospecting
Exploration and
survey for proposed
rail line
Ornithological trip
ADDITIONAL
INFORMATION
Poled their
way
Traveled total
of lOOOmiles
Used frozen
rivers in win-
ter, floated
boats in spring
YEAR
OR TIME
PERIOD
1903
1903 .
1903
1903
early
1900's
1904
APPENDIX A -PAGE 4 OF 7
LOCATION
OF REPORTED
WHO NAVIGATIONAL USE
Five men Klutina and St. Ann Rivers,
Tyone Creek to upper
Susitna
Robert Dunn Western tributaries of
Susitna to Mt. ·McKinley,
then rafted down Chulitna
Dunn and Reached Kichatna River
companion by boat
Dr. Frederick Ascended Susitna and Yentna
Cook's expedition Rivers to Mt. McKinley,
descended west fork of
Chulitna River
Two Englishwomen Kayaks used to rendezvous
and two male. with sailing schooner
companions anchored at Cook Inlet
Alexander MacDonald At Osborne Creek near
Deshka River (Kroto Creek)
TYPE
CRAFT
Used small,
wooden two-man
rafts
ADDITIONAL
PURPOSE INFORMATION
Prospecting
Expedition to Rafted down
climb Mt. McKinley Chulitna using
pike poles
Expedition to
climb Mt. McKinley
. Expedition to Used pack train
climb Mt. McKinley & boats on
Susitna & Yentna
Rivers
Hunting tr·ip Up the Kuskokwim
River to the
divide between
it and Sus itna
Prospecting
APPENDIX A -PAGE 5 OF 7
YEAR LOCATION
OR TIME OF REPORTED TYPE ADDITIONAL
PERIOD WHO NAVIGATIONAL USE CRAFT PURPOSE INFORMATION
1905 Mr. Coffee and Susitna Prospecting
Mr. Miller
1906 Dr. Frederick Cook Rivers in area of Second attempt Explored rivers
Mt. McKinley to climb Mt, in the region
McKinley
1907 Woolsey Susitna mainstem Two riverboats
1907 Joe Anderson Susitna Gas-powered scow
1908 J. E. Spurr Canoed up Yentna and Canoes Exploration w.s. Post Skwentna Rivers to
Kuskokwim Valley
1910 Fred Moffit Supplied via west fork of Geologic Geologist work-
Gulkana River, the Maclaren exploration ing at Valdez
and Susitna Creek
1910 Herschel C. Parker Sus itna and Chu 1 itna Effort to reach
Belmore Browne Rivers Mt. McKinley
1911 Up Susitna and Yentna 11 Susitna 11
-
from Cook Inlet to a river steamer
Susitna Station and
Lake Creek
APPENDIX A -PAGE 6 OF 7
YEAR LOCATION
OR TIME OF REPORTED TYPE ADDITIONAL
PERIOD · WHO NAVIGATIONAL USE CRAFT PURPOSE INFORMATION
1911 S.R. Capps and Yentna River Launch Mining
companion
1912 Parker-Browne Sus itna Exploration Supplies sled-
expedition ded upriver
1914 Soil survey crew Sus itna from Susitna Sternwheeler Geologic Same crew used
Station exploration 18-foot rowboat
to descend
Susitna from 3
miles below
Indian River
1914 Survey crew Ascended Yentna to con-Powerboat Surveying
fluence with Skwentna
River
Late Alaska Indian River Tunne 1 boats Transporting men
1910 1 s Engineering and supplies along
Early Commission Alaska Railroad
1920 1 s
1919 Mus hers Crossed Sus itna near Ferryboat
mouth of Indian River
APPENDIX A -PAGE 7 OF 7
YEAR LOCATION
OR TIME OF REPORTED TYPE ADDITIONAL
PERIOD WHO NAVIGATIONAL USE CRAFT PURPOSE INFORMATION
Early English sportsmen Sus i tna, Yentna, Skwentna Hunting Expedition
1920's and Happy Rivers guided by Andy
Simon
1930 George Thompson and Yentna Sma 11 boat Trapping upstream
his brother
August Mr. Beach and Mouth of Yentna to Motorboats
1930 several others McDouga 11
1944 Cady and Hoare Oskawalik River USGS survey team
1950 Bureau of Upper Susitna Two aluminum Surveying
Reclamation boats, each 156
survey party pounds, 14 ft.
long, 56-inch
beams, 20 inches
deep, 10 horse-
power motor
Summer Crew of eight Susitna drainage 50 ft. 1 ong boat Charting navigable Boat was
1955 area with decked-over watersheds destroyed on
bow, two large rocks
engines
APPENDIX B: MAPS OF NAVIGATIONAL USE AND DNR DISPOSAL AREAS
0
INDEX MAP
PREPARED BYTES/ACRES
LEGEND
• Crall observed Sept. 17, 1981 during TES
aerial survey * Planes observed Sept. 17, 1981
Areas with concentrations of navigational use
DNR Disposal; parcels identified by name
NAVIGATIONAL USE AND LAND DISPOSAL AREAS · MAP 1
• Craft observed Sept. 17 , 1981 during TES
aerial survey * Planes observed Sept.17, 1981
• Wreckage of 9D-foot steamer "Lois Ann "
~ Areas wi th concentrations of navigational use
D DNR Disposal; parcels Identified by name
NAVIGATIONAL USE AND LAND DISPOSAL AREAS -MAP 2
LEGEND
Craft observed Sept. 17, 1981
• aerial survey * Planes observed Sept. 17 , 1981
~ Areas wllh concentrations of navigational use
D DNR Disposal; parcels identified by name.
NAVIGATIONAL USE AND LAND DISPOSAL AREAS · MAP 3
./;.
·~
(· ''c
RH
ONR Disposal; parcels identified by name
. 20 N
NAVIGATIONAL USE AND LAND DISPOSAL AREAS -MAP 4
LEGEND
D DNR Disposal; parcels Identified by name
24
NAVIGATIONAL USE AND LAND DISPOSAL AREAS -MAP 5
NAVIGATIONAL USE AND LAND DISPOSAL AREAS -MAP 6
(a)
APPENDIX C: TES AERIAL SURVEY OF NAVIGATIONAL USE (PAGE 1 OF 6)
LOCATION
QUADRANGLE TOWNSHIP, RANGE SECTION MILE WATER BODY CRAFT, PROPULSION ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
Tyonek C-2 T -17N, R-7W 14 24 Sus itna River 20 1 semi -vee, jet OB
12 1 Yentna River 18 1 riverboat, jet
(Susitna confluence)
1 2 Yentna River 18 1 riverboat, unk.
2 3 Yentna River 20 1 riverboat, unk.
T -18N, R-7W 34 5 Yentna River 20 1 riverboat, jet; Cabin on shore
carrying 14' alum.
semi-vee
20 6 Yentna River 20 1 river boat
20 7 Yentna River 20 1 riverboat, jet;
carrying 15' alum.
T-18N, R-8W 1 11 Yentna River 20 1 riverboat, jet
with 115 hp OB
T-19N, R-8W 36 12.5 Yentna River 18 1 river raft
24 14 Yentna River 20 1 riverboat, twin Tent camp on shore
OB jets
a. Survey conducted from mouth of Susitna River at Cook Inlet to Talkeetna and to upper reaches of tributaries,
including the Yentna, Deshka, Skwentna, Kashwitna, Kahiltna and Talachulitna rivers; on September 17, 1981, a
weekday during hunting season for moose.
APPENDIX C -PAGE 2 OF 6
LOCATION
QUADRANGLE TOWNSHIP, RANGE SECTION MILE WATER BODY CRAFT, PROPULSION ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
23 18 Yentna River 65 hp. 08; square-
end canoe
Tyonek D-2 T-19N, R-8W 3 21 Yentna River Canoe, paddling
T -20N, R-8W 27 23 Yentna River Vacant camp
28 24 Yentna River 18 1 riverboat jet
21 25 Yentna River 14 1 rubber raft, OB Tent camp on shore
16 26 Yentna River Amphibian
T-21N, R-8W 34 2.5 Kahiltna River Two 16 1 riverboats Cabin on shore
27-26 3.5 Kahiltna River Plane; two river-Cabin on shore
boats; 18 1 with
75 hp jet
Saw nothing upstream of
this point on Kahiltna
Tyonek D-3 T -21N, R-8W 5 29.5 Yentna/Kahiltna Camp
confluence
T-20 & 21N, R-9W 26.5 Twenty mile Observed no craft in
s 1 ough ( Yentna s 1 ough
River)
T-21N, R-9W 23 33 Yentna River Hamlet of McDougall-5
buildings. Lake Creek
Lodge
APPENDIX C -PAGE 3 OF 6
LOCATION
QUADRANGLE TOWNSHIP, RANGE SECTION MILE WATER BODY CRAFT, PROPULSION ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
Tyonek D-3 T-21N, R-9W 23 33 Yentna River Observed truck on south-
west side of Yentna
T -21N, R-9W 15 33.5 Yentna River 15 boats and At McDougall, near con-
two p 1 anes fluen~e with Lake Creek
T-21N, R-9W 22 34 Yentna River Inflatable raft, Remains of 90' steamer
near confluence 18 1 riverboat along shore; this was used
with Lake to haul supplies to mining
Creek operations
8 39 Yentna River Two 18' river-Two cabins on shore
boats, 14' skiff
T-22N, R-10W 35 43 Yentna River 18' riverboat, plane
Talkeetna A-3 T-23N, R-llW 32 52 Yentna River 18' riverboat, OB
jet, 18' riverboat
100 hp OB jet
T-23N, R-12W 22 58 Yentna River Two 18' river-
boats, jets
15 59 Yentna River Cabin on unnamed trib.
16 61 Yentna River Plane Plane landed on sand bar;
tent camp
Talkeetna A-4 T-24N, R-12W 20 67 Yentna River Two 18' riverboats Year-round camp on shore
tributary
LOCATION
QUADRANGLE TOWNSHIP, RANGE SECTION
Talkeetna A-4
Talkeetna B-4
Tyonek D-5
Tyonek D-4
Tyonek C-2
Tyonek C-1
T -25N, R-13W
T-25N, R-13W
T-27N, R-14W
T -21N, R-12W
T -22N, R-10 &
llW
28
17
29
30
1,30
T-20N, R-12W 1,2,12
T-22N, R-10W
T-17N, R-6W
T-18N, R-6W
T-18N, R-6W
T-19N, R-6W
T-19N, R-6W
20
8
29
21
35
35
MILE
86
88
102
30
2
2
26
29
30
36
APPENDIX C -PAGE 4 OF 6
WATER BODY
Yentna River
Yentna River
CRAFT, PROPULSION
16' riverboat,
OB jet
Plane; 24' river-
boat
Yentna East Fork Plane; 16' river-
boat, jet
Skwentna River
Ta 1 achu 1 itna -
Skwentna conf.
15' riverboat
Ten riverboats,
props and jets,
2 planes
Plane; riverboat
with OB jet
Yentna-Skwentna Five riverboats 18-
.confluence 20', OB & IB jets
Sus itna River
above Yentna
confluence
Susitna River
Susitna River
Sus itna-Deshka
(Kroto Cr.)
confluence
Deshka mouth
20' riverboat,
jet
14' inflatable raft
Three 18-20' river-
boats, jet
Three riverboats
near mouth
Two riverboats at
.mouth
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
Camp on shore
Camp on shore.
Observed no craft farther
upstream
Cabin on shore
Skwentna settlement
Tent camp and several
cabins on shore
Tent camp on shore
Cabins on shore
APPENDIX C -PAGE 5 OF 6
LOCATION
QUADRANGLE TOWNSHIP, RANGE SECTION MILE WATER BODY CRAFT, PROPULSION ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
Tyonek C-1 T-19N, R-6W 23 3 Deshka River Four riverboats, Two cabins on shore
airboat, canoe
T-19N, R-6W 15 4 Deshka River Cabin and foundation on
shore
T-19N, R-6W 11 4.5 Deshka River Six riverboats, Lodge, plane on shore
14-24 1
Tyonek D-2 T-21N, R-6W 16,33,23 15 Deshka River Three riverboats, Three cabins on shore
two jet boats
Tyonek D-1 T -20N, R-5W 33,34 40.5 Willow Creek -Three riverboats,
Susitna con-four airboats
fluence
T -21N, R-5W 13,24 48 Sus itna River Three riverboats
T-21N, R-4W 7 49 Kashwitna Six riverboats Ten empty boat trailers
River on shore at Kashwitna
Landing
Talkeetna A-1 T -24N, R-5W 23 Susitna River Three riverboats At ADF&G fishwheel
Tyonek C-2 T -17N, R-8W 19 11 Alexander Creek Two airboats
T-17N, R-8W 30 10 Alexander Creek Airboat
T-17N, R-8W 31 9 Alexander Creek Airboat
LOCATION
QUADRANGLE TOWNSHIP~ RANGE SECTION MILE
Tyonek B-2 T-16N~ R-7W 30 4
T-15N, R-7W 6
APPENDIX C -PAGE 6 OF 6
WATER BODY CRAFT, PROPULSION
Alexander Creek Two airboats
Alexander Creek, Two airboats,
Susitna conf. plane, canoe
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
Cabins on shore
APPENDIX D: PROPOSED FUTURE DISPOSAL AREAS(a)
Possible Names of Future Disposals
Sunday Lakes Remote
Delta Islands
Northwind Lake
Red Creek
Schneider Lake Remote
Safari Lake
Moose Creek
High Mountain Rainbow
Bald Mountain (addition)
Indian River Subdivision (addition)
Location
T18N, R13W SM(b)
Tl9N, R5&6W SM
T22N, R14W SM
T23N, R13W SM
T24N, R8W SM
T27N, R7W SM
T25&26N, R6W SM
T26N, R1E SM
T25N, R3W SM
T33N, R2W SM
Three areas north of Indian River Subdivision are possible future state land sale
sites before 1984. All three are located west of, but adjacent to, the Parks
Highway. They exist at:
T21&22S,R11W FM(c)
T20S,R10W FM
T19S,R9&10W FM
a. Possible disposal areas beyond the Spring 1982 offerings.
b. Seward Meridian
c. Fairbanks Meridian