The URL can be used to link to this page

Home My WebLink AboutAPA4109(-' SU',1'1ARY OF REPORTS ANn sruo I ES [1,M:KGRCllJNf):F I SII /\'Nf)WI LOll FE STIJO I ES REL/\.TFJ)TO SI IS I TN/\.RI vm IIYOROPOWm p!?nJF.CT :;\~--'~~"~}•.{'ot.;..~...... ARLIS Alaska Resources Library &Infonnation ServIces Anchorage,Alaska 221 .-'~-->.,,..,-'---""'-"-,_~:p\•....~:-~.;....~~...... ~eninninq in the 1950's,the U.S.Fish ~nd Wildlife Servir.e has conducte~ orel IMinary Investiq~tions of the fish and wilrll ife SOCCiAS in the Susitn~hasin reqlon and its tribut~rie~.The reconnaisr,ance studies were In response to the potenti~'for hvdronower deve.lonmen-t In the uDoer basin./\.dditlon~I studies have been conductp.d bv the Alaska Department of Fish and Game to collect baseline aquatic,bloloqical and water qual Ity/quantltx data':Ln the':D.~wi I 's Canyon/Watana nroject area. The followlnq paragraphs summrlze the prel iminary U.S.Fish and Wildlife Service reports of tha Upper Susltna,Aasin......~_,.•+.-..';:;.q «-J':~,':- This report includes streaM surveys of tributaries downstream from Devi I Canyon,and of Jay Creek located up5tream.Information is very general for r~ld Crep.k,Indian River,Jack Long Creek.Portaqe Creek and Devil Canyon.The objective of this study was to determine the extent anadromous species util ize the watershp.d and thp.magnitude and distrIbutIon of resident fIsh populations.Work durinq the 1956 field season was devoted to test nettinq. I.U.S.Fish and_Wildl.ife_S~rvlce,A Preliminary Statement of Fish and AJ,t: !!.LLdl ife Resources of the Susitna Basin in Relation to Water Develooment f.,/~t/ Projects;1952., (i)U.S.Fish'c!'nd'Wiid,:,'fe Se't-vIce,A P;:'oqress Report on the \~i1dllfe Resources of the Sus I tna Bas In;~'1954. This reoort is a genesis f~r f~t~re'evaJu~tion,and includes averaqe harvest and monetary value of species by calculating the game harvest of the Susitna Basin as a percentaqe of the total Alaska game harvest. 3.U.S.'Fish and Wildlife Service A Proqress Report on t~~_)f./dl Resources of the Susitna River Basin;1954.,'-'sfc]) In 1956,the Bureau of Reclamation resumed detailed feasibil ity studies of the Devil Canyon,Denali and Vee Canyon dam sites.In order to keeo pace with their investigations,the Fish and Wildlife Service beQan detailed studies of oroject affects.The result -- three more proqress reports,1956,'57 and '58 field investiQations.-.c:1)U.S.Fish and Wildlife Service,Progress Report,1956 Field Investigations" Dev!I Canyon Damsite,Susitna ~iver nasin:IQ57. 00 en LD ("),....,.... ooo LD LD ~.... ("):~ (,. '- D AI T "\ ) ~,,,,,,,...~. 222 ~:;.j . The n~l'lort includes information on tranolnq pressure,«'lame h~rvest·,~- streaM ~urv~ys.fi~h col IF'lctions on the lower sections of most stf~ anrl aerl,,1 Insoectlons to count Qarne..'.~.:-, Thi<;rOl'lort inclIJdn5 investirl''ltion of the strei'llTls IJnc;trcilM of th0.nronoS0.d nevil C;,nyon darnsite.frolTl Deac1rniln Crenk to J?lY Creek.Gill nets were set to survey the srecins i'lnd loc.~tion of the anadroMOu5 and resident fish norul~tions. Q)U.S.Fish and Wi Idll fe ServiCf~,1958 Field InvF'lstiC)ations,Dena I i ~nd Vee Can yon n~msl tes and Reservo I r ~~~2..L.5us i tM ni ver R~s in: June 195Q. In 1960 and 1965 the Fish and Wildlife Service preoared detai led under the authority of the Fish and Wi Idl Ife r~rdinatlon Act (4R Stat.401,as afllended;16 U.S.C.661 et setl.).These reports annotated in detail in the Wildlife Section of this Riblio~r"phy. are as follows: ClJ U.S.Fish and Wildlife Service,A Detailed Re ort on Fish and !3.e,sources Affected oy the Devil C~on oro ject;f1ay 1960 ~[J.S.Fish and Wildl ife Service,A Detailed Report on Fish and ~esources Affected by the Vee Project;February 1965. ~ i I II,. . I !III !I t ( .......-I I"-I I i I i I ~_...~.:1_.'.,...._ UNITED STATES DEPARTNENT OF THE llITERIOR Fish and~Iildlife Service Office of the Regional Director Juneau,Alaska ",/ A Preliminary Report on Fish and Wildlife Resources in Relation to the Susitna Basin Plan,Alaska" Location Sponsor Sponsor's Status of Project Source of Engineering Data Field L1vestigation Report Prepared Third Judicial Division,Alaska Bureau of Reclamation,Alaska District Office,Juneau Basin Survey Report BuI'eau of Reclamation February -D~y,1952 ume,1952 TABLE OF CONTENTS Page Pl:t];Fl.ACE e o,.-••••••••••••••••••"•e •••••••••••••••••• DESCRIPTION OF PROPOSED PROJECT .•••••...•••••••••••••••••••••.•1 Commercial features 41>••••••••"••••'"0)•••••••••••••••••• DESCRIF~ION OF THE SUSITNA BASIN •..•••.•••••••••..••••••••••••• Climate ••••••••••••l1'l 4>••••••••••••*1 ft "••••••••It •••••••• Hyd.rology-•••"••••••$oJ •••••••••••••••••• Geology ••••• Vegetation •• ...."". •II •••" •{'l ••"•••• ••••eGo •••••••"•••••••••• •.....G ••••••"••••"•••••• 8 10 11 11 12 13 FISFfE:,RIES.•• •• •• •••"•••••••••~41 •••••••••••••$••••••••••••••••••13 Present Fishery ••••~•••••••••••••Q...................13 Comnercial fishery ••••••••••~................14 Sports fishery...............................16 Future Fishery After Project Completion ••.••••••••••• Devil Carlyon Dam . Tyone DaJl1 ••{)••••••••"••••~••••••••••••••••••• De11ali Dam.'!1l &••••""••••••••• Talkeetna River Proposals •••••••••••••••••••• Skwentna River Proposals ••••••••••••••••••••• Chulitna River Proposals ••••••••••••••••••••• Susitna Station Dam t,•••••••••••••••• Dis cussion 4~•••••••••••••••• VlfILDLIJ.?E •••••••••••••••••••••$tl •••••••••••••••• 17 17 18 20 20 20 21 21 22 24 Present Wildlife Conditions . Caribou •••••••••••••••••0 •••0 •••••••••••••••• Moose iliI ••••••••••0 •••It •••••••••••••••• Other big game species ••••••"•••••••••••••••• Upland game ,.•••••• Waterfowl flo . Fur animals ••••••••.. 24 24 24 25 25 26 26 Future Wildlife Conditions after Project Completion •• RECOIVllJiEI\t~ATIONs '." ". 27 31 PHEFACE l.The Fish and viildlife Service is authorized under Public Law 732,79th Congress (the amended Coordination Act)to investigate all Federal water-development Projects to determine their effect on fish and wildlife.The law requires that recommendations based on these investigations shall be made an integral part of any report sub- mitted by any agency of the.Federal Government responsible for engine- ering surveys and construction of such projects..The Fish and Wildlife Service directs its investigations of water developments toward three goals:(1)prevention of loss or damage;(2)mitigation of losses; and (3)enhancement of values. In Alaska specific authority is also conveyed by the Wbite Act,approved June 6,1924,which provides in part as follows: US ec •3.That it shall be unlawful to erect or maintain any dam in any of the waters of Alaska at ~1Y point where the distance from shore to shore is less than one thousand feet with the purpose or result of capturing salmon or preventing or impeding their ascent to the spa~~ing grounds .11 2.Long-standing recognition that the primary use for salmon streams is for maintenance of the fishery--Alaska1s number one basic industry--makes it L~perative to examine closely any pro- posed conflicting uses.Outside of Alaska there are streams where uses such as navigation,power production or irrigation have long been recognized as priority uses.In Alaska the reverse is true and development affecting the fishery have a direct significance in the basic economy of the territory. 3.This is a prelim.inary report based on the Bureau of Reclamation t s basin-tj'Pe report titled IlSu sitna River Basin,11 dated June 30,1952.This report considers primarily the Devil Canyon DaJr},;...,the one most likely to be constructed in the near futtU'e. Secondarily,comments are included relating to the other dams proposed-- those included in the long-range plan but not proposed for innnediate construction. 4.The Fish and Wildlife Service should be ad"\rised of any alterations in the proposed plans so that the effects on fish and wildlife resources may be considered. 5.Studies of a preliminary nature have been conducted on the present fish and wildlife resources of the Susitna River Basin.Because of the limited available information on the present fish and wildlife resources,an additional period of study should precede the initiation of any development in order that a complete analysis of the project's effects may be made and necessary measures devised to prevent loss or damage to fish and wildlife resources. 6.The investigation reported could not have been per- formed ~nthout the generous assistance of many interested persons and agencies. ii DESCRIPTION OF THE PROPOSED PROJECT L The Bureau of Reclamation has under study a plan extending full hydroelectric development to the entire Susitna.River Basin.This plan would impose a series of 19 potential damsitea of which oi~he bydro- electric project on the upper Sus~~na River is under consideration for the immediate future.These dams are listed in Table I. 2.'·The power damsite,lrnown as Devil Cany-on,is approximately 3 miles above the confluence of Portage Creelt at river mile 134.The in- fo:rmation supplied by the Bureau of Reclamation indicates that the dam will be a concrete arch-gravity structure with an approximate height 0f crest above stream bed of .500 feet.It will have side channel spillway equipped with six 36'x50 1 radial gates,with a.n approximate initial power plant capacity of 232,000 lew. 3.The approximate stream gradient at the proposed damsite is 19 feet per mile.Drainage area above the proposed damsite is .5,830 sq. miles.Engineering data on the Devil Canyon reservoir can best be illustrated in the following mtmner. Capacity (100 AC.-F.*) Acra (Acres) Depth at Dam (Ft) Length (Miles) Average width (Ft) Max. 2,510 15,200 492 26 4,800 Min.Avg. 616 2,020 6,400 13,400 291 455 14 24 3,800 4,600 *These amounts include reduction in capacity to allow for estimated sediment deposition over a 100 year period,assumi.ng no upstream reservoirs on the main stem. Note:The above data are based on initial development of only De.vil Canyon Reservoir and Power Plant. 1 Rev.5-23-52 TABlE I BASIC DATA ON SUSITNA RIVER BASIN FOR USE BY THE FISH MID VVlLDLlFE SERVICE River Approx.Drainage Approx. Approx. Miles Above Stream Area Above Res.Area Res.Length Site Stream Mouth of Gradient Site At Max.At ,}'1ax. Susitna At Site Wat.Surf.Wat.Surf. River (ft/mi)(so.mi.)(acres)(miles) Denali Susitna R.242 8 1,2hO 84,000 ~,.,5£ Vee 11 II 200 14 4,180 23,000 31 Watana II II 165 10 5,210 15,400 32 Devil Canyon II Il 134 19 5,830 15,200 26 Olson 11 II 131 10 6,020 210 3 Susitna Station II II 22 2 19,300 106,000 16 Tyone Tyone R.244 2 440 30,000 24 Partin Chulitna R.134 23 960 1,040 5 Lucy II II 127 18 1,030 2,500 7 Tokichitna tI 11 97 9 2,560 45,000 13 Trapper Talkeetna R.123 34 720 3,600 8 Greenstone 11 11 117 58 800 1,000 6 Granite Gorge 11 11 112 43 830 650 5 Keetna 11 n 101 18 1,2/+0 4,700 11 Bearpaw II II 95 12 1,720 4,400 6 Sheep River Sheep R.108 14 390 4,600 15 Skwentna No.1 Skwentna R.117 25 590 2,200 8 Skwentna No.2 tJ II 106 25 1,070 L+,900 10 Tala chulitna II n 77 10 2,240 22,000 13 4.The Tyone River reservoir damsite is located a short distance downstream from the outlet of Tyone Lake,at river mile 244.Detailed engineering data are not yet available;however,preliminary information supplied by Reclamation indicates that in the Tyone damsite area the stream gradient is approximately 2 feet per mile.The drainage area above the damsite comprises 440 square miles having an approximate reservoir area at maximum water surface of 30,000 acres.The approximate length of the reservoir at maximum water surface is 24 miles. 5.The Denali reservoir will have a drainage area of 1,240 sq.miles. It will have an approximate reservoir area at maximum ~~ter surface of 84,000 acres with an approxL~ate length at maximum water surface of 32 miles.The stream gradient at damsite is 8 feet per mile. 6.Three additional siteg are proposed on the main stem of the upper Susitna River above the Devil Canyon site and will undoubtedly be considered for future development when the demand for more power arises. 7.In the long-range plan of extending full hydroelectric develop- ment to the entire Susitna River Basin,the Bureau of Reclamation proposes six dams in the Talkeetna.watershed;3 on the Skvientna River; 4 on the Chutetna River and one on the main stem of the Susitna River, 22 miles upstream from its mouth. S.Engineering characteristics of the proposed dams and reservoir are shown in Table II. 3 -(Abl £ BAst DATA ON SUSITNA RIVER BASIN -:1.... 1~FOR USE BY TID!~FISH AND 1tJIlDLIFE SERVICE (SHEET 1) Based on ultimate development of all reservoirs and power plants (TaWi~~~im:tlar:ee~-.~~~-Iil.,~\ftJ5~:~' <·«iia.~iltFli"F.Q~) -_......~_10_TABLE NO.II.----Site _."';.,_-;.~•..:-..~..."'-_-_................ tocation(river miles above ::•:::·•• mouth of Susi"tina):242 :200 :165 •134-.131 :22 ·2M...•• :•·::··•• Stream :Susitna :Susitna.:Susitna.:Susitna :Susitna:Susitna :Tyone •:::::• Purpose :storage :•;:::Stora.ge• For Power :Power :Power ;Power :Power •Power :For Power• ••·•:··••••·.. -Elevations above m4ls ..11ll ·:··i ··=••·•• ~Full pool :2560 :2275 :1835 :1Ji17 :920 :140 :2388 l-fin.pool ·2.360 :2090 :1670 :ll95 :920 ·95 :2358••Stream surface ·2360 :1860 :1470 •925 :870 :40 :2358•·..:··:·..·•••·Reservoir ·-2/:·:::·••·Full pool capacity (l0008..f.):5·700 :2820 :2240 :2930 •5 •3450 :800·•Full pool aNa (aores)t 84000 :23000 :1.5200 :15200 :210 ~If)6000 :30000 M:Ln ..pool capacity (lOOOa.f",):0 :480 :530 :640 :5 :72JJ :0 Min.pool area.(acrea): 0 :6000 :6300 .~5700 •210 •28000 :500•·::::·••·Design ·•:·•••••Dam type ·Earth :'U :ConcretetConarete :Concrete·~Earth :Earth• Spillway tJT:P8 ~f'f-abannel,l :Overflow,:Ovel"flow",:Off'pahannel;Overflow:·gat-ed :ga."ted :gated :gated :gated •_11 •11•·•:::••Power plant location ·None :At dam tAt dam :At dam :At dam :At dam :None·:•:•:·•Min •flow below da..m (c.i.a.1 ·0 .y :y :3500 tV ty ••••0 ('d--n)rd-&.];f: TABLE NO.II CONT. BP.(;DATA ON SUSrl'NA RIVEH BASIN FOR USE BY THE FISH AND WILDLIF'E SERVICE (SHEE'r2) Based on ultimate development of all reservoirs a.nd p0'\l'ier }Ud,Uv!:l ~l,m""l.tt"¥ri ·A'~-..'~,em~~~~~~l'm'gtt~ Ri'~r-..1.?ft ~,-l ".()"'A~"~\~~~~~ Site :Partin ::Tokichitna.:Trapper :Greenstone::Keetna Location (river miles above mouth of Susitna) _. : : ::::Gorge:_ it W '"'"•II ~.. . .. .. :134 :127 :97 :123 :117 :112 : \.it Stream Purpose m",s",l", FuJU pool ])!Jin..pool Stream surface :Chulitna:Chulitna:Chulitna ..I ",.·Talkeetna Talkeetna ·Talkeetna·'falkeetna"~.....·. ..· ·····Power •Power :Power ;Power ·Power ·Power •Power··:•········1205 :1105 ·625 ·1610 ·1410 ·1210 ·940·····1160 :1020 ·560 ·1520 ·1320 ·1090 ·790··· · ·1105 :915 ·485 ·1l~10 :1210 :9!·~O :605·· Reservoir Full pool capac.1:ty (1000 a.1'..) Full pool area (acres) Min ..pool capacity (1000 a ..f.) ¥un ..pool area (acres) Design Dam type Spilhro.y Power plant loa@tion ))11n.flow below dam.(c •.f ..SOl) &-4 -~;7--"'""Jit:'~ \.c~.q ( ft JIC DATA ON SUSITNA RIVErt BASIN FOR USE BY THE FISH A.TlJD WILDLIFE SERVICE (SHEET 3) Based on u1 timat~e development.of all reservoirs and power plants (Tabulation simila.r to that shown in F~'lS Report on Rogue River Basin,Oregon) TABL:fj NO.II CONT,._ Site Bearpa;\>'J :Sheep :Skwentna:Skwentna:Talachulitna IUver :No ..1 :No ..2 0-- Location (river miles above mouth of iusitna) Stream Purpose Elevations above mal l?ull pool Min..pool Streaun surface Reservoir ~-~1 ~~~~~';t~~{"\~VV.&.~~~l.Ja,-,,~-3 \4l;J,.*'} Full pool area (acres) ¥un ..pool capacity (lOOOa"f ..) Min ..pool area (acres) Design Dam type Spillway tyPe POI"ier plant location }YUn.flo,,!below dam (C.f.8 ..) 95 .10$:117 :106 ;;77.··:Talkeetna:Sheep :Skwentna:Skwentna ~Shront-ne. Power :Power :Power :Power ':Power,,:·••·········605 ·1040 ·1000 ·810 ·390··•·560 ·880 ·920 ·685 •~3LI-5·•·•500 ·690 ·825 ·535 ·290···•·:·· ··•~no ·605 1 I,c,;l~'L .860 Y·oL-r:.y'·•...~...,..........;;:.,"""~../. 41+00 ·l~600 ·2200 :1+900 ·22000···60 ·90 ·35 Y 210 ?J:-2hO Y•• 2200 ·1650 ·1000 :2600 ·11000•·•·::•······Earth :Concret~Concret~Cone retI:l!JJ ·1/·11 ·11 ·JJ•···········At dam :At dam :At dam :At dam :At d~n :·· ····_11 ·11 ·11 ·1/·11···· TABLE NO.II CONT. BASIC DATA ON SUSIT1\fA RIVER BASIN FOR USE BY Tp~FISH A}ID WILDLIFE SERVICE Notes All figures are prelinuna.ry and subject to revision .. 11 Data not available at present time. '1/Includes a reduction in capacity to a110\1{for estimated sediment deposition over a lOO-year period .. l!Combination section of concrete,ea.rth fill,and/or rock fill .. 7 erial view of Devil Canyon damsite (lower for-@gr-ound)and R@§@rvoir aF@a abov@. Aerial view of approx•.location of Vee Damsite; showing open hillsides,muskeg and.spruce cover typical of area. DESCRIPTION OF lR~SUSI'I'NA BASr.N 9.The Susitna Basin lies in south-central Alaska,north of the far- thest inland projection of Cook Inlet,between latitudes 610 -64 0 and longitudes 1460 -153 0 • 10.The lower is bordered on the south by the waters of Cook Inlet, on the east by the Chugach and Talkeetna mountains,and on the west and north by the Alaska Mountain Range.It has an approximate length of 125 miles and an average width of 60 miles which narrows to the north.The total drainage of the basin comprises 19,300 sq.miles.From the main stem of the river toward the bordering mountains the relief of the low- lands increases,the tributary streams are more deeply entrenched,and the flat and rolling topograph3T of the lowlcu'1ds gives way to the steeper slopes of the foothills and they in turn to r~gged glaciated mountains. The floor of the lowlands is surfaced with glacial deposits and stream gravel and is dotted tllroughout with numerous lakes • .11.The topography of the headward basin of the Susitna River differs some~ihat from that of the lower basin.This area comprises 5,830 sq. miles of predominately mountainous terrain.It is floored with a thick filling of glacial moraines and gravel through which isolated mountains project.It is bordered on the south by the rugged Talkeetna Mountains, on the north by the Alaska Range,and on the east by the nat and in- conspicuous Copper River plateau. 12.The main stem of the Susitna River h.as its source in the Susitna Glacier in the Alaska Range and flows in a meandering southerly direction for approximately 75 miles over a broad alluvial fan and plateau.At the confluence of the Oshetna Hi ver its course turns sharply westward Looking downstream from Devil Canyon damsite, ghowing rapidg and riV@F gorg@. for 75 miles through a narrow continuous canyon incised in a broad high- level valley.The course for the next 125 miles is in a southerly dir- ection through the lower Susitna Basin to Cook Inlet. 13.The principal tributaries head in high mountain glaciers and can be considered as fast flow"ing streams,excessively turbulent in the headward reaches but considerably calmer in the lower regions. 14.The headwaters of the Yentna River basin have their beginning in the glaciers of the Alaska Range and flows in a general southeast- erly direction for approxirr~tely 95 miles entering the Susitna River at river mile 24.It is one of the largest tributaries and has nu.rnerous clear water feeder streams.Within the watershead are many clear water lakes. 15.The Talkeetna River,wr.ich enters the Susitna River 80 miles above its mouth,has its origin in the Talkeetna Mountains. 16.The Chulitna River heads in the Alaska Range and flows in a southerly direction,joining the Susitna at river mile 80. 17.The Oshetna River,one of the principal tributaries of the uprer Susitna basin,heads in the TaLteeetna Kountains.Its course is in a northerly direction for aFpro~~tely 40 miles,where it dis- charges into the Susitna River at river wile 205.It is a swift flovdng stream ~~th an average gradient of 45 feet per mile being steepest in the upper reaches and flatter in the lOi'fer region. 18.The Tyone River,which discharges into the Susitna at river mile 216,heads in the low and inconspicuous divide between the Copper and Susitna watershed.Its numerous feeder streams are clear slow-moving, draining a multitude of clear "Jater lakes.The lllain stem flows through Ypper Talkeetna River and Tributary -show- ing valley topography and spruce-birch forest. Three of the largest lakes in the entire Susitn.a Basin:Louise,Susitna and '!'yone. 19.The Maclaren River heads in the glaciers of the Alaska.Range. Its course is in a southeasterly direction and discharges in the upper Susitna at river mile 228. COMMERCIAL FEATURES 20.The Alaska Railroad is the only overiand means of transportation through the Susitna River Basin.The McKinley Park-Paxson Highway, presently under construction,'will pass through the headward portion of the Upper Susitna Basin.!,ccess to remote portions of the Basin is managed either by air travel or by the fast-dying dog team method. 21.The population of the Basin is chie.fly concentrated along the rail- belt with scattered settlements of trappers and miners throughout the entire Basin.The proposed project site is located approximately midway between Anchorage and Fairbanks,the two largest cities in the Territory. 22.Most of the Susitna Basin is unappropriated,unsurveyed,public lands. 23.The economic activities are chiefly in the lower 120 miles of the basin along the railbelt.The commercial fi,ehery tapping the Susitna salmon runs is located in Cook Inlet.Placer gold,lode gold,tungsten and con- struction materials are produced in this area,but only in small quantities. Coal and other minerals are present but have received little attention. Portions of the lower basiIl are suited for a,griculture but have not seen development as yet. GEOLOGY, 2.4.The Alaska Range to the west and north and the Talkeetna Range to the east make up the high perimeter of the ci'usitna River Basin.The Alaska Range is made up of Paleozoic and Mesozoic sediments some of which have been metamorphosed in va.rying degrees and intruded by granitic masses.The 10 Talkeetna Mountain Range with peaks up to 8,000 feet is made up of a gra- nitic batholith riJmned.on the Susitna Basin side by graywackes,argillites and greenstones.Much of the interior portion of the Basin is made up of fluvial-glacial overburden materials which were deposited in advance of the great "Rivers of Ice ll which carved the broad nUll shaped valleys through which its rivers now flow.These materials overlie the Tertiary sediments composed mainly of shale and sandstones with interbedded coals and lap the Paleozoic and Mesozoic sediments and lava flows making up the lower reaches of the mountain perimeter. VEGETATION 25.The vegetation of the Susitna Basin is largely determined by the climatic and geographic conditions.The floor of the lower basin is covered with forests interspersed with low muskeg vegetation.The higher benches are timbered,with occasional g.lades covered.with redtop grass.The mountain slopes are occupied by a dense gro-wth of trees up to the elevation of approximately 2,000 feet.~ove the timb~rline there are scattered thickets of alders and willows in large wide,spread meadows of luxu.riant redtop grass which often attains the height of 6 feet.Above this zone the surface is mostly"devoid of vegetation E!XCept for moss,lichens and flowers.Spruce,birch,aspen,cottonwood,willow and alder are the most common trees that are to be found in abundan.ce in this region. 26.The common undergrowth of the forested areas consists of moss,ferns, indian paint berry,high and low bush cranberry,devils club,wild rose, buckberry,blueberry,huckleberry-J'currants,grass and wild'flowers which grow in abundance. 27.The vegetation in the upper Susitna Basin differs somewhat from that of the lower Susitna Basin.The timber line is higher -ranging 11 Aerial view of the Chulitna River showing typical vegetation common to this section of basin. Whistling Swan -Yentsa and Skwenta Area from 2,500 to 3,000 feet in elE/vation.The lowland,of swampy or poorly drained gravel fiats,is covered with scrubby low spruce trees.In a few valleys of the tributaries the spruce trees grow larger,up to 2~ feet in diameter.Some birch,willows and alders are present in scatter- ed localities but are not considered abundant.Redtop and.bunch grass are present,but only in a scattered state along well drained benches. Much of the Basin is covered with muskeg and tundra. CLIMATE 28.The climate of the Susitna Basin is definitely diversified.The latitude of the region gives it long winters and short summers and a great variation in the length of the day between winter and summer. 29.The Lower Susitna Basin owes its relatively moderate climate to the warm.waters of the pacific on the south,the great barriers of the .Alaska Range on the north and west and the Te,lkeetna Range on the east. The summers are of moderate temperature and have a large number of cloudy days with gentle rains.The winters are cold,and the snowfall is fairly heavy.Talkeetna bas an annual mean temperature of 33.30 and an average annual precipitation of 30.74 in(~hes.The entire lower Basin may be considered to have similar climatic conditions. 30.The upper Susitna Basin is separated from the coast by high mountains and the climate may be eharacterized as having long seT,ere winters,moderate swmners and little precip:i.tation. 31.There are no records of the temperat1are and precipitation for the Basin.However,it may be considered to compare favorably with Mt. McKinley Park area,which has an average annual precipitation of 13.69 inches and an annual mean temperature of 27.20 • 12 HYDROLOGY 32.Stream flow in the Susitna Basin is characterized by high rate of discharge during the months of May,June,July,August and September and by low flows from October through April. 33.The high discharges are caused by rainfall,long hours of sun- light causing the snow to melt and,during the latter part of the summer, by the melting of the many glaciers.During this period,the streams carry a heavy load of silt. 34.The period of low discharge is caused by the severe winters when the temperature seldom rises above freezing.During this period the streams are fairly clear and carry little silt. FISHERIES PRESENT FlSHERY 35.One of the foremost purposes of this report is to describe the fishery of the Susitna River Basin and to explain how these will be affected by the Bureau of Reclamation's proposed plan.The fishes that utilize the Susitna Basin can best be divided into two groups;resident and anadromous.The resident fishes are what the word.implies while the anadromous are those which spend a portion of their life in the sea and. return to fresh water to spawn.These runs so far as our knowledge goes,are illustrated by the map,Fig.1.Grayling,rainbew trout, lake cbarr,dolly varden,whitefish,sucker and ling cod comprise the principal resident population of the Susitna Basin. 36.The anadromous group comprises five species of salmon;red, silver,king,chum and pink.Rainbow trout (steelhead)are also in- cluded in this group. 13 37.Commercial Fishery -Salmon posses a homing instinct and usually return to the lake or stream where their parents spawned.They ascend the fresh water streams from the ocean for only one purpose,to spawn, and after the completion of this act they die.The young salmon spend a portion of their early life in the f~sh water before they migrate to the ocean.When mature they return to the fresh water to complete the cycle.The time required for the completion of this cycle in Ala.skan waters varies with each species.The dom:i.narlt cycle for the red salmon is 5 years,3 to 5 years for the chums,3 to 4 years for the silvers, 3 to 7 years for the kings and 2 years for the pinks. 38.In view of the length of time involved for salmon to complete their life cycle,a period of 7 years of study are required in order that a complete analysis of the Susitna salmon may be made. 39.The Susitna River is considered one of the pre-eminent salmon spawning streams of the Cook Inlet region.In order to fully evaluate the importance of its salmon fishery,it is necessary to develop a brief discussion of the economic importance of the annual salmon pack of Cook Inlet. 40.During the 1951 season,there were 21 salmon canneries and 5 fresh and frozen salmon operators in business in Cook Inlet.Cook Inlet annually produces approximately 6 per cent of the total salmon.pack of the Territory of Alaska.In the 1951 season,the Inlet produced well over 10 per cent of the total Alaska pack.Approximately 60 per cent of the Alaska canned king salmon is produced each year in Cook Inlet. 41.From 1941 through 1950 the Inlets average annual case production 32\6 Dams.U NIT E 0 5 TAT E S o EPA R T MEN T OF THE IN T E RIO R BUREAU OF RECLAMATION ALASKA DISTRICT OFFICE SUSITNA RIVER BASIN POTENTI A L HYDRO-ELECTRIC POWER DEVELOPMENTS SALMON DISPERSION Salmon Runs in Rel~tion to F 0 o~ed Susitna Basin Showinp Known MpjorFig.1. 14~ Partin Lucy Tokic Itna To us hu ir t n a· S kwertna NO.2 Skwentna No I \~ II eyS,tp;-;O~T:-;;E~N;:;T~IA;-L;-;:D::A:M;:;S~E~X;(PPIL~A:r;N~A;;;TTTiIO~N~-----fL-_-_/L_--------~ AND RESERVOIRS 4 -------~CD Susltna Station Indicates runs of anadlramaus /#,11011(I @ Olson fJshes(Red,K ng,SilIVer, r.CD Devil Canyon Chum and Pink Salmoon) IllolN ~3 watcna ItH8HHHHH~ _~,.--4 Ve_SCALE OF MILES 5~ 6 Dena" yone I<eet'lO 9 ~Bearpaw Gra r 11 e Gorge Greenstone ~ropper Sheep River ~udd Lk ,-) / <R '" of salmon by species was 137,320 cases of reds;50,394 of pinks; 30,771 of chums;31,034 of silvers and 28,772 of kings.The average annual value by species is as follows:Reds $3,913,648;Pinks $1,159,062;ChWllS $630,806;Silvers $636,197;and Kings $661,756. 42.The total Cook Inlet salmon pack had an average annual value from 1941 through 1950 of $7,001,461.Of this total Cook Inlet average annual pack,it is estimated that the Susitna River produces something like 60 per cent of the kings;20 per cent of the reds;30 per cent of the cimms;20 per cent of the silvers and.10 per cent of the pinks; having a total average annual value of something like 12,000,000. 43.The salmon be~entering the Susitna Hi.ver in June and the nm continues well into the month of August.There is a fall rtm of considerably less magnitude tham the early run which is at present of little economic importance. 44.During the past four years aerial and ground survey's have been conducted in the Susitna Basin under the supervision of the district resident Fishery Management Biologist of the Fish and Wildlife Service .. The primary purpose of these surveys is to determine the waters in the basin that are used as spawning grounds and the species and numbers of salmon utilizing them.A complete coverage of all the lakes and streams in the basin has not as yet been realized.However,a majority of the main tributaries have been surveyed by both the aerial and the gr(j)und method..Considerable stream clearance work bas "been accomplished in the 'basin during the past few years by the ground survey parties.The basin maps covering this report,Fig.2,illustrates the dispersion of the araa.dromous fishes by species and show the spawning areas listed alphabetically as to their relative importance. 15 3216 SCALE OF MILES for Salmon Priority Spawning Areas by Species 16 0 HAHHAHAHI UNITED STATESoEPAR T MEN T OF THE I N T E RIO R BUREAU OF RECLAMATION ALASKA DISTRICT OFFICE SUS/rNA RIVER BASIN POTENTI A L HYDRO-ELECTRIC POWER DEVELOPMENTS SALMON SPECIES @ Red @ King lID Silver ©Chum ~Pink •.•.•.'Indicates Salmon runs ___-H-----i 630 1 \~5 t-P-O-T-E-N-T-I-A-L-D-A-M-S-E=-:-:X:-:P~L-A:--:-:N:-:A:-:T::-:I:-:O:-:N:-:-------iL-.LL-_ AND RESERVOIRS SPAWNING AREAS LISTED)AS CD SU~ltna Station TO RE LAT IVE 1M PORTAN4CE ~Olson Icnelatna Lake areaCDD'!vll Canyon 8 Willow Creek area \Natana C Fish Lake area ee 0 Red S irt Lake area ~®Shell Lake area Denali ®Talkeetna River area Fi-g.2. yone Kee''"10~aw 10 Granite Gorge Greenstone Trapper Sheep Rive r 14~ Partin Lucy Toklchltna Talushulltna Skwentna No 2 Skwentna No 149°150° 1 N'LET \ / { I I I CRW 62°,----+--(2Q--+-_ 451 Salmon are known to run up the main stem of the Susitna River as far as the confluence of Portage Creek which is approximately 3 miles below the proposed Devil Canyon damsite.Portage Creek supports a run of kings ,silver and chum salmon. 46.Sports Fishery--Besides being regarded as one of the pre-eminent salmon spawning streams of the Cook Inlet region,the Susitna drainage supports a sport.s fishery-of considerable ecoDomic importance. 47.Rainbow trout,grayliBg,dolly varden trout,and lake charI"are the principal fresh water game species native to the watershed.Silmon are highly prized as a sport fish by anglers fishing these waters.Precise knowledge of the relative abedance and distribution of the game species in remote sections of the basin is lacking,however,reports from anglers returning from fishing expeditions to these remote areas indicate that there is a wide distribution of these game species and that t:ney are abundant. 48.Because of the iDaccessibility of the major portion of the wate:r- shed,only partial utilization of this resource has been realized. Streams &rld lakes along and adjacent to the raUbelt have thuB far carried the greatest burden of the ever iBcreasing fishing pressure.During the swmner months the Alaska Railroad runs a "Fisherman I s Special"train to the Susitna basin in order to aeeoDll'OOdate the mass weekend exodus from Anchorage and vicinity.Recent developments in air transportation has made it psssible to naeh remote areas in a few hours where it formerly took days and weeks.Daily flights are made into the basin by commercial. air services from Anchorage,Fairbanks,Palmer and Ta.lkeetna to accommo- date the increasing number of anglers.The completion of the McKinley Park-Paxson Highway will allow access by automobile to the headward 16 poll'tion of the basin.This new highway will open a portion of the upper Susitl"la.drainage to mQtorists and recreational fishermen. 49.As previously stated and as illu.strated on the dispersion map, Fig.1,the runs of the anadromous fishes te:rm.ina.te at the confluence of Portage Creek.The impetuous waters which pass through the narrow 75 mile canyon above Portage Creek evidently is harrier enough to prevent the anadromou$fishes from utilizing the headward.basin as spawning grounds. 50.The Lake Louise area has excellent potentialities as a recreation- al area.The Ala.ska Command at present is contem.plating enlarging their present rest camp at Lake Louise to a sufficient size to accommodate large n'WJlbers of military personnel and their families.Their plans also call for the constI"l1ction of a highway from the Tazlina Glacier Lodge on the Glen Highway to their camp on Lake LOllise.It is evident that,with this development,the fishery of Lake Louise and adjacent waters will be subject to greater concentrated fishing pressure from both the military and civUian anglers. 51.It is apparent tha.t there will be an annual increase in fishing pressure in the Susitna Basin and only with a proper management program, will the present fisher,y resources be self-sustaining. FUTURE FISHERY AFTER PROJECT COMPLETION Devil Canyon Dam 52.The Devil Canyon Dam would be built to produce hydroelectric power,a.nd in a.ll probability would be the first development.in the basin.The construction of this unit would have little harmful effect 17 on the existing fish population within its zpne of influence.Table III shows unregulated.and regulated runoff bellOW Devil Canyon Dam in average cubic feet per second. 53.Since the anadromous fishes cannot utilize the upper Susitna. waters above the coni'luence of Portage Creek,the proposed develo,.ent in the above waters would not result in loss to this fishery resource. The Devil Ganyon reservoir can be expected to support a fishery only of minor importance because of the tremendous fluctuations in water levels. Regulated flows and expected reduction in sediment content of the dis- charge waters below the Devil Canyon Dam should develop new spawning grounds for the anadromous fishes and improve the habitat of the resident fishes. !yone Dam 54.The proposed reservoir development on the '!'yone River would result in a loss to the present sport fishery of the involved area. Areas that are now utilized·by the present fish population for spawning would be partially destroyed.The dam would be a block to the migratory .fishes.Considerable damage would result .fNm contemplated draw-d.oWB during the winter months and ma.terially alter the present sport fishery in '!'yone,Susitna and Louise Lakes.Unless equal minimum.flows are maintai:ned a:nd are equivalent to the present natural .flows,serious damage may be done to the fishes inhabiting the waters below the dam-. site. 55.The relatio:nship o.f Tyone Dam to Devil Canyon Reservoir has a bearing on the over-all effect upon fish and wildlife habitat.If both are required for full power development,project effects will n.eed to 18 Rev.5-23-52 TABLE III ADDITIONAL BASIC DATA ON DeVIL CA~~ON RESERVOIR FOR USE BY THE FISH AND \iILDLIFE SERVICE Runoff Below Devil C~nyon Dam in Average QUbic Feet 2~r Second Unre5£l~~~Runoff Regulated Runoff Month Max.Min.Avg.~fa.x.Min.Avg. Yr.Yr.Yr.Yr.&.-Yr •. Oct.7,560 2,620 4,890 7,560 4,110 4,890 Nov.3,130 1,090 2,020 4,230 4,340 4,250\ Dec.2,280 780 1,460 4,160 4,340 4,210 Jan.2,280 780 1,460 4,230 4,520 4,320 l"eb.1,680 580 1,080 4,810 5,260 4,970 Har.2,2(-0 780 1,460 4,460 5,070 4,6130 April 2,350 810 1,510 4,740 5,700 5,280 May 18,150 6,300 11,740 8,290 5,840 4,780 June 28,910 10,030 18;700 26,440 5,660 8,250 July 34,020 11,800 ;;2,000 ~4,020 L~,9~0 n,2?O Aug.30,24.0 10,490 19,560 30,240 4,550 19,560 Sept.20,320 7,040 13,149 20 '220 4 ,1;90 1?,11->o9'a;._ TOTAL 12,850 4,450 8,310 12,850 4,900 8,310 Note:The above data are based on initial development of only Devil Canyon Reservoir and Power Plant 19 be re-evaluated on this basis. Denali Dam 56.The proposed Denali reservoir development on the main stem of the Susitna River would have little serious effect on the.present fishery resources of that area.It is doubtful that a fishery of any great importance would develop in the reservoir because of the glacial nature of the streams.The relationship of this reservoir to Devil Canyon and Tyone may require evaluation of all three as to over-all effects on fish and wildlife_ Talkeetna River Proposals 57.Five dam sites are proposed on the main stem of the Talkeetna River,a major tributary to the Susitna River.Talkeetna drainage represents approximately 22 per cent of the red spawning area in the Susitna drainage and 30 per cent of the king and silver spawning area. It also supports a rtm of chum and pink salmon besides a sports fishery of great importance.The development of one or more reservoirs on the main stem of this river would result in blocking salmon runs of con- siderable import.a.nee,as well as being harmful to the existing sports fishery_ Skwentna Rivar PNpc?sals 58.Three dams are preposed along the main stem of the Skwentna River.The Talushulitna Dam would block salmon nulS of considerable economic value.Red,silver,chum,and pink salmon utilize the waters above the proposed dam site.The two proposed develppments upstream from the proposed Talsuha.1itna Dam would involve the fishery resources 20 Aerial view of Denali Reservoir and Damsite.Damsite in foreground,Alaska Range in background,Reservoir area shown above. to an undetermined extent. Chulitna River Proposals 59.Four damsites are proposed mn the Chulitna River,a major tributary of the Susitna River.Development anywhere along the Chulitna River would involve the fishery resources of that area to an undetlerm1.ned. extent. Susitna Station Dam 60.The proposed Susitna Station dam would be located 22 miles up- stream from the mouth of the Susitna River.This dam presents the grea.t- est fishery problem of all the developments proposed by the Bureau of Reclamation.Virtually all of the anadromous fishes would be blocked from their natural spawning areas in the upper reaches of the river. It is conceivable that they might pass over the Susitna Station Dam by means of a costly fish ladder,but a high percentage of young fish structure migrating seaward would be destroyed as they pass through the outlet;!of the dam.The construction of hatcheries would involve tremendous expenditures,with no assurance that such a program would.be successful. 61.The construction of the Susitna.Station Dam would most seriously damage the most va.lu.able resource of the entire Susitna.Basin. DISCUSSION 62.The salmon fishery of Cook Inlet is largely dependent on the Susitna watershed as a spav.'Iling ground.The imposition of another use on this River should be planned for the least interference with the existing resource.The construction of low dams across rivers are barriers to the migrating salmon,and high dams,over which salmon cannot successfully be transported,block access to the streams and lakes that were formerly utilized by their ancesters.The Susitna salmon in their spawning migrations spread to most of the lower Susitna tributaries..Any developments on the main stem of the Talkeetna, Skwentna,and the Chulitna rivers would seriously damage the present fishery.The development of the Susitna Station dam would completely block the entire spawning migration into the basin. 63.There are tv.'O compelling reasons for eliminating the lower Susitna and tributary dams fr~~the proposed plan:The existence of alternate power sites and the need to perpetuate the fishery. 64.Considering salmon primarily,the upper Susitna dams 1f!ould not affect this fishery since the runs,so far as present information goes,do not extend this far upstream.Considering the sport fishery and 'Wildlife tm effect of the upper darns is not fully known.Con- struction of the Devil Canyon Dam of itself will affect fish and wildlife habitat to a minor degree;a minor loss of habitat within the reservoir and a sligbt stream L~provement downstream. 65.No further study is considered necessary on the Devil Canyon proposal;however,the other upper river darns will require additional biological investigation.If the three major upper river dams,Devil Canyon,Tyone,and Denali/,to be interrelated units of one hydro-power system then the fish and wildlife evaluation should encompass all three. 66.It is doubtful that significant sport fisheries wouiI.d develop in most of the proposed reservoirs because of the great fluctuation of water levels.However,it is possible tha.t a few of t he impound- ments might support a trout or grayling fishery of some value.vlater level fluctuation limits considerably the production of bottom dwelling organisms,upon which trout and grayling feed.Aquatic vegetation along the margins of the reservoirs seldom become well established when great water level fluctuations occur.Greater productivity and fertility of the reservoirs can be realized by keeping the water level fluctuations at a minimum,a method of operation unsuited to hydro-power reservoirs. 67.Recreational pursuits such as hunting,fishing,camping and photography have increased several fold in the past decade in Alaska. Assuming the trend will continue,necessary recreational spots must be kept prominently in mind in basin planning. Red salmon in spawning migration.This is the most valuable species in the Cook Inlet pack. ---------- ribou is the outstanding oig-garr.e animal c~ lsi tna drainage. J Upper PRESENT WlLDLIFE CONDITIONS Caribou 68.The range of the Nelchina caribou herd lies in the Susitna Basin in the Talkeetna Mountains and east.This group is one of the most important big game herds in the Territory because:first,it is restricted to a definite range and does not indulge.in long migrations as do the more northern herds;second,the Nelchina area is reasonably close ta.the center of population such as Anchorage,Palmer,and Fairbanks;and third,the Glenn highway and the McKinley Park road make the regiGn accessible to hlmters who only have automobiles for transportation. 69.The NelchiRa caribou herd formerly numbered about 10,000 animals,but by 1948 the population had been reduced to 4,500.Since that time hunting restrictions and an intensive preda.tor control program have allowed caribou numbers to increase to about 7,000 animals. 70.The animal kill has increased from .350 animals in 1948 to 600 in 1952.Each year the hunting pressure has increased at a much higher rate than the increased kill.Apparently the hunting restrictions and predator control bas more than offset the increased hoting pressure, and the Nelchina caribou herd is increasing. Moose 71.The lower Su.sitna Valley west of the Talkeetna Mountains is the home of the largest moose herd in Alaska.The Susitna moose were not numerous prior to constru.ction of the Alaska Railroad and settle- ment of the Matanuska Valley when fires from these operations burned off a great deal of the original spruce-birch forest and created a'large second-growth winter range that is se important to moose. 72~The larger moose populations and increased hunting pressure in recent years have resulted in a greater kill each year.The known legal ldll during the 1951 hunting season was 514 bulls. 73.The Susitna winter ranges are rapidly growing out of reach and without some new disrupting influence such as fire,there will be within the next decade only enough winter forage for greatly reduced moose numbers. Other Big Game Species 74.Mountain goats,Dall sheep and Black,Grizzly and Alaskan Brown bears are also located in tne Susitna basin.Goats and sheep are found in the higher elevations and are not numerous enough to be 0f great importance to hunters.Only a few are taken each year.Important big game ranges are shown on the map Fig.3. 75.Bear are scattered throughout the entire basin with grizzlies in the mountains and black and Alaska brown bear in the low elevations. There are no great concentrations and only a few are killed by hunters each year. Upland Game 76.Both ptarmigan and spruce grouse are found in the Susitna basin. ptarmigan spend.the summers in the mountains and migrate to the lower elevations in the winter,while grouse live in the lowlands year-round. During years of peak abundance grouse and ptarmigan are plentiful through- out the Susitna basin while during the cyclic lows they are quite scarce. 25 The Susitna Valley supports the largest moose herd in Alaska with the main concentrations in the Lower Susitna Yentna areas. 32\6, SCALE OF MILES \6 0 HHHHHHAHI UNITED STATESoEPAR T MEN T OF THE IN T E RIO R BUREAU OF RECLAMATION ALASKA DISTRICT OFFICE SUSlrNA RIVER BASIN POTENTI A L HYDRO-ELECTRIC POWER DEVELOPMENTS WILDLIFE HABITATS Ba ffi in Fi P.~. ~Bearpaw Gra n Ite Gorge Greenstone Trapper Sheep River ~ Partin Lucy Toklchltna To lushu litno Skwentna No.2 Skwentna No.I L_L~~~~-jJ---1630 150 0 1500 INLET Judd Lk ,-) \/ ~~~<v /MOOSE~'li0r ~~-r'\"'i:~;7i-~~----.j4-.-J1.----I~t---f-+'1r-+-~d:.::'~---=--------1---~e.,,__~------l---------;.-------+------I---~-ff" \~1480 1147 0 a p..5 POTENTIAL DAMS EXPLANATION AND RESERVOIRS ~(0 Susitna Station r.I ~~~sv~~Canyon .Watana -----',.,......"Vee 77.Snowshoe hares are located.throughout the basin,and as with game birds their numbers fluctuate with their cycles. Waterfowl 78.Because the Susitlla basin is relatively inaccessible and other areas closer to cities provide adequate hunting,practically all the kill is made near the roads and is not heavy. 79.Except for the mountainou.s areas the entire Susitna basin is dotted with a great number of lakes and ponds that pNlvide many pest- iBg places for migrating waterfowl.The nesting population is not gr1zat compared with other locations in the Territory,but moderate production over a large area contributes a great many waterfowl.Aerial transects showed an average density of 8 breeding waterfowl per square mile in the Lake Louise area,consisting primar~of Seoters,Scaup and Malla.ros.Many persons from .AD.ehorage and the Matunska Valley hunt ducks and geese each season. Fur Animals SO.The most important fur animal in the Susitna Basin is the beaver,particularly west of the Talkeetna.Mountains and.that area drained.by Tyone River.Extensive growths of aspen,willow,cottonwood, and birch have created an excellent habitat and beaver are very plenti- ful. 81.Beaver are more commonly trapped than any other fur aniDal. While only a few trappers remain out for the entire fur trapping season, a great ma.ny people go out during February and March to obtain a limit of ten beaver.During the 1952 trapping season about 1,500 beaver were taken,or a bag limit of ten for 150 trappers.The value of the fur was about $30,000. 26 82.However,the decline in fur values in recent yea.rs and the abundance of high-salaried defense construction jobs in the vicinity of Anchorage reduced the number of trappers greatly.In 1946 "about 5,000 beaver were taken in the Susitna Basin and the fur value was approximately $250,000.Whem defense construction tapers off or the value of beaver pelts increa$es,the Susitna.basin will be ot much greater importance than it is at present. 83.Needless to say,with such little trapping,beaver populations are increasing. 84.Otber fur animals in the SUsitna Basin are mink,muskrat,tox, weasel,lynx,otter,wolverine,wolf,and coyote.These are even less important than beaver with the present slump in fur values,but,of course,increased prices will enhance the worth of this fur resource. Wolves and coyotes are classed as predators and are subject to a territorial bounty of $50 for wolves and $30 for coyotes.There is no closed season on the wolverine. FUTUR15 WILDLIFE CONDITIONS AFTER PROJECT COMPLETION 85.The effect of river basin projects upon the wildlife of the Susitna Basin is to a great extent a matter of conjecture.The entire basin is still a wilderness area,and even if all the proposed dams were constructed,no species would be in danger of extermination.How- ever,the ~estion remains as to the effect the proposed dams will have on total populations and the resulting shootable su.rpluses. 86.The proposed dam.locations along the upper Slisitna.Rivelt (Denali,Tyone and Vee)lie squarely in the route of migration of the 27 Nelchina caribou herd.between its summer range in the Talkeetna. Mountains and the wintering areas near Lake Louise.While the caribou at present readily cross the Susitna River,both by swimming and across the ice and show no hesitation about crossing lakes in the vicinity, it is not known Whether the dams will act as a barrier to the anima]s. Surely fluctuating water levels beneath a thin layer of ice would present a great hazard. S7.Probably the most serious effects of the dams in this area will be to threaten the migration pattern because of greatly increased hu.ma.n activity and to open the country to greatly increased hunting pressure. 88.Caribou are notoriously intolerant of human activities and their wandering habits could easily cause them to desert their present range for a more inaccessible area.The economic value of caribou herds that are not available to hunters is greatly reduced. 39.The other possibility is that construction of dams in the caribou range would subject the herd to prohibitive hunting pressure. The dams will require construction of roads into hitherto inaccessible areas that afforcled.the animals a measure of sanctuary.The present kill is the maximum allowable under a general open season and greater hunting pressure will necessitate drastic restrictions.The dBJllS might also have other unforeseen effects on the Nelchina herd. 90.'With one exception,it is doubtful if the proposed basin projects will have a great effect on the moose of the lower Susitna. The dams will undoubtedly destroy a certain am.ount of moose forage,but the shallows created in the upper reaches of the lakes will provide additional moose feed.There are sufficient landing areas for float 28 equipped a.ircraft at present,and additional ones created by the dam. construction would not materially affect the hunting pressure. 91.The proposed dam at Susitna.Station,located in a lowland area III c-. and creating a trem.endous reservoir will flood a great deal of m.oose habitat,both summer and the highly important winter range.The winter ranges extend along the Ientna,Deska,and Susitna Rivers in those areas where second growth.willow,birch,and aspen occur.Without adequate wintering ranges,the moose are unable to utilize the vast summer ranges, and their po pulations will be greatly reduced.The winter range is very limited at present and any further reduction in the lower Susitna. will seriously affect the moose herds. 92.Other big game animals in the Susitna basin will not be affect- ed greatly by the dam.construction program.Sheep and goa.ts range above the reservoir areas and the construction of Nads and aircraft landing areas will increase hunting pressure in a few isolated locations.Bear are scattered throughout the basin and will be little affected. 93.There is an extensive habitat in the Susitna.basin for ptarmigan, grouse,and rabbits which would be reduced somewhat by reservoir f'lood- ing. 94.There are sufficient water areas in the Susitna.Basin at present to meet waterfowl needs and constmction of reservoirs would have little effect upon the ducks and geese.A drastic rise in Lake Louise water levels duringtbe period June 10 to July 10 would flood nests of Diving Ducks. 95.The most important furbearer,the beaver,would be little affected by the hydroelectric projects,except by the dam at Susitna 29 station (No.1)where a great deal of beaver habita.t would be flooded. This area is relatively close to Anchorage and Palmer a.nd even with the present low fur values many trappers utilize these locations.The cost of transportation to the lower Susitna River is :much less than to other areas and.because of increased transportation rates and reduced fur prices,trappers must operate on a very small margin.The loss of this area.would be a severe blow to the local trappers.Other fur animals would not be greatly affected by the proposed power developments. 96.It appears that three wildlife species in the Susitna Basin would be affected by the proposed hydroelectric projects.Moose and beaver would suffer upon the completion of the Susitna Station dam. The effect of the upper river projects upon the Nelchina caribou herd remains to be seen.Probably other species will BGt be affected. 30 RECOlvliViENDATION S It is recommended that: 1.Land withdrawals from the public domain for the Susitna projects should contain a provision for public access for hunting, fishing,trapping and recreational pursuits. 2.Management of fish and wildlife resources should continue to be vested in the Fish and Wildlife Service. 3.The Devil Canyon dam be reported favorably so far as fish and .-dldlife is concerned.Based on preliminary surveys,it appears that saL'1lon do not ascend beyond the Devil Canyon damsite and while this reservoir will affect wildlife species to a minor degree it will not damage any known salmon runs. 4.The minimum operating flow be continued uninterrupted belo"1 the Devil Canyon Dam in order to preserve the resident fish population in downstream reaches.This flow to be of a magnitude of about 4,000 second-feet. 5.Additional biological surveys be made on the proposed Denali and Tyone reservoirs and if either or ooth are essential to operation of the Devil Canyon project,recommendation number three be recon- sidered. 6.The proposed Susitna Station Dam be eliminated from the basin development plan since it would exterminate the Susitna sa1mon runs and since alternate power sites exist. 7.Several of the proposed dams on the Talkeetna,Skwenta,and Chulitna Rivers be eliminated from the plan,however,this recom- mendation w~ll be elaborated following complete biological surveys. 8.An additional period of study precede the initiation of any 3:1 river development,with the exception of the Devil T Canyon Dam.This period to be governed by the life cycle of the species of saL~on involved,for streams supporting king and red salmon runs the minimum period to be seven years. 9.No consideration be given to fish ladders or elevators as a means of passing fish over high dams in view of the demonstrated fail- ure of these devices on Columbia River high dams--both for passing adult salmon upstream and young salmon back down to the sea. ,32 ----------_._----------_.------------------------ UNI'lED S?ATES DEPARTUEBf at TEE mrnum lrlSR MID WIIDL!FE SERVICE JUNEAU, ALASKA A. Progress Report On 'iild1:tf'e of.the SUSI'l'N'A RIVER BASni nird Judicial Division "territory of Alaska. February 1954 For Administrative Un Only '-----------'---------- ,-,/...'..·......• • • ••••••PU'.g-• • ••••••••••••• ••••~maCriz~Z~ar••••••••1Cariw.J.• • • •••••••••••2iioose• • • • • • • ••••••••,MountainSheep.••••••••••4S~ar,rcrValuea•••••••••~;)S6-7S9SMALl.o.\!.=•••••• ••• •••• ••••10Grouaa-•••Ptarmigan.•••••••••••••• • • •..6•••••6nIIFURBEAP.EF.s• • • •••••••••••••12Ccyote•••• • •• ••••••.1'1Wolt• • •••• ••• •••••.18\'tolYerin~.• • ••••• ••••.19S~02Values.•••e•••.20WAn:RFGU••e••e• •••••••e·•••(j)LODucks•••••• ••• •••.210•Nace_••• • ••••• • •••.21ex)~0S~'\RY(ZGROUPV}"LUES•••••••••.2200LOmOPOOfDWeRlt~,.••••• •••• • ••LOr-....MtrrERf.TUB:E.crrmM••••..•••••e••BeaTer..•••••••Fox,Cros=•••••••Fox.P..ed• •••••••.~e•••e•••••bilrtene • ee..••••Mink• • • •••••e •:twkra't.e •••0...Otte1",lalXle••••••Weasel(Er-...1ne).••••Su::m:ar,yorValuea• • • •1415161713192021222324-2S26272S••• ••'1•••••a•••••9••• •.10• •••.ll•e•'..12••l1li•.13••••.14••••.15•• •e.16••• • ••••• •"r"AlaskaResource~LIbrary&InformationSe.f\~TVIcesrlllChorage,Alaskar, "1•..ThoSusitnaRiverDaain.anar6aor19,300aq.uaremiles,l1esinDouth-eentralAla.s1~a,northorthefarthestinJ.a.ndpro-jectionotCookInlet.betwt'~nIt'ltltudes61°-64°and.longitudes1460-1530.2.Duringthepast.~ftyears,thisbalJinhasbeeninveatisated1:utheU.S.BureauofReelamatlonasa.pOBsiblesourceoih:;rdro-elect.ricpowertarthetownsof,.4y!.ehoragear.dFairbr.rJ:e~th~£t'nern.ln.rllbe1tarea.Twenty-onepotentialdam81u,sr~v&ooenlocatodalthoughon..qtwelveotthesewillb3subJpct.tomorein-vestigat.ion.3•.Thisprogressreportdec.lswith;.reB.aineI')·monetaryvaluesortheSus1tnaRiverBasin.It1BcOt:lprit.Hx1pri=arUyortabl~fC'i'rplanationsorthed~rivationotfigt.;.resfareachtab1o.Ther~rortisnotconplete;itisnotfinnl.natter,itist.heeenetdD~orfutureevaluationreportsd~&1ingwiththeSusitmBasinamotherdrainagesofAlaska.4.ThegenernJ.procedureinarriving!\ttheaVETagel':srveatarJ.ivalueofsreoieswasa.sfol!ows:A.TotalAlaskaharvectortotalhU"V&stin·Alaskab;yl1ecmsedhunterswasobtained.B.Apercentageoftl-J.sharveetW..l8assigmodfortheSus!tnaBasin.Insonocaaes~suchfl;erccntagefigure\'lasobtainedfar:1AlaskaResourcesInformationSerVicesAnchorage,Alaska /lSeve1~yearsJinm06~~S,foron1¥OI".eyear.L'1terpolation"'asmadetorotheryearsvheremoretr.anoneye~r'£!percentagevasthat~percentage1Ia8used"entoto"forallotheryears.by'yeere1!':Seo:fputed.Do"Amma.lvalueswer~d3terminooforeachar.-.ecie6ar.&i'totalannualvalueoteachsF~ciee..was.c01!1ptltd.5.Furtherexplanationsaregivenontheabovefourpoints£areachgroupasthey&retakenup.6.Biologicaltnvf':stlgatiousconduekdintheooainduringpastyearshavenotbeenincludedhere.Suchinf"orr'lation!!Ja'3'eoecompiledinthefuturt'and\'fillforaa:;epftI'atereport."2r! 7.Big£81!1ewasfoundtobethenost1mportantwildlifegroupintoobaain1fith411.n-ert\ceannualkillor742biggp.meaniMlatoravalueotabout$2J.0,000.:.tooaeisthemostimpor...antbiggameani~lfollowedb¥caribou,brownorgrizzly~9.rtand.ru..mtainsbecep.mackbears,due'tolOt;huntinbinterl1st,andl:lOuntaingoatd,becauseofinsignificantpopula'tior.s,havenotbeenincludedinthisreport.8.Thetab1eafollowingr~biggr:i.::leuegenfrallyself"-er-~natory.Eowevcr,a.questionmay'arisea~tohowcertainfigures'Weredarived.9.IntheC1laeofen-ibou,k11lfigurestorfreS'elehino.caribouherdwereavailableforseveralye!lrSe.es.resultofcheckingstationsarotherwork.Wbenkillfigureswerenot5.vall.e.ble,esti~.tetJ\Jeremade.Ase.result,an~levenyear~riodofrecord~-asusedtode;teTJrlneaverageannualkill.Twenty-fivepercentorthisilllisattributable-totheSusitnaDrainage,theother75peTcenttotheCopperRiverDrainage.Theunitvalueof$175.001aanestbate.basedongf:nera1.economicdatagatheredduringthe1953l:.unti~season.Duringtht'nextyear,thisfigurewillbeSI01"eaccuratelydetermined.10.!!cosetbear,andsheepkUlaare}".remisedonapercentagef1.gurebasedonthe1942seasonandareshO'lfninredonthetahleu.These"known"figuresareba:Jedonin£or::atiou'containedinTh2:3 GameConr:is;:>ion,~.Intheca.seofmooseambear,theunityrr..1ue\fIlStakon!'romtheRiverBasin~~.?hesheepvs:lueisbas"Aongeneraleconomicdataofthe~natureascaribouendsubjecttorivision~1955.11.Inescapably,thereis.greatroc~tarerror5.n'tn.ld1lfigures.HcntEWGr,it.isinterestingtonot<:!thattlJEdrrolationshiptooneanotherisreascmbleandthataveragekills~ocom;utroco~~ev~~avorably~ithestimates~d6bybiologistsr~~"4,Ii TABIE1rrO'.rALALWY.An.lmvESTBY~"'EF.cEH'l'TarA!,A!~~roALw"'"CE!~LDfRooS~rTNAl1F.1TBUS.l!'}tAX&ARE:P~l1.P.sS:;srrfrA:~A:tVT:)T-!J~~l.tI'S.VA~r!i8;-19/.2~99.12550$136.00-$6,8001943350·.1.2544136cOO5,%41944313.12539136.005,3041945559.12570136.009,5201946766.12596136..0013,0561947877.125110136.00141'9601948524.12566136.008,9761949724.125911:36.0012,3761950866.125108136.0014ib.381951731.12591136.00L~,l3761952JO?*,12588136tOOJ1"","''''.~';jc.oTotal.6,809.125853$1161'008Averags619.12578$.136.00$10$546WEstimated" -.:...TOfA!JAltFUf.LrlELCHn~AlTh~nEIl.:lUNAYEAR1}!1LYAU1SVAJ)-'f.__•1947Z>O$175.0035j>C'{iO1948275175.004S,l."-519493,0175.0061,2501950475175.0033,1251951600175.00105,ODO1952424175.0074~2JO195;625172.00;t99:'372_T~..nl2,91..9$516,075A\terege421S73,.67575%toCopper316~55,30025%toSUBit!:a10518,3756 TorALAL\SrAF.ARV1STBYWp.cOr:1O'r..4.LAmfUALLICE!:sEDFRO:.!St1S1'1'!tAUID.TSUS1TJiAX1ViRRtI'm!:FSS~.srrNAT!.ARVl:'..sI'V,"\Lt£VliI,,1!£-19421,460.226330340.00112t2CO1943295*340.00100,30019441,147.226259340.0083,06019451,428.226322340.00109,48019462,415.226,546;wJ.OO135,64019472,5(,"".22658134,n.co197,54019482,422.226547340.00185,98019492,229.226504340.00171,36019503,24l.226732340.00248J&.~19513,123.226r...t6340.00240,01..019522,880.226651340.00221,3401953429*340.00166.:i2QTotal~9145,962$.2,027.0$0Average2,291.226497340.00~168,923'llEstimaW"1 TOTALAUSKAP..ARVfSTHIPERCEl1lTarAtAl12illALL.i-cENSrnFftOhtSUSITNAi..'lII'l'SUSIT!1A).1UtEHU~7;r:r(.~~tl~"~A}!!EVFSTVAL~VA!.tE'''''~'L-~;'.j,...11942:352.26794$150.00$14,100.1943300*.26780150..0012,0001944CloaedSeason1945253.267681;0.0010,2001946:38,.267103150.0015,4501947272.26773150.CO10,9501948188.26750150.007,50019//1r10Take1950196.26752150.007,8001951320.2678;150..0012.750195~300u-.26780150,0012e!YJQTotal2#566685$102,750Average-23-3-.26762$150.00$9,341-ilEstlma:tedsr!, susrrNA.aIGGA!:Esm~Y('fIVALUESAVERAGEAVflf.AGEANNiIALmrrrMITroALSffiCTES'TAmV,~LCEVALUEMoose497$340.00~168,9aCaribou105175.0018,375GrizzlyorBrown7S136.0010,546Sb~!'p62150.009,3/.1'i'otnJ.Value$207,lS5Rounded$210,000.,9AvtIUGEFEllCENrOFT(JfALLICEi~""EDALA:.'"r.:~~:EtJiVrST.25orNelchlnaRarvcs1,267r 12.Pte.r:rl.ganaMgrouseeretheonlytwoSi'"...nll~anit:'l.al!!includedf'oreconomicpurposes.RabbitsbaTenotbeenincludedsincefeware"takenintheSusitnator~t-oi-'terfur.Stmllganecons'titut.athe11tl'..:xttolOiiestvaluedresourcewithaDaverageammslvalueofebou't~,OOO.13.'theperiodo~recordused11'1errivir..gat-theaYel':!geSusitna.takesiiast<;nyears.no\\Bt1r.cateswel"Omsdofar1943.Thestartingpoint,subjecttothssa.oee."'TorsasbigFtlJ"'.ie,.was1942.Unit'ft1ueeuS«'!aref'rOO!theRiverBasinr.a..1'f:J.nl.14.}\l11ntertc!stlngo~M"Vati.onhere1sthatgroueewerewerththroetimesasPlucbasptaraigan.ThisisJ:r0bablydue,atleaDt1ft;?art,totheptarmiganstillbe.lnginthehighcountrywhenthehuntersarea.f'1eldandthereforeinaccezt:ibl.e;e.mpartlyduetothele8sc,yclionatureofgrouee.10 ..TABIE6•GRODSE'l'OTJ.L?r..ttCE!1!'A'fflUAL1,L1"sKAFR01fS~IT!rA.UNl'l'SUSIT!!A~J1R~;:~=rvrsl~'~C:"~~A~:.!rm'TSTVALUEVALUEO'~~~bt·194227,847.101.2,8256.8019,2101943Not.available-no~sti~te':tU:tde19/454,CCO.1015,4546.8037,0871945419000,101.4,lU6.8028,15S194653,OX.1015,3536.8036,400194747,109.101.4,7586.8032,354194540,000.10l.4,0406.0027,'....l2.194928,000.101.2,8286.8019,230195050,000.1015,0506.8034,;,1J)195170,000.1017,0706.00.48,076122.2(VICGO,1017.0'?06.eO1/~~076Total480,9561$,616~)JO,WAverage48,o-j6.1Cl4,862~.to$33,040P1'AR~~IGAN-194252,262.0301.6456.SO11,1861943Notnvailable-no~tl!natemade194450,O"A,0301,5006.8010,200194557,000.0301,710'6.eo11,628194636,000.0301,0006.807,;44194753,354,03;)1,£<)06.2010,880194860,000.0301,8006.8012,240194950,0;)0.0301,5ro6.0010,200195058,000,0301,71..06.8011,832195155,OO~.0301,6506.8011,;22012~273,ceo,0302.3/..06.801l3t9J2Tot!l.l.549f6~616,565$112,642Av~e54,962.0301,657$.6.80e11,264Total.SnallGameValue$44,30.4Roun:ledt>44,OOO11 ~entfhaYsnotbeenofsignificant"f:orthtonoticcs.b1ychangetheoveralleV~l"!\geV111ucof~ltj:'resfromtb~basil:.Suchl'plts~reworth~OOut~87,OOO~..nnuallyandfur~!U"craco~titUt8thesecondmeetll:ipOrtrm.'tgreupinthedrai.,-,age.16.Tb8oosiaprnee<:ureindetcrminir.gth~nu..~~rofraltatakenb:e~'eCie&wusasf'ollowe::17.TotalAlaska'takeof~ltBwasobtain~.dfrN3annualrepo.t'tsfigurewasavailable.'l"besef"iguresareEhowninre-donthetablt!'s.1948to1953,anestimatedpricewasdetermined,'f1hJchinmost.casesaverageannualvalueswereCc::lpu'ted.1S.Ach!lebeenexplainedrrflViOl.wly,thereischanceforerI"Orinusingoney(!arlsp~rcP.'t"ltageOVf!r~~iooorsever!tiyearsorinCl.ak.ing1nterpolat~onbetwflel1twoknO'ifnpercentages.ITowever,thereexistsareasonablerelationshiptrOll!speeieetoapecienwhichlends12"rI ,"IrJ TABIE7TarA!.P.CRCFNf~'VER1.GEVALUECf?AI.J.SKAFEmISUSrrNAALASKAS;;STI':JAu!.RRAHVI:STSi.:SrfYAf:ARVY.5--r~ICE.'f.'r'\'nTf,'r.-.....,,_..........:.--_...~1925.....'3.949.15421320.004,260.1926**1,01.7.15416122.503,623192724,602.1544.79425.79123,637192832,712.1334.25926.00110,7341929**1,547.13320626.255,4QS1930**476.1336320.001,260193113,499.1842.33416.0037,3J.;4-193215,6..-f'(j.1'7S2,7789.2325,641193330,159.1715,15712.7065,494193444,823.1566,9928.4859,292193511,138.1411,5708.1012,717193625,046.1263,15612.4039,1341937.l,8C2.1ll2!J813.002,7041938)0,889.0962,96511.25.33,356193931,397.0812,54314.75J7,5C9194014,630.06696618.0017,388194120,606.0511,05025.5026,715194217,593003664226.0016,6921943·15,146·.036545:30.0016,35019448,516.03630730.009,210194511,339..0;640830.0012,UO194618,929.03871950.0035,950194725,088.0401,00426.0026,104194820,133.04284623.$820,2')2194923,394.0451,053:U.7522,903195017,619.05699521.7521.64119511711506.05698026.2625,7.35195218,617.0561,04219.3220,131195~15,163.05684919.32*16L48JTotal513,05448,805$849,637A:veraga17,692.0951.683$21.18$29,305~stimated'"ClosedSeasOll.,!, .\..:~\.1:CRess!:Q!TO'tALffHCERrAVEJiN3EVALLE(ifALASr.AFROMSUS!TliA!LA.SY.ASUSLT:~AYEf~HAR'ij'V~SnSrrNAEAr-VEST:-nlCEFF:LTRJ1~1925571.0382290.001,9801926611.03823100.002,30019271~OS5.038411ll.U4,5531928761.03829116.193,37019291,069.038a.139.715,12819301,149.0384495.434,1991931664-,0382587.962,1991932922.0383543.051p5071933919,03835·39.151,37019341,014.0383946.231,00)19351,355.038.5143.722,23019361,573.0386045.002,70019371,O:U.0383940.001,56019381,103.0384229.501,2391939614.0382326.506101940632..•0382527.0067519411,484.0385613.0072S-19421,264.0384813.506L.319431,240.0384718.5087019441,831.0387020.001,40019451,614.0386116.0097619461,096.0384216.co6721947785.0383014..004201948510.038199.25*1761949518.038204.50901950250.038104.50451951740.038284.001121952625.038243.00721223275,038102,72*27Total27,3111,039~,259-Aver-ape942.03836$J.2.05$1,526~stimated iTASTE9'rcY!ALFEr£EHfAVERAGEVALUE(1JALi!SY.AFROrlSUSrrRAALASY.ASt.h'31TrtAIEAIrP'p.R1!r:STSUSIT~!A~r!J;TISTPiZlCE~"'.f;rXnIES,.192519,489.022~~17.007,293192622,976.0.2250520.0010,100192721,9.4.5.02248328.1813~61l192826,907.022592:38.2822,66219292l,o;r.3.G22.46)49.60,.....°65.,;",7.193016,288.022:35834.4012,315193112,00).C22264-22.986,067193210,450.02223010.8a2p502193312.791...02228112.073,3921934U.909.02232812.714,169193516,192.C2.23569.65Jr435193619,9:37.02243911.755,158193721,549.G2247410.805,119193815,076.0223329.253,Q71193921,366.0221+707.503,525.19409,031.0221997.001,393(194112,574.022-2779.;02,632\194212,345.02226811.CO2,9/..8"19434.916.02210$16.001,7281944'6,916.02215216.002,43219457,605.02216712.502.08819464,754.02.210512.001~260'+9473,071.022684.0027219481,530.02234'.57*12119491,560-.022343.1310619502,220.022492.9411.419511,875.022413.001.2319521,250.022282.72201953~25,02218.2.72*PTotal343,3767,552$140,664ATM'ag811,~.022263$J3.S)$4,851.-tlEstimated'116 TABlE10TOTALP£LCEr.TAVERAGEVALUE01A!.Jl.SKAFRC:JStS!TP.AAL.t.Sr.ASrrSITN!llEAREAItYT...~SUST'I'?'!!EA.'r{\T,sTPRICE?ELTI.T'F'S19257,920.0675311".009,02719267,495.06750220.f)Q10,04019279,809.067657z:.J"l>119,362192810,173.06768245.1'5:;0,86119297,575.06750S61.io:31,0391930.2,980.OS720057.0011,40019:31623.06742-1.3.501,8271932502.0(;,73423.297921933591.0674021.25S5tJ1934723.06748:'..1.1.41,02919351,338.0679021..501,93519362,42l.0&716236..255,87319372,089.067140:31.604,42419382,130.06714336.005,14819392,705.06718137.506,788.19401,698.06711443.504,9591941781.0675243.002,2361942639.0674345.001,9351943713.0(;74845.002,3041944990.06766SC.OO3,3:YJ1945955.067646G.(X)3,84019461,195.0678055.004,4001947965.0676524.001,5601948l,UO.0677416.90*1,2511949854.067579.8155919506-30.0674610.074631951900.0676014.478.681952600.0671JJ7.332931953900.067607.33*4JtJTotal72,0544.829$l6S,S03Average2,485.067167$32.30$5.821*Estimated'J17 TABIE11TotALm~CEN'rAVERl~VALUEatALASKAFRmtSOSI1rTAAlJ13~.ASnsITi~AYE}JtEf.RVl?~s~~rr:'fAHARVESTFR!CE~TL1?:r~1925**1926**1927**1928**1929**1930**19317,054.1591,12416.3518,377,19323,2S9.15751612.296,34219334,022.14558313.908,10419344,866.13364714.069,VJ719353,314.12140114.805,93519361,306.10914220.002,31...a193716,969.C971,64627.3545,01819389,237.•CS578524.7519,1;,2919391,287.07)94026.co2Jul~O19409,626.06158732.0018,734194J.707.05639639.0015,4441942**240.0511234.004"~~_JV1943S,812.04640544.0017,£201944.13,352.04154745.0024,6151945453.036.1660.0096019462,670.03182880.0066,21~0194713,413.03141640..0016,540194810,88).02729435.72·~10,502194914,l41.02332531.44-10,21619508,200.03327130.078,149J.9519,500.061580;0.2717,55719526,350.02717117.803,044195;5,500.02312717,80*2&26J~.'rota!.155,19111,759~352,224Averng~6,747.076511,f~"'72$15,314'ii"v•..EstL":1&ted*"ClosedSeason18 ·TotALPERCENTAVERAGEVALUECFA.LAS7J.FfW:JSGSI'1'!iAAL·Si:.AS:iSITHAYEA.llHftltVl'STSUSl'l'1JAHk,TESTl~i.ICE:.1":L'8rr~192559,504.0362,1427.0014tS'94192644,674.0401,78712.0021,444192745,466..0472,13714.152:31,029·192832,353.054·1,74715.8727,725192926,695.0601,60220.70:33,161193027,785.0541,5~8~5012,750193130,431.0471,4309.601:3p72S193243,207.0401,7235.699,832193,350,812.0361,8296.0511,C6;193457,858.0362,03)9.1619,03C193560,501.0362,1737.2015,652193644,016.0361,58510.5016$643193752,436.0361,82,312.4023,4111933:39,866.0361,43511.~O16,503193942,833.0361,51.49.7515,c54194043,702.0361,57.38.5013,371194131,782.0361,14410.5012,0121942,30,919.0361,1249.7510,959194333,705.0361,21312.501511163194461,038.0362,19711.00'24,167194546,188.0361,66218.0129,9161946AS,088.0371,73130.0051,930194753,000.0371,96116.25:n,366194836,662.0371,35619.33~26.211194939,348.0491,92822.401;3,187195028,000.0621t73620.1348,834195122,000.0611,34231.4342,1791952:39,200.0602,35221.0949,604195325.000,0601.50021,CJ.i*';21,635Total1,197,11949,434~n3,135AV~,!,41,280.0411,705$14.•50(;24,59qitEstitlated.19ri TOTALm.cEllT.A\1:nACEVM.J1EcrALAS"!)'FRO:.tSDSr.::rtAAL.tSKASilSITt1AAItEA1:'\TST.S~SIT~At-:f~.F~\1-"STPR!CE~":rr:rFtIFn1925395,l.42.0135.137.e54,3(;61926183,320..0132,3831.40,':l?6,....-19~7155,041.0132,0161.953,9311928197,957.0132,573l.~)3,/;2.2-1929190,377.0132,4751.~2*5Z51930411,934.0135,355.!'62,9S91931455~S97.0135,927.623,6'751932500,640.0136,5cS.:362,3J..3J.933154,573.0132,IX9.551,lC'51934133,312.0131,733.7)1,2651935127,901.0131,663.001,3301936153,772.0131,9991.252,4991937231,842.013,,0141.15,~4661935291,140.0133,725.662,49$1939.4J.'l,4a..0135,L;27.824,4501940453,300.01)5,8931.206,4821941266,C01.0133,4871.605,5791942267,356.0133,4761.7~69GB31943212,352.0132,7612.005,5?.219J.4l42,5JO.0131,B532.003,70619451.47.5:36.0131,9181.SO3,4521946145,::-99.0131,SC62.:?54,24i~1947160,312.0132,0842.004,lf.81948125,233.0131,6231.62*"617-,.1949l42,843.0131,8571.252,32J.1950198,000.01:32,5741.".164,2731951261,000.0133,3931.~6,3791952163,000.0132,ll91.122,3731952138.0QaeOl;1"'7Cf1.1.12+:?'-S..~Total6,822,852S9,727~102.4;SAvtrrago235,271.013.3,060$1~2Scit',532<it"'Est~ted..,F! "1'0'1'.~PlmCE1ltAV1":1tAGEV.\LOEOFA.LASMFRO?:fSGS!TNAAlASKASUSIT~_~YElJi1MhH:BTSUS:::TN.~H!J{\;TSTmICE:'EL7RI£SI••19253,265.03110119..001,91919262,932-.OJ1"9121..0("1,91119272,783.0318622..801,96~'19282,191.0319924~682,1.4319:292,943.0319131.582,09319:303,1.91.031loa23..002.4~-419312,432.0:31751.8.00J..,35019:322,284.0:31717.93563193.3',211.0:3110011.3'11,13719343,89'7.o:.nill13...,6It6l~19353,2?-4.0:',110013.301,33019.363,235.0:3110014.001,4-0019373,007.o:n9314.001,30219382,892.0:319012.75..148.1,.19392,792.0:318711.000/;719402,801..0;].8710.5091419£,12,188.OJ~6S14.5098619/..22,821.0:318813.001,144-19431,547.0314817.5084019442,772.,0318620.0086019452,;>.1..6.0317020.001,40019462,836~O318830.002,61..0,19472,986..03193:30.002,79019L.82,m.0318722.57·It96419492,287,,031,7115.141,07519502,660.0:318219.901,5501,9512"L/YJ.0:317427..862,06219522,95000319120..861,893}.953.2.3J..0.03173..20.86*1,223Total.81,2152.519$46,090Average2.801.0;3187tt8.61$1,589'll£etimated21 TABU:15liE/tSEr..tErmine)'!ar~~PERCEm'AVER..tGEVALtECi!.1tl..AS¥.AFROMSUSrrN~\ALASYJ/.St;Srrl~AIt/IR~:!Jt~rfsret"Q,....~~~f~an:$T~T(¥t'"~r::""!":'r!....."_,.,.,4,-.I,n~J....4...,~':-J-~.I,t~....~1925J3,nS.065an.8"0&?S192610,387.0656751.601,0301927...66".065;631.S51,0420,~192310,253.06;6662.01..1~;'59192917t4b7•0651,13;1.741,975193011,582.065.7531.1;3661~3115,358.0659931.151,14819?~17,536.0651,140.44502193311,372.065739.56!.l4193414,278.065928.6961..0193519,279.0651,253.5568919361l,Ol2.065716.7050119378.453.065549.so43919359,755.0656?-4.55;'49193913,828.065899.605'.1"""..,..,19409,895.065643.tJJ3Q-<',-;01941S,,80.065558.85''''',..../4194211,280.065730.9G65719433,89~.0652531.102731944-5,508.0653581.0035S19455,737.0653731.4C5~2194.66,298.0654091.S061419475,722.0653721.251.6519487,852.0655101.42-lfo7'..419493,801.0655721.599C919506,740.0654381.5?f:J16~9513,000.0655201.7e92619525,230.0653401.~595195;~1'\,,,,,..·°62195L7~~3L.l."<t........."..,ToW269,176.W,?91C20,~86Average9,'716.06564S$1.16$72.9*Est,1ll!at..d"22r, TABIE16A11nJ.U.AV.cltACEAV!.'Rr~A\'ER~GEFY..F.cnrrAvB,~T1tlCE(RAImUAL(JE'TO!:\LSFf&IFsTA~PRDl'V....LUEAL,!.sjSA'l::\~Beaver1,6S3S21.lS$29,305.0951U.nk1,705$14.50$24,590.041:katen*5ll$30.72$15,314.076lqnx167b2.30$5,821.067RedFox260$13.83$4,850.022t:uskrat.3,060e1.28.$3,532.013LandOtter87$18.61~1,589.0:31CreesFox36$42.05$1,526,0)1Wea.sel648$1.26~.72,4,065',.Total.Va1ue$87,252'Rounded$87,000*Basedon23-yearperiodofrecord•.Allot..~er8~st!Jdon29-yearFeriod.r 19.lloU'.coyote,andwolvt'.ril16.havebeen~.epar!ltedfromthetorbeart!rclass~1noethqrc;;r('~nt&rather':1niqup.~tegOl"Yinsofaraswild11f'eiaeoneertWd.AlthoughRiyorBasinpollc,ydoesnot~Ja1uatepredators,itisbelievedthat.UarkarepresentsCospecialcas.,andvalue:sshouldbee::msid~red.Thet.ake1:trFlBhand!H.ldlifeSen-iceagentahannot.~ncQnaidert'<..dintil\!;!totalincomputingvn.lues.Thl:t&roupb.~~:ineztims.t.erl~r:rr'IJ.Geannualv!U.uoorabout$2,90Cttt~lm:~&tvalu.~groupin~"l<!J1:e.5in.20.Aswastrueforothergronps,1942(showninred)r,as'OOenentire"ZJ-;reE..:rperiodofrecord. TABIE17CCY~'raI'AL?tF..cI:llTAVIRACEVA.!..~OF.u.t,sY"AFRO~SUS1Tr.AALl;J,;'·KASJS1'I'.tillYEART-L~\'I.sTSJSrrnAH.~,.f~'7I"STFF..IC,E'TL~rr.s192561,.207137000911926113.207231.001611927191.207..4013.405361928621.20712816.252,0301929480.2079920.502,0301930)06.2076313.008191931206.207439.484081932216.2071.54.1113519);;299.207624.732931934439.207915.7652419352.97.207615.2532019361,098.207~276.701,5211937l,:nO.2072753..252,269193131,355.2072805.751,6J.O19391,507.2073124.S01,1/:;/.,19402,080.2074305.!JO2,1501941.1,2;)8.2072504.501,1251942757.2071576.259811943376.207788.506631944797.2071658.001,3201945713.207USeooo1,lB419461,020.ZJ72116.001')",,,.;;.0019471,.308.2072'714.001,C$419481,0:34.2072145.00*1,0701949355.207735.00*3651950706**.207U65.00*7301951619*"*.2071285.00*6401952A.Q2.....207S)5.OC....1.15J.953347**.207725..00*.3EQTotal20.24l4,lest27.6':l4Average698.207144*6.61$9521f!st1matcd~Exclusiveof1"\'18Take25r! 'tOTALl:.r'RCE!~AVER.ACEVA:,DSOFALASlf,AFROM:SUSrrNAAU5Y..'\SXD.\1{.\~~~FAitvEISnSITllA:!tJtVESTPr{ICEl:.1£LT;"\IT·~S-"e·1925247.0601412.<"...01631926232.0601412.001631927468.0ti01623..90JS21928536-.0603226.001!"2141929688..0004l41.551,7'J41930355.0002126.005/.61931263.0601626.00J;lG'1932258.Obt115~.O'J:3301933387..Ot}Q238.00lC41934''(51.C.oo1+522..OJryS-o193561.2-.0003921.2~G~91'136904.0605419~~O.,().!\?-,-,~1937730..060442J.701,04.3193$61.0~060:;815.50~E91939405.0602417.004CS19401Jt4.06027l~"',......~6""'.~-v19t,1.m..0603615$0054019/~2620.0603713.505001943.351..c.'6021ZJ.oo42019441).8...060.2515..0037519458511110605120..001,02019/,61,055.060631D.~6301947J.,563..060942':>.001,2;2019/$793.0601.819.04*91419J.948B..OC<Oz:;18.035231950904**.0605418.12g?81951581**..060'519.1J6701952779**•Cry:)472~.CO1,1751953LG5**"O(.{)2925.()Q*725••Total17,4401,032(.20860'etAverage601.06036$19.7'3$719~5tit1J!.ted"'*ExclusiveatFiiSTake TA.BJ.E19'l'0'l'J..LI-ERCE.'1rJNf1tNJ'EVALlEOJ!AU,s!AFRQ"~SDSrr~AALASr~SLSIT!~A'1f;lJtE,\F;VlSTS'..:s:rrnAl!r~:":Vr:ST11£lCEPEL+Rn:;l192;360.252918.007281926·468.25211815.001,7701.927809.25220422.104,5GB1928831.2522:':YJ21.274~51929873.•25222019.954,3891930495.25212510.501,3131931/n6.2521028.74891...u1932234.252593.602121933281.252714.50:3201934279.252703.502451935260.25270;.503851936290.252737.4054019373{fl.252936.2057719382434.252.626.003721939228.2;2575.503141940326.252825.501..511941232.252535.753341942246.252627.00434194392.2522)8.501961944-87.2522215.003301945482.25212115.001,S151946746.25216815.002,£2019476:30.252159ll.OO1,7491948;27.25213312,19·1,62119493{fJ.2529313.371,2431950490,252l231e.122,2291951500.25212620.6)2,5991952350.252882,',502,4201953400.25210122.5O·lt2,713.'.roW11,9083,003~42,O28Average4ll.252104$12.06$1,449t'Eatil::atedrJ TABlE20k~IUAtA\']lU.GEAVERAGEAVERAGEi~"RClnn"AVERACETRICE(8AmroALOFTOl'ALS,?Ef;IfS'1'AY.E:Tr.:rVAL!$;AL..45KAT'~l;:;WolveI"1M104$12.06~1,449.252CtVOteU4$6.61$952.20r!!olt'6t19,:a~719.060TotuValua*'~.3,120Rounded.$),100" 21.Aboutt6l,000a.nnual1ycouldbeassignedtoducks,andgeeseinth8~us1tnaonahunter-takebasia.Thismethodwaaus15dinlieuofadequated11Ck-d1!1)-orgoose-dayinformation.1..sa.I1nualtransE'otitororuuintheLakeLcuis&andLov:erSudt.r..:l.araas,infonetlonw1.Uthenbecoaa:vailableonwhichto.,nlkedu.ek-duyorgoose""'Clay~tlmates.!1nd.oubted4,evalJ.JAtiontvthedq-use1ll.ethcd"Uillresult.inamuchlOiOorvalu.otl:.;-...uthatbainggiveninttdareport.r TABIE21DX¥.STarAtALl,sKA.HAP.VfSr:BYFrF.cr:nrTar.~LMr:-HJAL!.ICE!?EEDfRGIISUSITNAUNITSJSITIIAYF/1RRTr-fjT?5f'~0lTNA.-'-ITS7iiAL:S....y...¥!"'i!":;t~'..:~'I'flJ.".1t.~94280,045..Ill8,9158.1672'J746191+36O,000·Jt.1116,6608.1654,346194451,653.1115,7:338.1646,78119k;50,40$.lll5,5958.1645,655194671,830.1117,9738.1665,0601947ffl,J;l.6.1117,705e.1662,873194652,552.111;,-SS)8.16L..e,005194960,025.ll.l6,6278.1654,076195061.,071.1117,11:38.1658,{}42195165,860.lll7,3108.1659,650J.2526Q!Oo~ft...1116,OtJO8.1651.,'34~-rota!£'85,863.lll76,174~o.16~621,5SOAverage62,351.1116,925~;116$56,508.....,-'.pE~&1942.13,118.031410$16.32t6,69119439,000*.OJ127916..:32/.,55319446,C'98.03116916.323,G3419458,934.03127716.324,521194612,L.2'9.03138516.326,233194710,628.03132916.325,.36919489,9;20.0:3130e16.:325,027191..98,653.03126316.324,37/..-19509,807.0:31:50416.324,96119519,CDSI"'\~'27916.324,553•v..>....19529.000.011?7916,.12/+~Total106,5953,:;01~53,969"A.verage9,690.031:;0116.324,912TotalWa~rovlValuee61,~""ORounied~61tOOOilE8t1ma.ted" TABlE22SlT.liARYOFCROUPVALUESCRqUP.BigGameSmallCameFurBearersPredatory'l'ypeFur&arer~WaY'rf:o:'lROU1IDID"31e207,18544,304S..,,::Z523,1206.1,L.20 opeciesintheSusitnae,1.1dCopperRivesTB.."lsine,as'\';e11anther~atoftheTorritar~.willbeavuilnble.2.Adeli:'1eatlonofhighvalnewildl1.f't\'lftr:iisisplannedl:'Udlife€'I'OUpiscssentiRlforaccurutere;:;orting.Duringth&berequiredtorej)OrttheirkillabyS!~Cie8,location,.anddate.tueh1r.forn.1tlonli'ouldbet&bu1atoobytheRiverBat-inas~rinamnUuib~Elcuring'the:::ig:rat:onseason't'ill'titgRthl;redMttmeandconiesr~rgit.;.Th.tret:rlorwilcUifaam;-otentialvalu~GwillreceiveSO'neconsideration.";32i'i! 23.TheMXtprogressreportshouldincludetheabove48salientf'eaturosofthereportaswella.arevisionortheafl..nualharvestamvelue~asmoresi--ec1ticir:£orzoa.tionbecome.available.r ,ISEiirNl'nAmmALP..E?<:RroftheEIrCJTMOFFICEF.totheALA~.L<.AGAi$CmcUSSIONforther.:eriodNCVr.;;;JjHt1,19.30toCCTOET.H31,1931FIFTEDn'HF..EPcm'ottherxrCt1l'IVEOFFICERtotheAI.!$.lt.tCt,:,ECO;:::.JISSIO?lfortheperiodJMmr1..~Y1,1940tor·ECE;m3ER:31,1940SIX'1"E!N'l1I.UmUALRE?~ortheU..ECD"T1VEOFFICERtothef.LliSY,AGA-~~cr...nusSlO!ifarthe~iodJA}rJARY:1,191J.toDECE2BER31,.19.41Sl'..'V£NrEE!."THAN-;n:JALREf'Ol"1Torther.XrcUTIVEOfF!CERtothefJ.,ASMC,CZCOz.t'.USSION'tartMperiodJAlmlu.Y1,.1942toNOvr.~~:R30,1942SECOIDANtrJALHE?CR'l'ofT1:EALI\SY.AGA~~COl;tiIESIOntoTHESECfLryARY(F?}J!:n:l"ERI(F~fortheperiodJUU1,1940toJU1;E:;0,19"TIUEDA.;WUALF.EF-QRTotTEEJ.LASY.ACA;,:ECO;.~:'lIr£rC!ltoTHEr.I:CrtETfJtIOFTl£INTERImfartheperiodJUI:l1,.1942toJUNE30,1942FOURTHA!r.;U'ALP.EPORTotTl{EAWl«GN1ECO~ftfIS~)I()NtoTEESrCRETARYOF'r~n:n.Hrmforther-eriodJUU1,1942toJU~JO,1943FIFTHA~mijALF.FPffiTofTHEALASKAGA~.lECO~'.MIS':I~mtoT1I£SECm:rA..'qyCflTEEnlI'ERlr.Eforthef-ericdJULII,1943toJL~3D,).944SUTHAmWALRr?CF.Tof1mAUiZKAGA~~co;c-nIS~IONto'rHErECRt:'!':iRYOFTIreTIr.rERIoo.forthept"'siodJUI,Y1,1944toJUNE30,1945SEVEl?l'HAltmALRJ:?CRTor'1'i":EALAEKAGA~:EC(k:fiISSIONto'ZEESr.CP.Et'fJlYOFTEEIN'lER!0R.fortheperiodJTJIX1,1945toJill~30,1946EIGHTHAtnrU:ALREPCliTofTm:ALASKAGA!lECOJ.;1IISSIOntoTEESreIrr'I'.~'1.YCFTHEIirrEIlICRtortheperiodJULY1,1946toJU1~:;0,1947NInTHAIlliUALP2PORTofTm:ALASr...AGk',1ECO·.r,~I~rmitoTHESFCRETIJlIOFTEEDm:R!mfortheperiodJUU1,1947toJIJrlE30,1948'XEN'I'H-ELt...·E:n'HMrrIUALRPJ-ffi'!'SofTEEAJ"",,\ST\ACM£Ca~iISSIONtoT!£sr..cm::TAP.YOF'rHEnmRICRfort~F~riodJirL3.I,1948toJm~30,1949-JULY1,1949toJUliE30,1950TF!EL..~HA~UALF.EPORTorTEEALt..,Sf.ACA;$CO:;;UECIONtoTEEsrCP.ETARYOFTHEn:ru'tICRfortheperiodJiJU1,1950toJum::30~195134.,.\-:!j AIASUGAlUSAm7URF..A.'WfS'tSTATISTICS,July1,191;4to1953,u.S.D.I.,FishandWildlli'eServics,Juneau,AJ.aska.?!T'r'.J.AH-ROffi"J"iTSOIQUAR'I"E.KLIES,1949-195),U.S.D.I.,FishandWUd1.1.f:eServics,Region6,Juneau,Alaska3S The document A Progress Report on the Fishery Resources of the Susitna River Basin, Alaska (1954) is not yet available. UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF TEE INTERIOR FISH and WU.m·IFE SERVICE JUNEAU, ALASKA PROGRESS REPORT 1956 FIELD INVESTIGATIONS !EVIL CANYON DAMSITE, SUSITNA RIVER BASIN TERRITORY of ALASKA July, 1957 For Administrative Use Only I .... -. -'I UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR FISH a nd WILDLIFE SERVICE JUNEAU ,ALASKA ervice PROGRES S REPORT 1956 FIELD INVESTIGATIONS DEVIL CANYON DAMSITE .SUSITNA RIVER BASI N I TERRITORY of ALASKA July,195 7 For Administrative Use Only ARLI S :\1 8 RelOUrces UbralY &InfonnadOQ SoMQOS UbnuY BuildIng.Suito 111 3211 Providence DriveAnchora~.AK 99508-46 14 F\VLr.; 11 77 SUSITNA RIVER BASIN ALASKA SUSITNA REPORT 1.For many years,the Susitna Basin has been an area of extreme interest to the people of the Territory as a potential source of hydro- electric power for South Central Alaska.The basin lies north of the farthest inland projection of Cook Inlet between latitudes 610 -640 and longitudes 1460 -153 0 •Its total drainage area comprises 19,300 square miles of virtually uninhabited lands.This area is bordered on the south by the waters.·of Cook Inlet;on the east by the Chugach and Talkeetna Mountains;and on the west and north by the Alaska Range. 2.The main stem of the Susitna River,from its source in the Alaska Range to its point of discharge into Cook Inlet,is approximately 275 miles long.The principal tributaries have their origin in glaciers high in the mountains and)for the mOpt part,are turbulent in the upper reaches and slow-flowing in the lower regions.Most of the tributaries carry a heavy load of glacial silt. 3.In August of 1952,the Bureau of Reclamation published a report entitled '!Report on the Potential Development of Water Resources in the Susitna River.Basin of.Alaskall •Their plan·of development in- c1ud~19 potential.damsites,widely distributed throughout the Basin. However,only 12 of the original 19 sites are presently being considered for development.The one currently considered most feasible and most likely to be developed first is the site at Devil Canyon,Figure 1. Figure 1.View of proposed Devil Canyon Damsite, showing rapids and river gorge.* 4.The proposed Devil Canyon Dam would consist of a concrete arch-gr~vity structure having a crest height of approximately 500 feet above the existing stream bed.A side channel spillway equipped with 36-x 50-foot radial gates and an initial power plant capacity of 232,000 IwJH are also planned. 5.Approximate stream gradient at the proposed damsite is 19 feet per mile and the drainage area above the damsite includes 5,830 square miles.Dimensions of the proposed reservoir are presented in Table 1. *Photo by Bureau of Reclamation. 2 Table 1.Dimensions of the proposed Devil Canyon Reservoir ~.Min. Capacity (100 AC.-F*2,510 616 Ar~a (Acres)15,200 6,400 Depth at Dam (Ft)492 291 Length (Miles)26 14 Ave.-age Width (Ft)4,800 3,800 2,020 455 24 4,600 *These amounts include reduction in capacity to allow for estimated sediment deposition over a 100-year period,assuming no upstream reser- vQirs on the main stem.. NOTE:The above data are based on initial development of only Devil C2+Qyon -.Res~rvoir,and .Power .Pl.ant , ·6.,The Sus.itna·River·is eonsidered one of the most important salmon spawning streams in the Cook Inlet region and annually contributes a major.portion of the Cook Inlet salmon pack.This contribution is valued inexpess of $1,900,000 annually. 7.Investigations of-a preliminary nature were conducted by the Fishiand Wildlife Service in the Basin in 1952 and 1953 and the following reports were prepared: L·A Preliminary Statement···of'Fish and Wildlife Resources of· the Susitna,Basin in Relation to Water Development Projects p 1952 .• 20 A Progress Report on the Wildlife Resources of the Susitna Basin,1954•. 3.A,Progress Report on the Fishery Resources of the Susitna River.Basiu.1954. 8.In the summer of 1956,the Bureau of Reclamation resumed de~ taileg feasibility studies of thisdamsite.In order to keep pace with their ipvestigations,the Fish and Wildlife Service began detailed 3 studies of project effects the same year.Although earlier reconnais- sance indicated that anadromous species did not utilize the watershed above the Devil Canyon Damsite,detailed studies were required to verify our previous conclusions.The primary objectives of this study are as follows: 1.To determine the extent anadromous species utilize the Susitna River above the proposed Devil Canyon Damsite for spawning and rearing purposes. 2.To determine the extent anadromous species utilize the watershed between the damsite and the town of Curry. 3.To obtain general information relative to magnitude and distribution of resident fish populations that would be affected by project development. 4.To determine whether access blocks to anadromous species exist on the main stem of the Susitna River above the proposed site. 9.The area covered by these investigations was that section of the Susitna River between Curry and the confluence of Jay Creek,Figure 6. In this section,the river is confined to a narrow,steep-walled canyon. Mountains rise abruptly to elevations exceeding 2,000 feet above the stream bed.The stream gradient is relatively steep,with the steepest grade occurring between the confluence of Devil Creek and Portage Creek. It is in this area where hydraulic barriers to migratory fish may occur, as shown in Figures 2,3 and 4. 4 Figure 2.,-Jest end of Devil Canyon,showing steepness of canyon walls. Figure 3.Susitna River approximately 3 miles upstream from the Vevil Canyon Damsite. 5 Figure 4.Possible hydraulic barrier to ascending salmon several miles above Devil Canyon Damsite.Note slide lower right. 10.Two methods were used to determine the value of the fishery resources of this section of the river.Gillnetting during the period of salmon migration provided direct evidence of their presence below the damsite,Figure 5.Resulting catch rates gave some indication of their abundance.Tributary streams were surveyed from the air and ground to provide counts of spawning salmon and to estimate the extent of suitable spawning gravels.Observations were also made to determine the presence of natural obstructions to migrating salmon,both in the tributary streams and in the main stream of the Susitna. 11.In addition to the use of gillnets,sampling was also done by means of a minnow seine and hook and line fishing.Representative samples of all species were weighed,measured,and sexed,and scale samples were taken for age and growth analysis. 6 Figure 5.View of gillnet set in eddy in Devil Canyon below damsite. GILLNETTING RESULTS 12.On June 16,king salmon nets were set in the locations indi- cated on the map,Figure 6.Sets were made both above and below Portage Creek.The first king salmon was netted on July 7,and the last on July 17.The peak of the run,as indicated by daily gillnet catches,was approximately July 12.Red salmon nets were set on the 19th and 20th of August and fished until the 9th of September.The locations of these sets are also presented in the map, and the catches of both species below the damsite are recorded in Table 2. 7 Table 2.The amount of gillnet fished;the number of hours fished; and the catch of each species above and below Portage Creek. Fathoms Total :Area between Damsite Area of Hours :and Portage Creek Below Portage Creek Gillnet Fished:King Red Silver Chum Pink King Red Silver Chum Pink 13 1749 4 0 0 0 0 16 2207 18 0 0 0 0 10.8 574 0 4 2 23 0 3.3 544 0 3 53 61 1 4 4 2 23 0 18 3 53 61 1 13.Catch rates were determined for gillnets set above and below Portage Creek.The following formula was used in these computations: catch rate =total hours fished x fathoms of gillnet. catch To indicate relative abundance,the resulting catch rate for each species above Portage Creek was divided by its respective catch rate below Portage Creek,thus yielding a percentage figure.These computa- tions follow: King Salmon Below: Above: 2207 x 16 =1962 gear hours per fish captured. 18 1749 x 11 =5684 gear ho~rs per fish captured. 4 5684 1962 =290%faster rate of catch per unit gear hours below Portage Creek than above. 8 Churn Salmon Below: Above: ~44 x 1.1 =29.4 gear hours per fish captured. 61 ~74 x 10.8 =269.5 gear hours per fish captured. 23 Red Salmon =920%faster rate of catch per unit gear hours below Portage Creek than above. Below: Above: ~44 x 1.1 =598.4 gear hours per fish captured. 3 ~74 x 10.8 =1,549.8 gear hours per fish captured. 4 Silver Salmon 1~49.8 598.4 =259%faster rate of catch per unit of gear hours below Portage Creek than above. Below: Above: ~44 x 1.1 =33.9 gear hours per fish captured. 53 ~74 x 10.8 =3099.6 gear hours per fish captured. 2 3099.6 33·9 =914%faster rate of catch per unit of gear hours below Portage Creek than above. 9 STREAN SURVEYS 14.The tributary streams surveyed during the 1956 season are discussed in order,beginning with Gold Creek and proceeding upstream. All these tributaries,with the exception of Jay Creek,are located downstream from Devil Canyon.Jay Creek is located approximately 55 miles upstream from Devil Canyon.All tributary streams from Indian River upstream to Jay Creek,inclusive,were surveyed from the air and no salmon were observed. 15.Gold Creek This stream was not surveyed,but information regarding it was obtained in an interview with ~1ichale Boddner,a homesteader in the area. He stated that a few king salmon spawn in this creek and that 32 chum salmon were spawning at the mouth on September 1.According to Boddner, grayling,rainbow trout,and Dolly Varden trout are also found in Gold Creek. 16.Indian River This is a clear,fast stream approximately 25 feet wide and of about 3t feet average depth.Aquatic vegetation includes algae and mosses,while shoreline vegetation is composed chiefly of willow,poplar and alder.The first mile upstream from the mouth possesses a gradient considered too steep for salmon spawning.However,suitable spawning areas were observed in the section from It to 5 miles upstream from the mouth.Four surveys "f this section were made:Two were prior to salmon migration,the third.was near the peak of the king salmon run, when 22 of this species were observed,and the last was near the end of August,when all runs--with the exception of the silver salmon migration-- 10 were nearly complete.During this final survey,94 chum,9 pink and 6 silver salmon were observed alive;while 1 king,67 pink,and 193 chum salmon were found dead.Aside from its value to spawning salmon,Indian River also provides habitat for grayling and rainbow trout. 17.Jack Long Creek This tributary possesses a steep gradient and contains clear, slightly yellow-tinged water.Its bed is largely boulders and cobbles and its banks are quite steep.Shoreline vegetation consists chiefly of willow,cottonwood,and a variety of annuals.No salmon were seen nor were their spawning beds observed.Four spawned-out pink salmon,however, were found at the mouth of Jack Long Creek.This stream also supports small grayling and rainbow trout populations. 18.Portage Creek This creek is 40 to 60 feet wide and 5 to 8 feet deep.Its waters are clear,blue-tinged,and the stream bed contains bottom materials of all sizes,including gravels suitable for spawning salmon.Deep pools are present throughout most of the length of Portage Creek.Some of these are of such depth that spawning salmon could easily have been missed by both aerial and ground observers.Shoreline vegetation is composed chiefly of birch,willow,cottonwood and annuals.Aquatic vegetation is largely moss and algae.Slide areas were noted on the right bank going upstream. 19.The first survey of Portage Creek was made at the beginning of the king salmon run,and 3 of this species were observed.During the last survey,which was made on September 9,1 live chum, 1 pink and 3 silver salmon were observed moving upstream.A total of 10 chum and 11 pink 11 salmon were observed on the spawning gravels.A minimum of 30 red salmon were seen spawning at the mouth of Portage Creek. 20.A king salmon gillnet was set diagonally across the mouth of Portage Creek and was fished for eight days during the peak of the run. Only four king salmon were taken and these were netted during the first 24 hours of the set.An observation post overlooking a clear section of Portage Creek was manned for 46 hours during the run,and no king salmon were observed.An aerial reconnaissance survey covering the total length of the stream was made and no salmon were visible from the air.However, as noted previously,spawning salmon may have been present in the deep pools where they could not be discerned.Observations indicated that grayling were abundant in Portage Creek while rainbow trout were rela- tively scarce. 21.Devil Canyon While the flow through this section of the Susitna is very rapid and turbulent,it was found that side eddies exist along the canyon wall which permitted the passage of a boat upstream well into the gorge. It appeared that this area should provide no obstruction to migrating salmon.If hydraulic obstructions do exist,they are probably located at the proposed damsite and in the canyon area 8 miles above the site, Figures 2,3 and 4. 22.Jay Creek The gradient of this stream is quite gradual to a point approxi- mately two miles upstream from its mouth,where there is a decided increase in gradient.Its waters are yellow and turbid and about 2 to 3 feet deep.Its sandy,rocky shoreline is bordered by stands of white 12 spruce,cottonwood,willow,and alder.Neither salmon nor their spawning beds were observed in the seven-mile section of Jay Creek which was sur- veyed.Three gillnets were fished for a period of 494 hours in locations adjacent to the mouth of Jay Creek,and no salmon were taken,indicating the possibility that they were unable to migrate this far upstream in the Susitna. Sill'lMARY 25.Field investigations conducted in the Susitna River and its tributaries during the 1956 season provided the following information: 1.Appreciable numbers of all five species of salmon were captured by gillnet in the Susitna below the confluence of Portage Creek. 2.In a stream section extending from Portage Creek almost to the Devil Canyon Damsite,no pink salmon were taken,and only small numbers of king,red,and silver salmon were netted. However,an appreciable number of chum salmon were caught in this section. 3.At Jay Creek,55 miles upstream from Devil Canyon,three gillnets set for 494 hours captured no salmon. 4.Aerial surveys of all tributary streams from Indian River to Jay Creek,inclusive,failed to reveal the presence of salmon. 13 • • • DISCUSSION 26,Field investigations during 1956 were intended to determine whether salmon migrate up the Susitna Ri ver beyond the Devil Canyon Damsite.All five species of salmon were captured in gillnets whi ch were set downstream from the damsite.Those gillnet sets located nearest the proposed site,however,took very few fish of only four species,the pink salmon not being represented.Gillnets fished near the mouth of Jay Creek,55 miles upstream from Devil Canyon,failed to take salmon although they were set for 494 hours during the estimated peak of the mi gration. Furthermore,extensive aerial surveys of the tributary streams failed to reveal the presence of salmon upstream from Devil Canyon.However,it is not believed that present data warrant the conclusion that an obstruction definitely exists.Further field investigations will be conducted in suitable spawning streams above Devil Canyon during the summer of 1957 . 14 FIGURE 6.THE SECTION OF THE SUSITNA RIVER IN WHICH FIELD INVESTIGATIONS WERE CONDUCTED DURING 1956. f.. I, ) //, UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR FISH AND WILDLIFE SERVICE Arnie J.Suomela ,Commissioner Library U.S.F i~1t 9~Wild lif e Servi J"la sku PROGRESS REPORT "1 957 FIELD INVESTIGATIONS DEVIL CANYON DAM SITE AND RESERVOIR AREA SUSITNA RIVER BASIN . STATE OF ALASKA ARLIS Alaska Resources Library &Inform aJinn SerVi ces AncLJ:3.c ·:",.'J..aska .)Juneau,Alaska Ap r-il 1959 For Administrative Use Only T ABLE OF CONTENTS INTRODUCTION Figure 1 ·".."..",."""."."".".".""."...".."... .....""•••••I1..•ll.·011 ••••q •••e ... Page 1 2 OBJECTIVES Figure 2 Figure 3 Figure 4 •....II ....,•"co 0 .....It •"......""•••••••"••• •,.o. "li'" "It ""•••" ". 4 5 6 7 DESCRIPTION OF AREA •~.. • • • "•"..II • • " • • " • " " • ..CI .. .• • .. 8 METHODS Table 1 Table 2 • •":t """.. 9 10 11 12 12 14 14 14 15 16 16 "" .. ""<II • "~.••• ••••#••.•••••••••••0·.·••••••·.,. It "II;".."""". Deadman Creek Watana Creek Kosina Creek Fishery Investigations Stream Surveys Wildlife Investigations Table 3 FINDINGS SUMMARY ".."."......"........18 LITERATURE CITED 19 INTRODUC TION L Interest in the Susitna River Basin,a potential source of hydroelectric power for south-central Alaska,is intense and should be- come more so as population,industry,and national defense create needs for more power (Fig.1).The Susitna River,about 275 miles long,origi- nates in the Alaska Range,flows to the southwest.and empties into Cook Inlet near Anchorage.The few human inhabitants in the 19,300 square mile drainage area are concentrated in the Lake Louise area and along the Alaska Railroad which runs north and south bisecting the basin and paralleling the Susitna River from 44 to 122 miles above its mouth.A few roads on the fringes of the area provide opportunities for other means of mechanized ground travel. 2.The eastern one-third of the basin probably furnishes over half the range for the Nelchina caribou herd.Censusing in 1955 indicated a population of about 40,000.These animals,which are reasonably close to population centers and accessible from time to time to hunters with automobiles,swamp buggies,and tractors a-s means of transportation, furnish more sport hunting than any other caribou herd in the State. Moose,fairly abundant throughout the basin,provide hunting along the railbelt and the few roads and elsewhere to hunters with airplanes and boats.Other big game present and furnishing a limited amount of hunting are Dall sheep,mountain goat,black bear,grizzly bear,and brown bear. 1 ) ~ I f A I ...''0" ,,.. p c ..ALASKA. ) Figu r e L S us itn a R i v e r B a.sin .•Ala ska (L ocati o n m ap ) 2 \ 3,Ptarmigan.spruce grouse and snowshoe hare,all of whose numbers fluctuate periodically,are found throughout the region.Some waterfowl use the area for nesting as well as for resting during migration. Hunting for these species is limited by inaccessibility. 4.Fur bearers present are beaver,mink,muskrat,red fox, weasel,lynx,otter,wolverine,wolf,and coyote,Harvest of these species varies depending on current fur prices and availability. 5.The Susitna River watershed provides spawning grounds for a substantial portion of the salmon which are taken commercially in Cook Inlet.Estimated percentages of the annual pack contributed by the Susitna Ri ver production by species during the l Ovye a r period,1946 through 1955, are as follows: Red salmon 39% King salmon 19% Pink salmon 20% Coho salmon 14% Chum salmon 8% These figures are computed from estimates furnished by John Skerry,Fishery Management Supervisor for Cook Inlet Df.s t r i c t-arid data in the Fishery Report for Kenai Peninsula (1957). 6.The Bureau of Reclamation (1952)has described 19 potential dam sites for ultimate hydroelectric power development of the Susitna Basin.Results of ensuing preliminary Fish and Wildlife Service investi- gations were presented in three reports issued during 1952 and 1954. 3 7.The Devil Canyon site has been selected by the Bureau of Reclamation for initial development.Located 134 miles above the river's mouth and 12 miles above Gold Creek railroad station,the site is about midway between the population centers of Anchorage and Fairbanks (Figs.2 and 4). 8.The dam would be a concrete arch-gravity structure about 500 feet high with a crest length of 1>100 feet.A power plant located at the foot of the dam would have a capacity of 232,000 KW and annual firm output of I,150,000,000 KW -hours. 9.The reservoir.25 miles long and between one-half and three- fourths miles wide,would have a total capacity of 2,930,000 acre-feet of which 1.950,000 acre-feet would be available for power storage capacity. These figures are based upon development without upstream storage reservoirs,Complete data for the Devil Canyon project alone and in con- junction with upstream reservoirs are presented in the Bureau of Recla- mation Susitna Basin Report (1952). OBJECTIVES 10.The overall objective of the River Basin Studies investigations was to determine the effects of a dam and impoundment on the fish and wildlife resources of the area with primary emphasis on whether a dam would affect significant runs of anadromous fish.In order to meet these 4 '-- 1!S2 ·I!SO ·148·146" 14 6" I BASIN Area Investigated,1957 Devil Canyon Impoundment Area 25 20 15 10 5 0 25 Mil •• •!bd ..I •SCALE SUSITNA RIVER FIG .2 I I---- ./,/ ~/ / // CAHTWE~~ cz .d ·S+,rW$Na"SO ~:/'~Jj "Wi!\t(;o/;"I -~-"I"\01-~:;I~~I ~~O(J _#_--.,,~"'. 0'"_'\.::;'rbWi F <,"\\\';\'.•'_-148" ,<~~'f. '.~p.~\O~~\. 'f.\;\.~'" ,,~". ~\' 1!S 2" N '"".,......'(1)I ,....:::J§,~ '-,,,~$ r 11 I ;If '~.~t2 I L/I'JJ (-'~"'I I "~~"-\'".>~--,,-,'U)t!"~::::--,\.~---_.....DP.~'( nr .~.(!::::..::-:~~R "<>,••col.l N I !-'"~L """(.'(tI ·.'\T 'I ,/t 6 2"-62 ---.~'.l ..ll,l~(I "" ..y \-~,5:i·:'l ~,_-=-:: J - ( I, \;~j{~f!j ,O~,-..."..- •.:.ass'"" i- N t ,/''~.,::::7.-:.2~~;.J .':""'.--,.<.Y?'tephan "".ke .:(~';..(,./~.- RESERVOIR AREA GILLNET SET,LOCATIONS o .KING SAI.MON Q'RED SALMON •KING SALMON AND RED SALMON 5 0 5 MILES E3F3F3 I i.rrve sti gati on.0' Figure 3.The Susitna River f r orn Portage to Jay" Devil Canyon dam site and 1957 area C'r e e k ,This s e c'ti on contains the proposed Figure ound) objectives,a two-year study was initiated.The work during the 1956 field season was devoted to test netting in the Susitna River and its tribu- taries immediately below the dam site,and at Jay Creek,55 miles above the dam site.From this work it was determined that there was a possi- bility of a limited number of salmon passing through Devil Canyon to spawn.Complete findings may be found in the 1956 Field Investigations Progress Report (1957). 1L The primary objective of the 1957 program was to test net above the dam site to further determine if anadromous fish were passing through Devil Canyon.Incidental to this,information was to be gathered on other fish and game species. DESCRIPTION OF AREA 12.The area investigated during the summer was the Susitna River and tributaries from Deadman Creek to Jay Creek,inclusive.The lower end of this 20-mile section is about si miles above the upper end of the Devil Canyon impoundment area,(Figs.2 and 3).This area was chosen for study because it contains more potential spawning streams; also,logistics would be less difficult than in the 25-mile long proposed impoundment area.The two areas are believed sufficiently similar that data obtained for resident fish and game populations and game utilization on the study area are applicable to the impoundment area. a 13,Stream bottoms and low river bottoms support black spruce- aspen stands,White spruce occurs on the steep side hills in conjunction with paper birch,scrub birch,black spruce,and occasional stands of aspen and cottonwood,Scrub birch is present in the rolling country on each side of the canyon,Willow occurs infrequently throughout the entire study area,Understory includes blueberry,low-bush cranberry,narrow- leafed Labrador tea,crowberry,fi r ewe ed ,mosses.and lichens. METHODS 14.Fifteen gill nets,6 feet in depth and averaging 28 feet in length,were set in the 10-mile section of the Susitna River from the mouth of Deadman Creek to 3 miles above the mouth of Watana Creek (Fig,3 and Table 1),Six of these sets were of 8i-inch mesh king salmon web;nine sets were of Si-inch mesh red salmon web,The nets were set with one end anchored and one end free in eddies of the Susitna River and at the mouths of Deadman and Watana Creeks,both potential salmon spawning streams.The first set was made on June 16.Each net was checked on the average of every seven days.A boat accident and the subsequent loss of equipment limited field work to the extent that no nets were checked from July 10 to 22.Nets were removed August 28 and 29 resulting in a total of 7,314 fishing hours J:../(4,320 with 8i-inch web; 2,994 with Si-inch web).Although hampered somewhat by fluctuating 1/1 fishing hour =1 gill net fished for 1 hour. 9 water levels,the gill nets fished with a satisfactory degree of efficiency. Table 1.Gill Net Sets,Susitna River,1957 Hours Fished Location No.8f"mesh 5f"mesh Fish (Fig.3)Dates Fished (king web)(red web)Taken A July 3-July 4 24 None July 7-July 10 72 None B July 27-July 30 72 None C July 6-July 29 552 None D July 28-July 29 24 None E June 23-July 11 252 None F June 20-June 26 144 None G June 20-August 30 1,704 None H July 28-August 2 120 None I July 24-July 25 24 None J July 22-August 1 240 None K July 24-July 25 24 None L July 24-August 30 888 None M July 29-August 29 744 None N June 16-July 21 894 None 0 June 27-August 30 1,536 None Totals 4,320 2,994 Grand Total 7,314 hours None 15.Ten small fish collections were made (Table 2).Seven of these were from the mouth of Watana Creek,one from Watana Creek two miles upstream from its mouth,one from the Susitna River one mile be- low Watana Creek,and one from the mouth of Deadman Creek. 16.The lower portions of Deadman,Wa tana ,and Kosina Creeks were surveyed periodically throughout the summer for evidence of 10 Table 2.Summary of 10 s mall fish colle cti ons ,Susitna River Basin.1957. SPECIES -I:""::r:0>=:M- 0"'PJ tJj[.-. >=:0Iit?o e-t-O"'I'<PJ o en .-.M-()(1) p-''"O>=:M-.-.>=:M-Ii ~PJ '"8.0 ~';;3~~C§«:o (1)....t:i <!p-'(JQ 0 I-+,P <;....OIi(1)PJ g:PJ::;PJ Ii :::: M-i:l>=:«:_>=: ~_tIl ;::::;0 til o ...·O.-.::;...·PJ «:til t:i PJ(JQ g.Ii.-.p-'P <:,.......(1)PJ PJM. i:l '-'Ii Ii ...•c,5'(1)o,o Ii _M-til>=: PJ >=:0 tilotil::; (1)->=:til -01:)0 PJ Ii ::::(1) ~PJ(JQ p-'til 0....-i:l M->=:(1)til I-+,.... til p-' -0 -0b:j :;0o~....~ 1i0 ()M-'"7t1ltllenP-'~""-<M-M-PJtIl0(1)0 ()Iililit:i~p..()M--P..(jtll O p-'~....o(JQ (1)tIl::s::;i:lIi_PJ i:l ()M- PJ >=:til M-til >=:0()til ::>;'M- (1)0 Ii 8 >=:til ~ trl H::r:o b o b:j o ~ Hc: :;0 trl t-<oo ~ H Ho Z b ~ H trl O~I-(J OHtrl 1:""1:"":;0I:""b~trll:""~ Ot:;:jZ HtrltrlH Oen Z Ztrl H Z:;Ob:j c:<:HHen ~O::r: tJjtrl~ trl Z :;0 b RB57-1 6/25/57 Mouth of Watana Creek Seine x x x x t-' t-' RB57-2 6/21/57 Mouth of Deadman Creek Seine,Rod &Reel x x RB57-3 7/21/57 Watana Creek 2 miles upstream from mouth Rod &Reel x RB57-4 7/26/57 Mouth of Watana Creek Seine x x x x x RB57-5 8/1/57 Mouth of Watana Creek Seine x x x RB57-6 7/6/57 Mouth of Watana Creek Seine x x x x RB57-7 7/8/57 Mouth of Watana Creek Seine x x x RB57-8 7/11/57 Mouth of Watana Creek Seine x x x x RB57-9 7/17/57 Mouth of Watana Creek Seine x x x x RB57 -10 not recorded Susitna River 1 mile below Watana Creek (not recorded)x x anadromous and resident fish.Descriptions of physical characteristics of the streams were obtained during these surveys, 17.Wildlife observations were made while traveling and working on the river.The area between Deadman and Watana Creeks was covered intensively on foot,and wildlife species and range conditions were noted. 18.During the winter three aerial surveys were made to determine species and numbers of game animals on and adjacent to the reservoir area.A super-cub was used on January 21,1958,and a Pacer on Febru- ary 12 and March 11.Three parallel transects the length of the impound- ment area on the first flight and two transects on succeeding flights, resulted in nearly complete coverage of the area each time. FINDINGS Fishery Investigations 19.No fish were taken in gill nets during their 7,314 fishing hours. About 4,300 hours of this fishing was with 8i-inch mesh net and about 3.000 hours with 5i-inch mesh net.Fishing efficiency of the nets declined from July 10 to July 22,when a boat accident and loss of equipment pre- vented their being tended,Unfortunately,this occurred at a time corre- sponding to the period July 7 to 17 of the previous year when king salmon were netted in the Portage Creek area about 35 miles downstream.How- ever,had appreciable numbers of king salmon come upstream during this 12 tim.e,it is believed late-running fish would have been taken after July 22, when nets were again fishing effectively.The nets were fished until August 29.During the previous year,all species of s al.mon ,other than king,were taken below the dam.site between August 19,when red nets were first set,and August 29. 20.No downstream.m.igrant or tem.porarily resident young salm.on or steelhead were present in ten fish collections obtained in Watana Creek, Deadm.an Creek,and the Susitna River (Table 2).No evidence of salm.on or steelhead was found by walking the lower portions of Deadm.an,Watana, Ko s i na ,and Jay Creeks during August,Michael Boddner,a hom.esteader in the Gold Creek area who is fam.iliar with the Susitna River and its m.ajor tributaries,has never observed salm.on above the proposed dam.site. 2 L There are two unverified reports of salm.on above the dam.site. Two sportsm.en interviewed during August supposedly identified head bones and other skeletal structures found in the spring of the year near Jay Creek as belonging to s almon.A Bureau of Reclam.ation em.ployee reported see- ing salm.on late in July or early August at the m.outh of a sm.all tributary which enters the Susitna River from.the south about 3/4 m.ile above the dam. site.The fish were not identified as to species,but salm.on which m.ight have traveled above the dam.site at that tim.e would probably have been chum.s or kings, 13 22.Lack of success in netting adult salmon or seining immature salmon,or in finding evidence of salmon in clear tributary streams indi- cates that during the summer of 1957 few salmon spawned above the dam site. Stream Surveys 23,Deadman Creek,about 30 miles long,is a clear stream bor- dered by spruce.cottonwood,willow,and alder.Numerous pools and a bottom with many rocks and large boulders characterize the lower section. Air and water temperatures,respectively,were 65.OOE and 53.5 9 F .on June 21;7 L O°F.and 54.O°F.on June 30.Aquatic and terrestrial insects were abundant.Schools of grayling were seen in its frequent pools.Gray- ling and whitefish (Coregonus lavaratus pidschian)were seined at the creek's mouth. 24.Watana Creek is about 20 miles long and 1 to 5 feet deep. Water flow at the mouth,where it is about 40 feet wide and 1 to 2 feet deep,was 150 to 160 c ,f.s .(metered flow)on August 5.Its waters are clear and green-tinged.Bottom material includes gravel suitable for salmon spawning.Occasional deep pools are interspersed with many riffle areas and slide areas are present on the west bank.The stream exhibits marked fluctuations in water level.Mean of water temperatures recorded daily between 8:00 and 10:00 a.rn ,from June 20 to August 30 was 52.O°F.Mean of corresponding air temperatures was 63.4 0 F. 14 Extreme water temperatures were 48.5°F.on July 25 and 47.O°F.on August 11.Corresponding air temperatures were 49.O°F.and 69.O°F. 25.The prominent plant species bordering Watana Creek are birch,wi Il ow ,and spruce;the main aquatics are moss and algae.Gray- ling and whitefish were seined 2 miles above the creek mouth.These same species.plus numerous fine-scaled suckers and an occasional burbot and sculpin (Cottus cognatus)were seined at the s t r e arn t s junction with the Susitna River. 26.Average daily water fluctuations of the Susitna River at Watana Creek was 3. 3 inches.The greatest rise in water level recorded in 24 hours was 7 inches;the greatest drop,14 inches.Water level of the Susitna River dropped 42 inches from June 21 to August 16.Mean temperature of the Susitna River at Watana Creek was 54.O°F.while mean air temperature was 63.O°F.Extreme river temperatures were 50.O°F.on June 23 and 58.O°F.on June 28 with corresponding air tem- peratures of 69.O°F.and 82.O°F.on these same days. 27.Kosina Creek,about 35 miles in length,has a steep gradient and contains clear,slightly yellow-tinged water.The stream is charac- terized by a bed of rocks and boulders.steep banks,and numerous riffles.Water fluctuations were slight except for a noted drop in Septem- ber.Water and air temperatures on August 16 were 53.O°F.and 63.O°F. respectively.Shoreline vegetation is mainly cottonwood,spruce,and a 15 variety of annuals.Grayling were readily taken with hook and line. Wildlife Investigations 28.Moose were observed throughout the area during the summer with an indication of movement out of the river bottom during the middle of July.This was possibly a shift to higher elevations to avoid insects. Numbers of moose seen in the proposed impoundment area on winter flights are recorded in Table 2.Sirnilar low densities were noted in areas adjacent to the proposed reservoir.Condition of browse species indicates that the area has supported a high moose population at some time during recent years.Scrub birch,the most abundant browse species,showed moderate to heavy use.The bark of nearly every aspen tree was scarred, indicating moose utilization.The occasional willow showed heavy or severe use.Portions of paper birch which could have furnished browse had grown out of reach. Table 3.Animals seen in proposed Devil Canyon impoundment area on three aerial surveys. Date Moose January 21,1958 1 February 12,1958 2 March 11,1958 2 Caribou 12 10 24 29.Segments of the Nelchina caribou herd periodically range on both sides of the Susitna River as far west as the impoundment area. Between July 20 and August 20 an estimated 1,500 caribou were observed 16 crossing the river from north to south in the vicinity of Watana Creek. Although the river here is swift and from 70 to 100 yards wide.the ani- mals,including calves,crossed with ease and at times even swam up- stream to find a suitable place to climb on shore.Table 3 shows numbers of caribou seen in the proposed reservoir area on winter flights.No large concentrations or movements of caribou toward the impoundment area were noted in adjacent areas. 30.Black bear were sighted singly or in groups of up to four (female with three cubs)throughout the study area.They were observed more often and droppings were more common late in the summer.Two grizzly bear were seen. 31.Beaver were present in sloughs along the river.The rapid current and ice flow during spring break-up probably restricts them to the sloughs or tributaries most of which provide fair habitat.Sparce otter and mink sign were seen.Fox and coyote sign.although not common, were noted at high elevations.Wolf tracks were common.Other possible fur bearers whose presence was not definitely determined were lynx, martin,wolverine.muskrat. 32.Waterfowl,with the exception of a few merganser which nest in tributaries,were not found in the study area.Few spruce grouse were seen.Bald eagles and a variety of hawks.owls.and song birds were noted. 17 SUMMARY 33.Field investigations were conducted on the Susitna River and tributaries from Deadman Creek to Jay Creek during 1957 primarily to determine if anadromous fish were present in these waters. 34.No fish were taken by gill net during 7>314 fishing hours. About 4,300 hours of this fishing was with Si-inch mesh net and about 3.000 hours with 5i-inch mesh net.No downstream migrant or tempo- rarily resident young salmon were taken by seining.No evidence of salmon was observed during ground surveys of clear tributary streams made in August.Grayling.whitefish,sucker,burbot ,and sculpin were seined. 35.Moose,caribou,and grizzly and black bear were noted along the Susitna River above the Devil Canyon dam site in varying numbers throughout the year.Fur bearers noted were wolf,coyote,fox,beaver, otter,and mink.Few waterfowl and grouse were observed.Other bird species noticed were bald eagles,hawks,owls and song birds. IS LITERATURE CITED Anonymous 1952~A report on potential development of water resources in the Susitna River Basin of Alaska.U,S.Bureau of Reclamation report. 1952.A preliminary report on fish and wildlife to the Susitna River Basin Plan,Alaska. Wildlife Service report. resources in relation U.S.Fish and 1954~A progress report on wildlife of the Susitna River Basin. U.S.Fish and Wildlife Service report. 1954.A progress report on the fishery resources of the Susitna River Basin.U.S.Fish and Wildlife Service report. 1957.A special report on fishery resources of the Kenai Peninsula. U,S.Fish and Wildlife Service report. 1957.1956 Field investigations Devil Canyon dam site,Susitna River Basin.U.S.Fish and Wildlife Service progress report. 19 UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR FISH AND WILDLIFE SERVICE Arnie J.Suomela,Commissioner 1958 FIELD INVESTIGATIONS DENALI AND VEE CANYON DAM SITES AND RESERVOIR AREAS SUSITNA RIVER BASIN STATE OF ALASKA Juneau,Alaska June 1959 For Administrative Use Only $f< TABLE OF CONTENTS BACKGROUND Page 1 OPERATIONS AND METHODS 6 FINDINGS,DENALI AREA Des cription and Range ,. Big Gam e ~0 "~Q ..Q ..!;\...,"..a '"Q 0 II <1 c III • •<)••"c ", Small Game CI l:l ""•'1 "C 0 o Q "'#o II>e I)e "e c "(>.."c "• Fur Bearers ..,,. Waterfowl ,. Stream Surveys and Fisheries . FINDINGS,VEE CANYON AREA Des cription and Range . Big Gam.e "..C Q :0 <l ",:.0 '"<)0 II I)•"••9 •C ..0 .. 0 .,"e Small Game ~"(I q I).. "..0 .. """•4'"l1li ,..."... Fur Bearers .,I>"\l e 0 ¢l,I 0'"•••" ..0 0 ";> Waterfowl . Stream Surveys and Fisheries . CONCLUSION LITERATURE CITED i 8 10 16 16 17 19 24 26 27 27 28 29 34 37 BACKGROUND L The coming era is regarded by many as one of population expan- sion and industrial growth for Alaska with an attendant demand for increased and cheaper electrical power,Development of the hydroelectric potential of the Susitna Basin,located between the population centers of Anchorage and Fairbanks,appears to be one of the most feasible means of meeting the anticipated power demands in this area (Fig,1).The Susitna River,glacial in origin,and 275 miles long,drains a relatively uninhabited area of about 19,300 square miles,This river flows generally to the southwest between the Alaska Range lying to the north and west,and the Talkeetna Mountains lying to the southeast.The Alaska Railroad,running north and south through the middle of the Ba s in,and the Denali Highway cutting the northern fringe, are the main facilities developed for ground traveL 2.The Bureau of Reclamation (1952)has described 19 potential dam sites for ultimate power development of the Susitna River Basin.Three pre- liminary Fish and Wildlife Service reports dealing with basin-wide aspects of the fish and game resources were issued in response to this Bureau of Reclamation report.The first dam to be constructed would be at Devil Canyon at river mile 134.Results of Fish and Wildlife Service investigations to determine effects of a dam at Devil Canyon on fish and wildlife were pre- sented in progress reports issued in 1957 and 1959,Investigations are being 1 "I" f A I .... 'lIO' ,... p .... c ) Figu r e 1.S us itna River B a sin,A l as ka . 2 continued to determine downstream effects on fish and game of an impound- ment at Devil Canyon. 3,A second dam in the Bureau of Reclamation's plan of ultimate development for the Basin would be located at the Denali site on the upper section of the river at mile 245 (Figs,2 and 3).This unit would function as a storage reservoir to provide regulated water releases for power gene ration at Devil Canyon. 4.The earth dam planned for Denali would be 205 feet high and would have a crest length of 1,900 feet.The reservoir would be 2 to 6 miles wide,29 miles long,and would extend almost to the headwater glaciers if the maximum reservoir capacity of 6,700,000 acre-feet were developed.This would inundate approximately 120 square miles.Inasmuch as the reservoir would be intended primarily for storage,it is probable that no power plant would be installed. 5.A third dam,Vee Canyon,at river mile 200 would be a concrete. arch-gravity structure with a height of 425 feet and crest-length of 1,400 feet.The most recent figures obtained from the Bureau of Reclamation list 2.400 feet as the probable maximum reservoir elevation.This would inundate between 95 and 100 square miles,backing water up the main stem of the Susitna River a distance of 50 miles to the headwaters of the Tyone system at Lake Louise.With ultimate development of the Susitna Basin,a power plant with a productive capacity of 260,000 kilowatts would be in- stalled at Vee Canyon, 6.Studies to determine feasibility of the Denali site were started by the Bureau of Reclamation in 1958.Concurrently,the Branch of River Basin Studies began field investigations to determine what effects the 3 146' Proposed Impoundment Areas 25 20 15 10 5 0 ,~..:0•• bdbdbd I SC ALE F'i gu r e 2 0 SUSIT NA RIVER BASI N J 14S· /-1/-I /- »> ~W $.Ito ~·SO £1 ~-.1. J_-----L....---.........~ O' .. \,~~I/-. ~~~\O~~\.. "\~\..,<-"" "'O ~"'~' 152· " 152· \ \ \ \ N I '-) f l ~N:l "~&S...-...---~\..~)l \Y ~'i'"tU\SfN BO U N U ~='1 \\\:if If '/~n a ~..{"\\.I ,l,,L T A Z C ' "A t J ~'..;.',,~,.::.,'e i OC A O,".C OOO 6 ",.'"..A '----'",\ \:'-i-.•'4R."--':;;P z (\~~' A :4'::::-J.:~GY ~-:~1f1!~~~J I '\~Ir /~,\tJ#l ~[{JSl~,-~ I I J ;' ) <:62·----. N t Scale of Miles .J7Z22)1 mpoun ameat ~Are as 404 d I I I Cr. VEE DAM Figure 3,Susitna River,showing Denali and Vee Canyon darn sites, 5 proposed development would have upon the fish and wildlife resources. Because of the proximity of the Denali and Vee Canyon sites,the Fish and Wildlife Service program was expanded to include similar determinations for the Vee Canyon impoundment. OPERATIONS AND METHODS 7.Semi-permanent camps were established for summer field in- vestigations at the Denali Highway crossing of the Susitna River and at the mouth of the Tyone River.River travel was accomplished with a 30-foot river boat powered with a 35-horsepower outboard motor.Areas inacces- sible by boat were covered on foot by the two or three crew members who separated,sometimes for several days.The routes followed on foot were laid out so that impoundment areas could be adequately cover-typed and the larger water bodies surveyed for the presence of fish,fur bearers,and waterfowL 8.Interviews with residents of the area gave information on trap- ping pressure and winter harvest of game. 9.In cooperation with the Bureau of Sport Fisheries and Wildlife, an intensive effort was made to contact hunters in and adjacent to the Denali impoundment area during the first few days of the hunting season which opened August 20,Hunters were then interviewed periodically until the end of the first moose season,September 20.Information recorded was hunter name,type of t ra.ns por-ta.ti.on ,residence,camp location,kind and number of game animals desired,kind and number of game animals killed,location nunre c ,and location in which game was killed.In addition,each hunting was asked for a total cost estimate of direct expenses for the trip, not including non-expendable items.A total of 282 hunters (273 resident, 6 9 non-resident)were interviewed.Total trip-cost estimates were obtained from 262 hunters.Additional information relative to expenditures for trans- portation,food,ammunition and miscellaneous items was obtained from 81 of these 262.Twenty individuals were unable to determine costs associated with their hunting. 10.Stream surveys and fish collections were made on the lower sections of most streams which would be affected by impoundment.Stream flows were computed by the floating chip method.Fish were collected by rne ans of a ~-inch seine,minnow traps,and hook and line. 1L Counts of game present in the impoundment areas were obtained during aerial transects.Nine counts were made in the Denali area;three in the Vee Canyon area.Original plans were to obtain 50 percent coverage flying transects one mile apart and recording animals in a i-mile wide strip,~mile on each side of the plane.Plans were changed on 2 flights to give 25 percent coverage by flying at 2-mile intervals and counting a i-mile strip on each side of the plane.Spacing between transects was maintained quite consistently by flying at right angles between transects for the length of time required to travel the desired distance at the plane's particular speed.However,in open areas it was noted that animals were being re- corded in locations nearly adjacent to the previous transe ct.Therefore, 1/8 mile was added to the width of the counting strip on each side of the plane.This provided 75 percent coverage when a I-mile interval was 7 rna.irrtai ned between transects and 37.5 percent coverage when a 2-mile interval was maintained.These percentage figures have been expanded to obtain an estimate of total numbers of animals in the impoundment areas. FINDINGS DENALI AREA Description and Range 12.The upper portion of the proposed Denali reservoir area extends nearly to the headwaters of the East and West Forks of the Susitna River and is confined largely to an old flood-plain.Both forks are spread out and braided.The outermost channels of the East Fork are from Ii to 2i miles apart;those of the West Fork range from a singLe channel to channels Ii rrii le s apart.Nearly pure stands of sedge or willow,and stands of sedge and willow together are the dominant vegetative types in this upper 15-mile long section.Game animals in the past have browsed this willow lightly to moderately.Current usage appeared light. 13.About 2 miles below the junction of the East and West Forks the river and impoundment area narrow.Sedge and willow are the d orrii n.arrt vegetation in the river bottom.Glandular scrub birch,scattered spruce, and a heath formation composed of blueberry,low-bush cranberry,Labrador tea,and crowberry occur on the side hills.Willow showed light to moderate use (Fig.4), 8 Figure 4.Upper section of Denali impoundment area looking north from Denali Highway bridge crossing of Susitna River to headwater glaciers. 14.The Susitna River is confined to a t-mile wide channel for 4 miles below the Denali Highway crossing.The impoundment area is It to 2 miles wide in this section.Glandular scrub birch and heath plants are the dominant vegetation.Spruce is scattered through the area with willow and sedge prominant along water bodies. 15.Topography changes below the mouth of Butte Creek;in this area,hills do not encroach on the river as closely as in upper sections. The impoundment area reaches its greatest width,It to 4t miles,in this locale and contains numerous lakes,potholes,and marsh areas,sepa- rated by higher well-drained land.Sedge and willow form pure stands in 9 : the wet ,low areas and also occur together and with spruce.Spruce and scrub birch are the dominant plants .Heath plants and lichens occur as an under s tor y t h roughout the better-drained se ctions . 16 ,I n th e lower three miles o f the Denali area ,the impoundment woul d b e confined by hills to a strip t to t mile wide .This is an area of scrub b i r ch w ith scattered spruce and willow and a heath plant understory . Big Game 17 .I nd ic ati on of the numbe rs of big game ani mal s utilizing the i m - poundm ent areas was obtained by means of aerial surveys .Counts of mo o se i n t h e Denali i m p oundm e nt are a and the expanded population esti - mate s ar e p r esented in Tab le 1.T h e no r thern half of the Denali imp ound- ment area i s pa rt of t he Denali Rese r ve ,a section 80 miles long no r th o f the D enali Highway w hich is closed t o b ig game hunting . T able L Moose counted in the Denali impoundment area on nine flights and expand ed popu lation e stim a te s . Moose Expanded Popu - D a te Coverage Area Counted lation Estima te 1 1-20-57 75%Reserve 55 73 Open 2 3 Tota l 57 76 1-8-58 7 5%Reserve 21 28 ')Open 4 5 Tota l 25 3 3 I \t.'1.1 2 - 12-58 75%Reserve 44 59 Open 7 9 Total 51 68 3-11-58 750/0 Reser ve 31 41 Open 13 17 )Total 44 59 10 Table i.(continued) Moose Expanded Popu- Date Coverage Area Counted lation Estimate 4-28-58 75%Reserve 7 9 Open 3 4 Total 10 13 5-2-58 75%Reserve 26 35 Open 17 23 Total 43 57 7-28-58 37.5%Reserve 17 45 Open 22 59 Total 39 104 10-23-58 37.5%Reserve 16 43 Open 15 40 Total 31 83 12-1-58 75%Reserve 88 117 Open 8 11 Total 96 128 18.Factors which might contribute to the variation in numbers of ani:mals recorded in the period fro:m Nove:mber through April,when snow and sighting conditions were considered good,are 1)ani:mals :move:ment in and out of the i:mpound:ment area and 2)inconsistencies of pilot and observer in sighting rrio os e ,Snow cover was poor on the May flight.Moose were relatively easy to sight in July although there was no snow on the ground. Sighting and snow conditions were good on the October and Dece:mbe r 1958 flights. 19.Sexual differentiation,exclusive of calves,was possible during three of the counts when visible antlers were present on the bulls.These counts and sex and calf ratios are presented in Table 2. 11 Table 2.Sex and age composition of moose counted in the Denali impound- ment area. Bulls /Calves/ Date Section Bulls Cows Calves 100 cows 100 cows 11-20-57 Reserve 23 24 8 96 33 Open 1 1 0 100 Total 23 25 9 92 36 7 -,28-58 Reserve 7 7 3 100 43 Open 6 9 7 67 78 Total 13 16 10 81 63 10-23-58 Reserve 7 7 2 100 29 Open 3 6 6 50 100 Total 10 13 8 76 61 Ratio of bulls to cows,which is higher in the reserve than in the open area, probably reflects bull removal under a "bulls only "hunting restriction. Number of animals observed are too few to permit comparison of calf:cow ratios in the reserve and open areas.However,from fall count ratios of the entire impoundment area,calf productivity,as defined by Rausch (1958), may be considered good in 1957 and excellent in 1958. 20.Table 3 lists counts and estimates of numbers of caribou in the Denali impoundment area based on aerial transecting.Most of the varia- tion in caribou counts is probably due to the nomadic nature of these animals, 12 Table 3.Caribou counted in Denali i rnp oundrn ent area expanded population estimates. on nine flights and Date Percent Coverage Caribou Counted Total Estimate November 20 75 702 January 8 75 3,680 February 12 75 753 March 11 75 258 April 4 75 175 May 21 75 193 July 28 37.5 13 October 23 37.5 270 December 1 75 195 936 4.907 1.004 344 233 257 35 720 260 21.Hunting season began August 20 for moose,caribou.and black bear and September 1 for grizzly bear.The most intensive hunting pressure occurred along the Denali Highway.the only portion of the proposed im- poundment area which could be reached by automobile.Of the 282 hunters interviewed in or adjacent to the Denali impoundment area,243 (860/0)were hunting moose and 266 (950/0)of the same 282 hunters desired caribou. Table 4 presents the interview data according to number of caribou desired. Table 4.Number of caribou desired and obtained by 282 hunters in and adjacent to the Denali impoundment area.In general,hunting trips of those interviewed were roughly one-half completed. (Bag limit:3) two three Caribou killedNo.of Caribou desired No.of hunters one 1 83 (300/0)24 2 65 (240/0)24 3 105 (390/0)19 Uncertain 7 (30/0) 13 8 14 17 22.At the time of the interviews,16 moose had been killed,re- sulting in a success ratio of 3. 7 pe rcent.A total of 110 hunters had killed at least 1 caribou at the time of the interview;these figures yield a success ratio of 41 percent.Data for both moose and ca r ibou ,including success ratios presented here,were obtained in field interviews after approximately one-half the hunting effort of those interviewed had been expended.Total harvest figures and.success ratios would have been higher had hunters been contacted at the conclusion rather than the middle of their hunt. 23.Less than 1 percent of those persons interviewed were specifi- cally hunting bear but 27 percent said they would take a black bear and 9 percent said they would take a grizzly bear should they have the chance while hunting moose and caribou. 24.Days spent hunting,excluding figures from the few who did not know how long they would hunt,ranged from 1 to 30.Average length·of hunting trip was 5 days.The length of hunting trips most frequent in the interview data (22 percent)was 2 days. 25.A cost estimate for the particular trip to the Susitna area was obtained from 262 of the 273 resident hunters interviewed.Average cost per hunter for food,transportation,arnrnuniti on ,film,and miscellaneous expendable items was $53 per trip.A breakdown of expenditures obtained from 81 hunters gave a total cost-per-hunter figure of about $37.This smaller sample figure is less than the $53 figure obtained for 262 hunters. 14 Table 5 presents this breakdown, Table 5,Trip expenditures of hunters on foot in and adjacent to the Denali impoundment area in 1958. (81 hunters)Average time spent hunting--'\3 days, Expend./Expend./ Trip Day % Transportation $19.78 $4,60 53,5 Food 12,23 2.84 33.1 Lodging Ammunit.i on ,misc.4.96 L 15 13.4 26.Expenditures of 8 non-resident hunters averaged $500 apiece. Of the resident hunters interviewed,60 percent resided in the Anchorage area,20 percent in the Fairbanks area.and 20 percent in other localities in south-central Alaska. 27.Figures quoted thus far are for hunte rs who did not utilize services of weasel and swamp buggy operators along the Denali Highway either for the initial hunt or for hauling game which had been killed while hunting on foot.According to the three operators who worked fairly in- tensively in the Denali area,approximately 75 percent of their hunters took caribou.Cost for an unsuccessful trip was $10 to $25.Average price for hauling a moose was $50;a first caribou,$25;and additional caribou,$10 to $25 each. 15 SmaU.Game 28.Snowshoe hare,whose numbers fluctuate periodically,are re- ported to inhabit the impoundment area although none were observed during the period of investigation.None of the hunters interviewed were hunting this species. 29.Likewise,game bird populations were at a low level of abun- dance.One spruce grouse and approximately ten broods of ptarmigan were the total numbers seen during the field season.Less than 1 percent of hunters interviewed were hunting only small game but 30 percent were interested in hunting gam.e birds in addition to big game.Six ptarmigan taken by two hunters constituted the total harvest among hunters inter- viewed.No hunting pressure was observed for Wilson's snipe,present throughout the area. Fur Bearers 30.Wolf,red fox,wolverine,beaver.muskrat,and river otter were seen in the Denali impoundment area.Wolf num.bers have been re- duced in recent years by bounty hunters and by the Predator Control Division of the Fish and Wildlife Service.The proposed impoundment location is in a study area where wolves are protected to obtain informa- tion on their life history and ecology.Beaver,distributed through m.ost of the impoundm.ent area,appear to have the greatest potential value of the fur bearing species.One or two year-round residents,who trap 16 occasionally for beaver near the Denali Highway crossing of the Susitna River,now exert the only known trapping pressure in the Denali impound- ment area.These people estimated that their average annual take does not exceed 20 beaver, Waterfowl 31.The first waterfowl observations in the Denali area were made on a Hight May 21 in conjunction with moose and caribou counting.At this time.about one-third of the total water area was ice-free.Approximately 450 ducks--mostly scaup--in groups of from 20 to 75 were counted.Other ducks,mostly paired,including mallards and p irrta.i l s,were noted in vege- tation along edges of water bodies but a complete count was not obtained. 32.Ground observations of waterfowl were recorded from June 15 through August 16 in the Denali area from the dam site to the mouth of Valdez Creek,An aerial survey on August 28 sampled the area above the junction of the East and West Forks which was not covered from the ground, Tables 6 and 7 summarize these data,which are not total numbers but are considered representative of waterfowl composition of the area.Most of the ducks observed early in the season were groups of molting males. Broods were more readily observed as tails are among the first to migrate and season progressed.Since pin- e observed in the aerial survey of August 28 were in large flocks.they may not have nested in the impound- ment area, 17 Table 6,Waterfowl recorded from the ground in the Denali impoundment area from June 15 through August 16,1958, Broods Adults Young Avg ,young/brood 4 several 22 180 8.2 4 22 5.5 2 4 2 1 5 5 1 6 6 Species Swan Canada goose Scaup Widgeon Mixed scaup &widgeon Green-winged teal Mallard Pintail Bufflehead Shoveller Canvasback American goldeneye White-winged scoter Old squaw American merganser Unidentified Adults without young 2 III 75 423 28 20 11 7 6 3 2 31 28 225 3 1 19 3 6. 3 3 Table 7.Waterfowl counted from the air on the East and West Forks of the Susitna River in Denali impoundment area,August 28,1958. Swan Pintail Mallard Scaup Widgeon 11 263 81 67 48 Shoveller Green-winged teal White-winged scoter American merganser Unidentified 5 15 14 33 579 33.The areas of greatest waterfowl concentration were in the upper 10-mile section of the impoundment area,and__on and adjacent to Goose Island,a marshy area with many lakes and potholes about 12 miles below the Denali Highway crossing of the Susitna River.Lack of food apparently 18 limited waterfowl use in other areas,Star duckweed and pondweed were the principal waterfowl food species in the Goose Island area, 34,Swans nesting in this area are believed to be trumpeters.inas- much as all nesting swans and eggs which have been identified by personnel of the Fish and Wildlife Service waterfowl division south of the Alaska Range have been trumpeters,Measurements made June 12$1958 of an egg from a qlut ch near the mouth of the Oshetna River and of 2 eggs from a clutch near Crosswind Lake,13 miles east of Lake Louise definitely established these clutches as trumpeter rather than whistling swanafl-Ians en ,1958), 35,Residents report that sizeable numbers of a small species of Canada goose rest and feed in the impoundment area .on their way south in the falL 36.The waterfowl hunting season opened September 1;hunting pres sure was ne gligible, Stream Surveys and Fisheries 37,The Susitna River is glacial in origin and flows gene rally through flat bottom land,In the Denali impoundment area,it is charac- terized by many shifting channels and a silt-mud bottom;Water levels were measured daily at the Denali Highway bridge,Day to day fluctuations ranged from 0 to 8 inches;and the total range observed was 16 inches.No overall upward or downward trend was evident during the period from June 18 through August 15.Sun which melted the glaciers,or rain, 19 caused the river to rise;cooler weather without rain caused the river to drop.Cold weather after August 15 caused a steady drop to the Septem- ber 11 level,which was 28.5 inches lower than the highest recorded in July. 38.A continual record of air and water temperatures was obtained for the Susitna River at the Denali Highway bridge.Mean daily high and low water temperatures and range in daily fluctuations by two-week periods are tabulated in Table 8. Table 8.Susitna River temperatures in degrees Fahrenheit at Denali Highway bridge. Mean Daily Mean Daily Range in Daily Period High Low Fluctuations June 18 -30 47.1 42.5 1 -8 July 1 - 15 46.9 42.1 2 - 8 July 16 -31 45.4 41.6 2 - 7 August 1 - 15 44.1 40.9 2 - 6 August 16 - 31 42.5 39.2 2 - 5 September 1 - 14 41.5 38.7 2 - 4 39.Few,if any,anadromous fish occur in the Susitna River system above Devil Canyon.None were found above Vee Canyon during the period of investigation.Sport fish are not sought in the silty main stem of the Susitna River.Burbot were the only fish collected in the main stem of the Susitna River in the Denali area. 20 40.Tributaries,portions of which would be flooded by a dam at Denali site,are des cribed beginning with the furthest upstream.and working downstream.Flows have been computed using a factor of 0.8 for these streams which all have rough bottoms. 41.Boulder Creek,flowing into the East Fork of the Susitna River. is about 13 miles long.It is glacial in origin,has clear water tributaries, and receives no fishing pressure.The lower 1/2 mile would be inundated by dam construction at Denali site.Due to the inaccessibility of Boulder Creek,the stream was surveyed from the air and no discharge measure- ments were made. 42.Valdez Creek.14 miles long.enters the Susitna River from the east about 5 miles below the junction of the East and West Forks. Placer operations at the gold mining site of Denali,about 3 miles above the mouth of Valdez Creek,have silted the gravels in the lower section. The stream above is clear with many riffle areas,few pools,and a steep gradient.Bottom types are gravel and rubble.Water temperature at 3:30 p.m ,on August 16 was 58 GF.;corresponding air temperature was 49 GF.Average velocity of a cross section in the lower 2 miles subject to inundation was 6.3 feet per second.average depth was 1 foot.and average width was 20 feet to give a flow of 101 c.f.s , 43.Mayflies.the dominant aquatic insect,were fairly numerous. One whitefish (Coregonus cylindraceus (Pallas))was seined at the mouth 21 of Valdez Creek.Fishing pressure is negligible since the stream is 5 miles from the Denali Highway and may be reached only by pers ons on foot or using track or four-wheel drive vehicles. 44.Windy Creek,a clear stream about 14 miles long,flows into the Susitna River from the east about 1 mile above the Denali bridge.The lower 2-mile section,which would be inundated,has pool and riffle areas interspersed and a gravel-rubble bottom.Water and air temperatures at 10:30 a.rn ,on August 16 were 46°F.and 51 of .•respectively.Based on an average depth of 0.8 feet,a cross section averaging 50 feet in width with an average velocity of 3.5 f.p.s .•the stream flow in the lower section was computed to be 112c.f.s , 45.Mayflies,caddis flies,and stone flies were the dominant aquatic insects present.Accessible from the Denali Highway by a short walk,Windy Creek probably received more fishing pressure than any other stream in the impoundment area.AU of this angling was for grayling,which were readily taken and which ranged up to 16 inches in length.Fishing effort and success were noted from late June through mid-S~ptember. 46.Butte Creek,a clear-water stream about 28 miles long,drains an area of rolling hills to the west of the Susitna River.Much of Butte Creek drainage can be traversed with swamp buggies and track vehicles. A dam at Denali site would inundate the lower 7 miles of Butte Creek. Pools about 4 feet deep and 10 feet long occur about every 50 feet in this 22 section and are interspersed with riffle areas.Stream bottom types are gravel and rubble.A cross section taken in the proposed impoundment yielded an average velocity of 2.5 f.p.s.,average depth 2.5 feet,and average width 30 feet for a calculated flow of 150 c.£.s .Water and air temperatures on August 27 at 2:00 P:m,were 47°F.and 59°F.,r e spe c- tively. 47.Caddis flies were abundant;stone flies,mayflies,and black flies were also present.Grayling,whitefish,and cottids were seined and grayling were observed in pools.Fishing pressure,most of which was incidental to other activities such as hunting o r prospecting,was light. Access was by swamp buggy or track vehicles. 48.Raft Creek,which drains a wet,lowland area to the east of the Susitna River would have its lower 2 miles inundated by the proposed Denali dam.This stream is clear with an almost imperceptible current. Bottom material is largely organic.No fish were observed in the section which would be inundated. 49.Shallow,bog,brown-water lakes scattered throughout the Denali impoundment area apparently support fish only if connected to a stream system.Suckers and grayling were observed in several of these lakes. 50.A clear-water lake of about 200 surface acres and having a sand and rubble bottom is located about two miles south of the Denali 23 Highway on the west side of the Susitna River.Designated locally as Sand Lake,it supports lake trout and receives a moderate amount of fishing pressure.Anglers reach the lake by means of tundra vehicles or walking, and fish for grayling and whitefish in the outlet stream. 51.Another clear-water lake approximately the same size as Sand Lake is located in the impoundment area about ten miles south of the Denali Highway.It is nearly inaccessible except by plane. FINDINGS VEE CANYON AREA Description and Range 52.The Bureau of Reclamation has indicated that the Vee Canyon impoundment probably would have a maximum elevation of 2,400 feet.At this level,the reservoir would extend about It miles above the Denali site and be essentially confined to the present river bed in this uppermost area (Figs.5 and 6). 53.Most of the Vee Canyon reservoir would be confined by side- hills to a strip 1/4 to 2 miles wide on each side of the Sus itna River and tributaries.Here the Susitna is 1/8 to 1/4 mile wide and flows in a narrower,deeper channel than in the Denali area.The impoundment area bordering the river has spruce and glandular scrub birch interspersed as dominants with occasional stands of aspen on the better-drained sites. Heath plants form the understory.Willow and sedge are present on wetter 24 Figure 5.Vee Canyon darn site looking upstream. Figure 6.Vee Canyon darn site looking downstream with Goose Creek flowing in from left. 2.5 sites and bog cotton grass is an occasional dominant.Lichens present throughout the area are most numerous in the Coal Creek and MacLaren River areas but are only moderately abundant in those locales, 54.Willow in that portion of Clearwater Creek which would be im- pounded has been utilized in past years to the extent that some plants are dying and r e sp r outi.ng,Moderate use was noted on current growth at the time of survey.Scrub birch had been utilized slightly. 55.The portion of the impoundment area which extends into the Coal Creek drainage is a wet,lowland type characterized by intermingled willow.spruce,sedge,and Sphagnum bogs.Scrub birch is dense on slopes and ridges.Lichens are fairly abundant along ridges which run further from the creek.Willow shows moderate to heavy use on past growth. Light use was noted on current growth. 56.A dam at Vee Canyon would inundate lowlands having willow, aspen,spruce,and sedge cover in the MacLaren River drainage.WHlow and aspen show moderate to heavy past use with some willow having been killed out and resprouting.Current browse use was moderate.Slopes have he avy growths of scrub birch and a few spruce.Scrub birch in some areas shows moderate use on past growth.Lichens are fairly abundant. 57.The proposed impoundment will back water up the Tyone River system but it will be generally confined to present shorelines in Lake Louise,Susitna Lake.Tyone Lake and the upper Tyone River.Land bordering the lower Tyone River and Tyone Creek which would be flooded has extensive areas of bog cotton grass and some sedge in addition to the widespread willow,spruce,scrub birch,and heath cover.Spruce are s mall due to a relatively recent burn.Willow shows moderate to heavy use on past growth.Light use was noted on rece'nt growth. 58.Alders are intermingled with willow,scrub birch,heath plants, and spruce in the portion of the Oshetna drainage which would be inundated, Browsing in the past has been heavy on willow;current use had been light to moderate at the time of survey. 59.Willow and scrub birch are the dominant species in that portion of Goose Creek which would be flooded.In this area,willow showed heavy past use. Big Game 60.Table 9 summarizes moose and caribou counts in the Vee Canyon impoundment area.The limited data suggest that moose calf pro- duction is excellent.Black and grizzly bear were present throughout the area. Table 9.Aerial counts of moose and caribou in Vee area and expanded population estimates. Canyon impoundment Estim. Date Coverage Counted Total Bulls Cows Calves Bulls/'Calves7 100 cows 100 cows MOOSE: 7-29 37.50/0 7 19 2 2 3 100 150 10-23 37.50/0 34 91 2 20 12 10 60 12 -1 750/0 73 97 CARIBOU: 7-29 37.50/0 1 3 10-23 37.50/0 129 344 12-1 750/0 22 29 2t1 61.The most intensive hunting in the Vee Canyon area was centered in the upper Tyone River section.Lake Louise can be reached by road and Lake Louise and the connecting Susitna and Tyone Lakes are popular for hunting from boats.Due to inaccessibility,hunting throughout the rest of the Vee Canyon area is limited to boat and float plane operations and is not intensive.Boat hunting,confined largely to the Tyone system,is not inten- sive below Tyone Lake due to difficulties imposed by shallow water sections of the Tyone River.Planes are able to land and take off from several areas of the Susitna River;however,lakes adjacent to the impoundment area are utilized to a greater extent than the river.As in the Denali area,moose and caribou are the species most sought. Small Game 62.Snowshoe hare and spruce grouse,populations of which fluctuate periodically,are reportedly present in the area.None were observed during the period of investigation.Ptarmigan,another cyclic species,were not abundant.One adult and eight young were the total seen in the impound- rne nt area.Wilson I s snipe were distributed throughout the area. Fur Bearers 63.Evidence of wolf,fox,lynx,wolverine,river otter,beaver,and muskrat was seen in the Vee Canyon area.A moderate amount of trapping in the Lake Louise area constitutes the major pressure currently exerted to harvest these species.Beaver,perhaps,have the highest potential 28 1 9 9 2 19 9.5 1 5 5 1 6 6 1 7 7 4 13 3. 3 1 8 8 4 26 6.5 3 12 4 1 4 4 1 1 1 value of the fur bearing species.Wolves have been reduced in numbers in recent years but are presently protected as part of a study to learn more of their Hfe history and ecology. Waterfowl 64.Waterfowl recorded in the Vee Canyon area,exclusive of Lake Louise,Susitna Lake,and the Tyone River above the mouth of Tyone Creek, are presented in Table 10. Table 10.Waterfowl recorded from the ground in Vee Canyon impoundment area from July 11 through August 2,1958. Adults Broods without Average Species young Adults Young Young/Brood Canada goose 2 Ame z-i can merganser 33 White-winged s cote r 12 Scaup 8 Bufflehead 8 American goldeneye 4 Pintail 3 Mallard 3 Widgeon Green-winged teal 1 Surf seater Old squaw 1 Unidentified 7 These data,obtained while covering the impoundment area by boat and on . foot,are not total numbers of waterfowl utilizing the reservoir site,but are considered representative of the composition of waterfowl present in the locale.Water suitable for nesting is limited in the Vee Canyon area. much of which is confined to the Susitna River bottom and immediate side hills.Many of the lakes or potholes which would otherwise be suitable lacked food for waterfowL Nearly all lakes with food produced at least one b.r ood ;however.broods generally were s m al l ,P'ondwe ed ,water rni lf'oi.l , and bur reed were the most abundant duck food.Water lily was also abun- dant in the shallow.bog lakes. 65.Hansen (1958)reports a clutch of trumpeter swan eggs in the impoundment area at the mouth of the Oshetna River and another near Crosswind Lake 13 miles east of Lake Louise. Stream Surveys and Fisheries 66.The Susitna River in the Vee Canyon impoundment area is con- fined by hills with moderate to steep slopes and has formed one or two deep,permanent channels in most sections.Bottom materials include rocks,boulders,mud,and silt.Flow data obtained for a cross section of the Susitna River just above the mouth of Tyone Creek July 27 are: average velocity,5 f.p,s ,u average depth.6 feet;average width,225 feet; discharge,5400 c.f,s , A constant of 0.8 for a rough bottom is used in calculating the discharge.Grayling,fine-scaled sucker,cotttd ,and burbot were seined in shallow-water areas of the Susitna River 4 miles above the mouth of Tyone Rive r-, 67.Clearwater Creek,about 34 miles long would have its lower 5 miles inundated by a dam at Vee Canyon.This lower section,which drains an area of low hills and ridges,has many deep,long pools interspersed with riffle areas.Willow and Equisetum are the predominant shore vege- tation;spruce and glandular scrub birch are the dominant surrounding country vegetation.Water flow data were obtained July 21 from a cross section of stream.Average velocity was 5 feet per second,average depth was 2 feet,and average width was 90 feet,while discharge of 720 c.f.s , was calculated.Grayling,burbot,and cottids were taken by seine and minnow trap.The lower section,inaccessible except by boat or float plane, receives little or no fishing pressure. 68.Coal Creek,about 28 miles long,drains a relatively low area west of the Susitna River.The lower 5-mile section of Coal Creek which would be inundated,possesses a wet,lowland type terrain containing willow,spruce,and sedge bogs.This clear stream has a gravel-rubble bottom and many pools from 5 to 30 feet long and 1 to 5 feet deep inter- spersed with riffle areas.A cross section measurement indicated an average stream velocity in the area which would be inundated of 2.2 f.P>s ,;average depth,1 foot;and average width,25 feet,resulting in a calculated discharge of 44 c.f.s ,Caddis flies and May flies were the dominant aquatic insects. Grayling and cottids were taken by seining;a run of adult suckers was ob- served moving upstream on Ju.ly 20.Fishing pressure is nearly non- existent due to inaccessibility. 3\1 69.The MacLaren Rivers a major tributary of the Susitna River. enters from the east and originates at MacLaren Glacier 50 miles above its junction with the Susitna.The lowlands in the 5-mile section which would be Hooded by a dam at Vee Canyon are interspersed with willows aspen. spruces and sedge.The turbid river has many long.deep pools interspersed with rifHe areas;glacial mud and gravel are the stream bottom types present.Average depth of a cross section near the mouth was 3 feet; average width.150 feet;velocity.5 f.p.s ,;and the discharge was computed to be 1800 c,f.s ,Burbot and cottids taken with minnow trap and seine were the only fish species noted.No fishing pressure is known to occur on the Ma.cLaren. 70.The Tyone system would lose more clear water through inun- dation than any other stream in either impoundment area.Tentative Bureau of Reclamation figures list 2.400 feet as the probable maximum Vee Canyon reservoir water Leve l,If this is attained,the water levels of Tyone Lake (elevation 2.361 feet rn,s ,L from 1:63.360 USGS maps issued in 1952). Susitna Lake (2.361 feet rn,s ,L).Lake Louise (2.362 feet rn , s ,l.)and Little Lake Louise (2,375 feet rn,s ,L).all at the upper end of the Tyone River.would be raised. 71.Lake Louise,accessible by 18 miles of gravel road from the Glenn Highway,provides boat access to Susitna Lake and Tyone Lake.This area is becoming Inc re as ingly popular;private cabins are appearing along 32 much of the available lake frontage and Army and Air Force recreation camps have been established here.The lake trout fishery is a major reason for this popularity.Allin (1956)states tha t ,from records supplied by the rru l.i.ta ry ,it is computed that 211 man-days of pressure took about 459 lake trout in 1955.Military pers orme l exerted about 750/0 of the fishing pressure at that time.Other species present are grayling,whitefish,fine-scaled sucker,and burbot,Allin (1956,1957)more fully describes the Lake Louise fishery. 72.The lower ten miles of the Tyone River were surveyed.Wi.Il.ow , spruce,and Equisetum are the dominant shore species with glandular scrub birch and spruce dominant on surrounding hi l.ls ,The river is clear and flows ave r gravel and rubble with pools from 1 to 8 feet long about every 100 yards.Riffle areas are abundant.The water level fluctuates greatly depending on r ai.nfal.l ,Flow data obtained from a cross section in this area are:average velocity,1.4 f.p.s ,;average depth,2 feet;average width,30 feet;and di s cha r-ge , 67 c.f.s ,Caddis flies were the dominant aquatic insect.Water temperature on June 22 at 10:00 a.rn,was 58"F.; air temperature was 59°F.Grayling,fine-scaled sucker,bur-bot,and cattids were taken with seine and minnow trap at the mouth of the Tyone River.Although the lower Tyone River is accessible by boat from Lake Louise,Little fishing pressure was exerted here. 33 73.The Oshetna River,which flows north for 50 miles before emptying into the Susitna River,would have its lower 6 miles flooded by a dam at Vee Canyon.Willow,alder,and glandular scrub birch are the dominant vegetative types in this section.Pools are infrequent in this fast,clear stream which flows over gravel,rubble,and boulders.Stream flow data obtained when the river was high due to rains are:average velo- city,6 £.p.s ,;average depth,4 feet;average wi d.th.,100 feet;and discharge, 1920 c.Ls.Water temperature on July 31 at 7:30 av rn,was 48°F.Caddis flies were abundant in the stream and grayling were present.Little or no fishing occurs in this drainage due to inaccessibility. 74.Goose Creek,a clear stream flowing north to the SusitnaRiver, would have 3 miles of its total length of 15 miles flooded by a dam at Vee Canyon.This lower section,bordered by willows and alders,has a stream· bed of mixed gravel"rubble,and boulders and contains many pool and riffle areas.Water temperature at 1:00 P>rn,July 31 was 52°F.Average velocity of a cross section measured when the stream was high due to rain was 5 feet per second,average depth was 2 feet,average width was 25 feet,and flow was 200 c.f,s ,Fishing pressure is non-existent due to inacce s sibility. 75.Shallow potholes and brown-water bog lakes,present through- out the Vee Canyon area but less numerous than in the Denali area, apparently contain fish only if accessible from a stream system.Tempera- ture of most of these lakes was about 60"'F. 34 CONCLUSION 76.Investigations were conducted in the Denali and Vee Canyon project areas of the Susitna River Basin to ascertain the species of fish and wildlife present.The species identified are summarized by area in Tables 11 and 12. 77.The information contained herein,along with the findings of subsequent studies,will eventually be used in the preparation of reports for the Bureau of Reclamation dealing with the effects of the proposed projects on the fish and wildlife resources. 3-5 1 L Fish and Wildlife species e rved the Denali and e i ISmall Fish I Game Game i Furbearers ~,areas. Waterfowl Area - I:J:l -rt.l ::l I:J:l ro.;->..-I ro 1-1 ::l ..... f,:j Q)1=1 ro 00 v 0 P-io,..,..00- U U Q)I:J:l rt.l :::l 1-1 ::l ::l I:J:l 0 Q) .;->'"dO U 1-1b.;->Q)-~1-I ~ ::l..-l ""roOo.ooro..d'"d(j),..0 -""•.U I:J:l l:i ,.,..:::l "'-+,1:J:l""""•.-1.-1-....'O'"d'.-I +'1:J:l'H;""0,....,(j) '"•..-i ~~,,~:>.~,..0 l:'l I:J:l-.;->~~Q)~U U '..-i l:'l 0Water11-1 +'ro ,!4 1=1 '::1 rn 1-1 ..-1 0::lOl-lro •..-i ...........ro1-l Turbidity I:!:I 0 o ...:1 lZ;;S:Iil 0 o ~ Q) H ro 1=l,..cl ro <!) 000•..-i ,.QSrt.l H l3- ro 0.;->f,:jP-iU) Q)Q) I:J:l p..:;:l •..-i o l=lHI:J:l OOI:J:l <!)~H U 0 Q) ::l I:J:l :> !-f ..-I reip..•..-i <!) U);S:r:Q 1-1 Q) +'<!) +'+'f,:jro0 ...-i I-l 1-1 I-l~IaI~~:::l ~o:>.::l •..-i°O lZ;...:1~~;S:;S: 1-1 Q)<!) :>.I:J:l ,...., Q)l=l rd l=l rd Q)Q)00 .;-> '"d HQ).....(j)'"d ~~S ~~o '"dU1=I :>ool=ll=lroro·..-i ? ro rd Q),..o l3-......ro .....U U ""v ::l\\)•..-i •..-i ......I:J:l I H ...........'"d.··•.Q)ro~.....v •..-i l=llrel.,"'l ......-I:>(j),.::i I:J:l rorol=lQ)Q)'H~(j)..-I .;-> l3-ro S S 1:1 ro 1-1 ~::s .SU)O<t;<t;~OcJ,c:;OP-i 1-1(j).;->o U I:J:l '"dQ) 1-1 00 H 2 .S (j)0 l3-f,:j:=U I 0 p..Q)I:J:lQ)(j) ::l:>'H';->00 roOl-!·..-i'"d U ,.Q ::l ,..cl •..-i U)U)U);S:;S: w IPENALI 0>Main Ste:mSusitna glacial Ix Boulder Creek glacial Valdez Creek clear I IJ~:I Ix Windy Creek clear Butte Creek clear I Ix Raft Creek clear Sand Lake clear I I t x t XI Ix xlxlxlxlxlxlxlxlXIX XlxlxlxlxlxlxlxlxlxlxlxlXlxlxlx xiX clear clear VEE CANYON Main StemSusitna glacial Clearwater Creek clear Coal Creek clear MacLaren River glacial Tyone System(Lakes Loui s e ,Sus ltna ,clear and Tyone) Oshetna River Goose Creek XIX xI IX X X X X XliX xIx X X x XIXlx x XlxlXIXIXIX xlxlXlxlxlxlXIXlxlXlxlXIX XIX I XI XI X Xlxlx Table 12.Non-game birds recorded in Denali and Vee Canyon areas. Species Denali area Vee Canyon area Common loon x Pacific loon x Horned grebe x Swa.irrs on ts hawk x Redtailed hawk x x Golden eagle x Bald eagle x x Marsh hawk x Osprey x Golden plover x Semi-palmated plover x Hudsonian curlew x Spotted sandpiper x x Lesser yellowlegs x x Northern phalarope x Shortbilled gull x x Franklin gull x x Arctic tern x x Horned owl x Hawk owl x Snowy owl x Flicker x Hairy Woodpecker x Kingfisher x x Cliff swallow x x Robin x x Hermit thrush x Russet-backed thrush x Ruby-crowned kinglet x Bohemian waxwing x x Myrtle warbler x x Purple finch x Whitewinged crossbill x Tree sparrow x x White crowned sparrow x x Song sparrow x Slate colored junco x x LITERATURE CITED Anonymous 1952.A report on potential development of water resources in the Susitna River Basin of Alaska.U.S.Bureau of Reclamation report. 1952.A preliminary report on fish and wildlife to the Susitna River Basin Plan,Alaska. life Service report. resources in relation U.S.Fish and Wild- 1954.A special report on economic aspects of the Nelchina Caribou Herd.U.S,Fish and Wildlife Service report. 1954.A progress report on wildlife of the Susitna River Basin. U.S.Fish and Wildlife Service report. 19570 1956 field investigations,Devil Canyon dam site,Susitna Rive r Basin.U.S.Fish and Wildlife Service progress report. 1959.1957 field investigations,Devil Canyon dam site and reservoir area,Susitna River Basin,U.S.Fish and Wildlife Service progress report. Al Lin ,R.W. 1956.Catch distribution,composition,and size structure,sport fishing Anchorage area.Federal Aid in Fish Restoration quarterly progress report. 1957.Preliminary lake survey of Lake Louise and Little Lake Louise, Federal Aid in Fish Restoration quarterly progress report. Hansen,H.A. 1958.Annual waterfowl report,Alaska.U.S.Fish and Wildlife Service report. Raus ch,R.A, 1958.Herd composition surveys--Susitna and Copper River valleys, moose management studies.Federal Aid in Wildlife Restora- tion job completion report. 38 This electronic copy of the report includes the revised pages that were distributed in the Sept. 19, 1960 memorandum: p. 3, p. 4, and p. 25. UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR F I S HAN D WILDLIF ESE RVICE ARNIE J.SUOMELA,COMMISSIONER O'EVIL CANYON PROJECT SUSITNA RIVER BASIN ALASKA S 9 64 :A .U62 . I I A L!2 . ~·D;.'·R ~E":P O R ·T ON THE FISH AND WILDLIFE RESOURCES I ..•. I,t :,..~---....:.------' United States Department of the Interior Fish and Wildlife Service Bureau of Commercial Fisheries Juneau,Alaska A Detailed Report on Fish and Wildlife Resources affected by the DEVIL CANYON PROJECT Alaska Branch of River Basin Studies May 1960 UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR FISH AND WILDLIFE SERVICE BUREAU OF COMMERCIAL FISHERIES BOX 2021 JUNEAU.ALASKA ALASKA REGION (REGION II) ADDRESS ONLY THE REGIONAL DIRECTOR May 2,1960 Memorandum To: From: Subject: District Manager,Bureau of Reclamation Juneau,Alaska Regional Director,Bureau of Commercial Fisheries Juneau,Alaska Regional Dire ctor,Bureau of Sport Fisheries and Wildlife Juneau,Alaska Devil Canyon Project,Susitna River Basin,Alaska This is our detailed report of our studies concerning effects of the Devil Canyon Project upon the fish and wildlife resources.Both facilities of the project,the Devil Canyon Darn and Reservoir and the Denali Darn and Res ervoir,are located in the Susitna River Basin of south-central Alaska.This report has been prepared in accordance with the Fish and Wildlife Coordination Act,48 Stat. 401,as amended;16 U.S.C.661 et seq. We have studied the fish and wildlife re sour ce s In conne ction with this project for effects as well as with a view toward mitigating those losses which may result from project construction and oper- ation.Further,we have explored the possibilities for enhancement of these resources.This letter,which briefly summarizes our findings and contains our recommendations,is supported in detail by the attached substantiating report. Big game,small game,fur animals,waterfowl,and both resident and anadromous fish will be affected by project construction.Ap- proximately 61,000 acres of land will be inundated,most of which is moose range.Although the Nelchina caribou herd presently utilizes the impoundment area as winter range,only about 33,000 acres is considered to be of good quality for this usage.Movement patterns of the herd are such that it is believed the species will not be seriously affected by project development and operation. Some loss of small game and fur animal habitat is expected in the project area.Harvest of these species,which is presently light, due primarily to inacces sibility,may increase in adjacent areas with project development as a result of improved access. Some waterfowl nesting and rearing habitat will be destroyed by in- undation.Similar habitat will probably not develop around the reservoir perimeters due to fluctuating water levels.It is possible that the two impoundments will receive more use by migrating birds than the water bodies destroyed by inundation. Fish present in the project area will be affected in a variety of ways.Below the Devil Canyon and Denali damsites,alteration of natural stream flow and temperature patterns will produce unknown effects on the fish present in these areas. At Devil Canyon,the planned operational releases are considered adequate to preserve fish habitat.During the period of dam con- struction,initial reservoir filling,and in the event of an unfore- seeable cessation of power production,however,water releases will be necessary to preserve the downstream fishery.Therefore, a recommendation for minimum flows is made.These minimum flows,as well as power flows during project operation,should be released gradually to avoid flushing or scouring the channel.The Susitna River below the Devil Canyon Dam serves as a migration route for salmon ascending to the spawning tributaries.Releases of water either colder or warmer than normal stream temperatures could affect the attraction of salmon to such tributaries.The Bureau of Reclamation should explore the feasibility of modifying the intake structure to permit drawing water from selected temper- ature strata in the Devil Canyon Reservoir. Under proje ct operation,no wate r releases are planned from the Denali Dam from about April to September of each year,depending on runoff and power requirements.Stream dewatering in this sec- tion could be deleterious to summer fish usage,However,it is believed that fish populations here are minimal due to the turbidity of the Susitna River.Also,this section of stream is located very close to the headwaters and thus there are few tributaries above the damsite to which fish movement may occur in summer months. For these reasons,no minimum release during the period from 2 April through September, indusi ve 1 is requested from the Denali Dam. Winter habitat will. probably improve in this area as a result of increased flows. 1£ the Denali Reservoir proves to be reJ.atively clear in the winter, enhancement of this area as fish habitat may result. During the period of construction, initial. reservoir filling, and project operation, a minimum flow is recommended from Octo ber through March, inclusive, to maintain the downstream fishery. These minimum flows, as well as the flows for power during project operation,> should be releas ed gradually to avoid the flushing or scouring of the channeL Loss of stream habitat through inundation will be partially offset by creation of two large reservoirs, However, the plan of operation indicates rather wide fluctuations in the impoundment levels and these fluctuations will probably limit fish production. Also, since glacial silt tends to remain in suspen.sion, it is probable that these waters will be turbid. The degree of turbidity is impossible to pre dict at this time, although it may be generalized that the greater the turbidity> the less productive the waters will be of fish life., Investigations of the Fish and Wildlife Service both above and below the Devil Canyon damsite failed to reveal any evidence that anadro mous fish migrate through or above Devil Canyon, Therefore, no recommendation for a fish ladder or other fish passage device is included. However, the possibility exists that the Louise, Susitna, and Tyone Lake system, as well as certain other lakes in the basin, could sustain a red salmon run, Also, the many clear-water streams tributary to the Susitna River above Devil Canyon dalTIsite may possess a potential for spawning and rearing of other salmon ine species.. Additional studies to determine potential. spawning areas are planned by the Fish and Wildlife Service in the future. Should these studies indicate areas onable probability that the area can be developed for production of anadromous fish, and should it appear justified economically. then some type of fish passage facility may be recommended for Devil Canyon Dam at a later date, This report and the following recommendations have been endorsed by the Alaska Department of Fish and Game as indicated in the letter to us dated May 6. 1960 from Acting Commissioner Walter Kirkness of that Department, a copy of which is appended to the substantiating reporL 3 In order to minimize adverse effects to fish and wildlife resources with project development and operation, it is recommended that: 1. During project development, reservoir filling and operation, a minimum flow of not less than 2, 000 c. f. s. be maintained at all times in the Susitna River below the Devil Canyon Dam. However, should the initial reservoir filling occur during the period October through April, inclusive, only 1, 000 c. f. s. would be required. 2. During the period of construction, reservoi r filling and pro ject operation a minimum flow of not less than 150 c. £. s. be maintained in the Susitna River below the Denali Dam for the period October through March, inclusive. 3. Abrupt changes in the volume of water discharged be avoided at both dams; such changes should be made gradually or in a series of slight increases or decreases. 4. The following language be incorporated in the recommendations of the report of the District Manager of the Bureau of Reclama tion: a. tlThat additional detailed studies of fish and wildlife re sources affected by the project be conducted as neces sary after the proje ct is authorized in accordance with the Fish and Wildlife Coordination Act, 48 Stat. 401, as amended; 16 U. S. C. 661 et seq.; and that such reason able modifications in the authqrized project facilities be made by the Secretary as he may find appropriate to conserve and develop these resources. " b. tlThat Federal lands and project waters in the project area be open to free use for hunting and fishing so long as title to the lands and structures remains in the Federal Government, except for sections reserved for safety, efficient operation, or protection of public property. tl c. "That leases of Federal land in the project area reserve the right of free public access for hunting and fishing. tl 4 5.The report of the District Manager,Bureau of Reclamation, include the preservation and propagation of fish and wildlife resources among the purposes for which the project is to be authorized. The analysis of project effects as set forth in the substantiating re- port is based on engineering data available April 12.1960.The Fish and Wildlife Service should be advised of any changes in engineering plans so that the effects of such changes on the fish and wildlife resources of the project area may be determined. Very truly yours. 4t -{)rC/1t 1//fUftm- URBAN C.NELSON Regional Director Bureau of Sport Fisheries and Wildlife 5 a'~ JOHN T.GHARRETT Regional Director Bureau of Commercial Fisheries SUBSTANTIATING REPORT TABLE OF CONTENTS PREFACE INTRODUCTION Purpose of the Project Location of the Project DESCRIPTION OF THE AREA ...•.....•......... Physical Features Commercial Features PLAN OF DEVELOPMENT Engineering Features -Devil Canyon ....•.. Engineering Features -Denali .......•..••. Operation -Devil Canyon ......•..•....•.. Ope ration -Denali .•....•.•..........•..•. FISHERY General _..'".."".,.,.. Without the Project -Devil Canyon . Without the Project -Denali ..........•... With the Project -Devil Canyon . With the Project -Denali ......•.......... WILDLIFE .....•...................•.......... Without the Project -Devil Canyon .......•. Without the Project -Denali ...........•.•. With the Project -Devil Canyon ....••...... With the Project -Denali ..•..•........... DISCUSSION i Page 1 3 3 3 4 4 7 9 9 9 9 12 13 13 13 15 17 17 19 19 20 22 22 24 LIST OF TABLES AND FIGURES Page Table 1.Engineering and Operating Data 12 Figure 1.Susitna River Basin Location (Map)5 Figure 2.Project Location (Map)10 Figure 3.Devil Canyon Damsite (Photo)11 Figure 4.Denali Impoundment Area (Photo)11 Figure 5.Schematic Map 14 Figure 6.Hydraulic Barrier to Salmon (Photo)16 11 PREFACE 1.This is a detailed report concerning the probable effects of the Devil Canyon Project upon the fish and wildlife resources of the project area.The overall project consists of two primary features;the Devil Canyon Dam and Reservoir,and the DenaliDam and Reservoir.These features are considered as separate facili- ties throughout this report.Engineering data and operational plans on which this report is based were obtained from the Bureau of Reclamation on April 12,1960. 2.Fish and Wildlife field investigations have been conducted intermittently in the project area since 1952 and,in part,concur- rently with Bureau of Reclamation feasibility studies.The fish and wildlife resources that will be affected by the Devil Canyon and Denali features are discussed as they would probably exist without and with project development. 3.No major water development project exists in a subarctic location which will provide a basis for predicting the effect of the Devil Canyon project on the fish and wildlife resources.Further, only limited information concerning life histories and populations of the various species involved is available.Thus,only generalized predictions of project effects are possible. 4.App r e ci ati.on is expressed to the many members of the various branches of the Bureau of Sport Fisheries and Wildlife and the Bureau of Commercial Fisheries for supplying needed informa- tion during the preparation of this report. 5.Since January 1,1960,the State of Alaska has assumed control of the fish and wildlife resources of the new State.Staff members of the Alaska Department of Fish and Game have indica- ted a desire and willingness to contribute further information in the continuation of studies of this project. 6.Previous reports prepared by the U.S.Fish and Wildlife Se r vi ce that pertain to the Devil Canyon and Denali features are as follows: A Preliminary Report on Fish and Wildlife Resources in Relation to the Susitna River Basin Plan,Alaska.1952 1 A Progress Report on the Fishery Resources of the Susitna River Basin,Alaska.1954 A Progress Report on the Wildlife Resources of the Susitna River Basin,Alaska.1954 Progress Report,1956 Field Investigations, Devil Canyon Damsite,Susitna River Basin, Alaska.1957 Progress Report,1957 Field Investigations, Devil Canyon Damsite and Reservoir Area, Susitna River Basin,Alaska.1959 1958 Field Investigations,Denali and Vee Canyon Damsites and Reservoir Areas, Susitna River Basin,Alaska.1959 2 INTRODUCTION Purpose of the Project 7.The purpose of the Devil Canyon Project will be to pro- vide power to interior and south-central Alaska.Ultimate power capacity of the Devil Canyon Project will be 580,000 kilowatts j however,the initial capacity will be limited to 217,500 kilowatts. Location of the Project 8.Devil Canyon Project,consisting of two dams and reser- voirs,will be located in south-central Alaska,about midway between the two population centers of Anchorage and Fairbanks. More specifically,the Devil Canyon damsite is located on the Susitna River 14.5 miles upstream from the Alaska Railroad sec- tion at Gold Creek or at river mile 134.This development will provide the source of power generation.The Denali damsite will be located on the Susitna River at mile 248,or 15 miles below the Denali Highway crossing of the Susitna River.The reservoir formed by this dam will provide for water storage and regulation of flows to be utilized downstream at the Devil Canyon site. 3 DESCRIPTION OF THE AREA Physical Features 9.The Susitna River Basin lies in south-central Alaska, north of the farthest inland projection of Cook Inlet between lati- tudes 61 0 -64 0 north and longitudes 146 0 -153 0 west (Fig.1).The total drainage of the basin comprises about 19,300 square miles of relati vely uninhabited lands.The basin is bordered on the south by the waters of Cook Inlet and the Talkeetna Mountains,on the east by the Talkeetna Mountains and the Copper River plateau,and on the west and north by the Alaska Range. 10.The main stem of the Susitna River from its source in the Alaska Range to its point of dis charge into Cook Inlet is about 275 miles long.It flows southward from the Alaska Range for about 60 miles;thence,in a general westerly direction through the Talkeetna Mountains for about 100 miles,and then south for the remaining 115 miles to its mouth at Cook Inlet. 11.Principal tributaries of the lower basin have as their origin glaciers high in the surrounding mountain ranges.These streams are for the most part turbulent in the upper reaches and slower flowing in the lower regions.Most of the tributaries carry a heavy load of glacial silt. 12.The Yentna River,one of the largest tributaries,begins in the mountains of the Alaska Range,flows in a general southeast- erly dire ction for approximately 95 miles and ente rs the Susitna River 24 miles upstream from its mouth. 13.The Talkeetna River has its origin in the Talkeetna Mountains.It flows in a westerly direction and discharges into the Susitna River 80 miles upstream from its mouth. 14.The Chulitna River heads in the Alaska Range and flows in a southerly direction,joining the Susitna River opposite the Talkeetna confluence. 15.Principal tributaries of the upper Susitna drainage are the Oshetna,Tyone,and Maclaren Rivers.For the most part, these tributaries have numerous feeder streams that drain many clear-water lakes. 4 ,,2" ~ I I j f A I '00' ,5<" p ,... c Figure 1.Susitna River Basin ,Alaska 5 16.Stream flow in the Susitna Basin is characterized by a high rate of dis charge from May through September and by low flows from October through April.High discharges are caused by snow melt,rainfall,and glacial melt.Streams carry a heavy load of glacial silt during the summe r.During the winte r when low temperatures retard water flows,streams are silt free. 17.The Alaska Range to the west and north,and the Talkeetna Range to the east make up the high perimeter of the lower Susitna River Basin.The Alaska Range is made up of sedimentary rocks, some of which have been metamorphosed and intruded by granitic masses.The Talkeetna Mountains are primarily granitic.The floor of the lower basin is largely covered with glacial stream de- posits. 18.The upper basin,predominantly mountainous,is bordered on the west by the Talkeetna Mountains,on the north by the Alaska Range,and on the south and east by the flat Copper River plateau. Valleys are floored with a thick fill of glacial moraines and gravels. 19.The climate of the Susitna Basin is rather diversified. The latitude of the region gives it long winters and short summers with great variation in the length of the daylight between winter and summer. 20.The lower Susitna Basin owes its relatively moderate climate to the warm waters of the Pacific on the south and the bar- riers of surrounding mountains.The summers are characterized by moderate temperatures,cloudy days,and gentle rains.The winters are cold and the snowfall is fairly heavy.Talkeetna,repre- sentative of the lower basin,has an annual mean temperature of 33.2 of,,and an average annual precipitation of 28.85 inches. 21.The upper Susitna Basin,separated from the coast by high mountains,has a somewhat more severe climate than the lower basin.The nearest weathe r station at Mount McKinley Park has an annual mean temperature of 27.5°F.,and an annual preci- pitation of 14.44 inches. 22.Spruce,birch,aspen,cottonwood,willow,and alder are found throughout the lower basin up to about 2,000 feet.These are interspersed with low muskeg vegetation on the fl~or of the 6 basin and grassy meadows on higher benches.Understory of tim- bered areas consists of moss,ferns,high and low bush cranberry, devil's club,wild rose,blueberry,currants,grass,and wildflow- ers.Above timberline,thickets of alder and willow occur inter- spersed with grassy meadows.Above this zone vegetation consists of moss,lichens,and wildflowers. 23.Spruce occurs throughout the upper basin up to the 2,500-to 3,OOO-foot timberline.Low,scrubby,black l!3pruce grows on the poorly drained bottomland,while the larger white spruce is found on bette r drained sites.Dwarf birch is distributed throughout the upper basin,and willow occurs along water bodies. White birch and alder occur in limited amounts.The understory includes blueberry,low-bush cranberry,Labrador tea,crowberry, fireweed,mosses,and lichens.Muskeg is interspersed throughout the bottomland and tundra is present throughout better drained areas. 24.Mount McKinley National Park,containing about 3,030 square miles and second in size only to Yellowstone National Park, lies some 50 miles to the northwest of the project area.It -..:v:as created by an act of Congress in 1917 and has as one of its objec- tives the protection of the great herds of mountain sheep and cari- bou in this portion of the Alaska Range.Mount McKinley,the highest mountain in North America,is the principal scenic feature of the park.This lofty peak rises 20,269 feet above sea level, and soars some 17,000 feet above the surrounding forested plateau; it is the only mountain in the world to rise so high from its own base. 25,The Denali Game Reserve,extending from the north side of the Denali Highway to the crest of the Alaska Range and from the eastern boundary of the Maclaren River drainage west- ward to a point 10 miles east of Cantwell,was established in 1957. Currently,the reserve is closed to the taking of big game animals. Commercial Features 26.The population of the basin is chiefly concentrated along the railbelt with scattered settlements of trappers and miners throughout the entire basin.The proposed project features are located approximately midway between Anchorage and Fairbanks, 7 the two largest cities in the State.It has been estimated that these two areas contain about 125,000 people or about 60 percent of the entire State I s population. 27.The Alaska Railroad is the only overland means of trans- portation through the lower Susitna River Basin.The Denali High- way passes through the headwater portion of the upper Susitna Basin.Although other secondary roads are being developed, access to remote areas is still possible only by air and boat travel. 28.Economic activities are chiefly centered in the lower 100 miles of the basin along the r ai lbe l t,The commercial fishery utilizing the Susitna salmon runs is located in Cook Inlet.Placer and lode gold,tungsten,and construction materials are produced in this lower area,but only in limited quantities.Coal and other minerals are present but have received little attention due to high development costs.Much of the basin is under lease by oil inter- ests.Portions of the lower basin are sui ted for agriculture and forest industries,which still await full development. 8 PLAN OF DEVELOPMENT Engineering Features -Devil Canyon 29.Devil Canyon damsite,located on the Susitna River at mile 134 (Fig.2),will be the initial development.The dam, rising 635 feet above its foundation and 565 feet above the normal water surface of the river (Fig.3),will be of a concrete-arch design.Although the ultimate installed powe r capacity will be 580,000 kilowatts,the initial capacity will be 217,500 kilowatts. 30.The reservoir will be about 29 miles long and between 0.25 and 0.75 mile wide.At a normal full pool water surface elevation of 1,450 feet,it will have a surface area of 7,550 acres and an initial total capacity of 1,100,000 acre-feet.During a l Otr-y e a r period,the average minimum operating pool level is estimated at 1,284 feet rn,s ,1.At this level,the reservoir would have a capacity of 205,000 acre-feet and a surface area of about 1,900 acres.The dead storage pool will have an initial surface area of 2,100 acres and a storage capacity of 293,000 acre-feet,at an elevation of 1,275 feet. Engineering Features -Denali 31.The Denali Dam will be an earth and sand/gravel struc- ture about 290 feet in height above the bottom of the cutoff trench '--- and 219 feet above the river bed.It~location will be approximately 15 miles downstream from the Susi~rl.a River crossing of the Denali Highway,or at river mile 248 (Fig"2).With normal full pool water surface elevation of 2,552 feet,a reservoir 2 to 6 miles wide and about 25 miles long will be created.This will cover about 61,000 acres and store 5,400,000 acre-feet of water (Fig.4). For a lOa-year period,the average minimum operating pool level would be 2,484 feet rn , s ,1. ;at this elevation,the reservoir will cover 34,000 surface acres and contain 1,650,000 acre-feet. Initially,100,000 acre-feet of water will remain in the dead pool, which will cover 300 acres at an elevation of 2,368 feet.The dead pool storage will decline to zero over a lOa-year period,due to sedimentation. Operation -Devil Canyon 32.Maximum monthly power releases from the Devil Can- yon Dam will occur during December when an average of 10,525 c.is. 9 F igure 2 . Devil C a n yon Si te Denali S ite Project L oc a t io n Map Z5 ZO 15 10 5 0 25 Mil.. bdbdb4 f SCALE ...... o N \ \. \ \ I!lZ" I!lZ" 'l ...~'f. ~...~\O~...\.- "...,+-\~'4 ,,;~. I!lO"·;r /-/I /'!.I t.urr w lA..~i 1 ~IlIl S No ~-.Jo £1 tJ-S+ SUSITN RIVER BASIN U.S.B.R.Photo Figure 3.View of proposed 0evil Canyon 0amsite,showing rapids and river gorge. Photo by Jack Lentfer Figure 4'.Upper section of Denali impoundment area looking north from Denali Highway bridge crossing of Susitna River to headwater glaciers .. 11 will be discharged.Minimum monthly power releases averaging 7,930 c.f.s ,will occur during July.The average annual release will be 9,125 c.f.s. Operation -Denali 33.Water will be stored in the Denali impoundment during spring and summer for release in the fall and winter.Only incre- mental flows will occur for about a six-month period in that section of the Susitna River between the two impoundments.The month of maximum discharge will be December when an average of 9,400 c.f.s ,will be released.The average release from the Denali Dam during the period of operation will be 6,800 c.f.s , 34.Salient features of engineering and operation are pre- sented in Table 1. TABLE I PERTINENT ENGINEERING AND OPERATING DATA DEVIL CANYON AND DENALI DAMS AND RESERVOIRS 1,450 2,552 7,550 61,000 1,100,000 5,400,000 1,284 2,484 1,900 34,000 205,000 1,650,000 1,275 2,368 2,100 300 293,000 100,000 7,930 -0- (July 1)(April-Sept) 10,525 9,400 (Dec)(Dec) 9.125~1 6,800 (when re- leases are made) Height of Dam (feet above foundation and bottom of cutoff) Maximum Pool Elevation (feet rn,s . 1. ) Surface Area (acres) Storage Capacity (acre -feet) Normal Full Pool Elevation (feet m s.L ) Surface Area (acres) Storage Capacity (acre -feet) Average Min.Op.Elevation(feet m.s.1.) Surface Area (acres) Storage Capacity (acre -feet) Top of Dead Pool Elevation(feet rnv s i L] Surface Area (acres) Storage Area (acre-feet) Average Min.Monthly Release (c.f.s , ) Average Max.Monthly Release (co f.s , ) Average Release (c.f.s , ) IIDoes not include spills 12 Devil Canyon 635 1,455 7,750 1,140,000 Denali 290 2,562 65,000 6,055,000 FISHERY General 35.During the warmer months of the year,the Susitna River is silt-laden throughout its entire course due to its glacial orlgm.Sport fishing is thereby limited to the clear-water tribu- taries and areas in the main Susitna River near the mouths of these tributaries.The principal fresh-water sport fish present in the Susitna Basin are rainbow and lake trout,Dolly Varden char,and grayling.Other species of lesser importance are bur- bot,sucker,sculpin,and two species each of stickleback and whitefish.King,red,pink,chum,and coho salmon are found in varying abundance in major tributaries of the Susitna River below the Devil Canyon damsite.During the past 10 years,the first wholesale value of the Cook Inlet salmon case pack has averaged over $7,300,000 annually.Of this,the Susitna River system is estimated to produce annually 38 percent or about $2,774,000. 36.Sport fishing pressure in the Susitna Basin is light, with the primary limitation being that of access.Many lakes and rivers afford landing sites for float-equipped aircraft,and fisher- men using this method of transportation are frequently rewarded with limit or near-limit catches.The Alaska Railroad,the pri- mary means of access to the lower basin,parallels the Susitna River from Nancy at railroad mile 181 to Gold Creek at railroad mile 263,and crosses many fine fishing streams tributary to the main river.During the summer season,trains make unscheduled stops at these streams to accommodate fishermen.The comple- tion of the Denali Highway in 1957 opened the upper Susitna Basin to fishermen.The Tyone River,originating at Lake Louise and flowing northwest to the Susitna River,is proving increasingly popular with boat fishermen. Without the Project -Devil Canyon 37.The areas affected by this proposed project feature are best discussed when considered as two separate sections;from the confluence of the Susitna,Talkeetna,and Chulitna Rivers at river mile 85,upstream to the Devil Canyon damsite at river mile 134,a distance of 49 river miles,and the Devil Canyon impound- ment area about 29 river miles in length (Fig.5), 13 Figure 5. DENALI DAMSITE AND RESER VOIR (25 miles long) Schematic Map showing principle tributaries and distances. SUSITNA RIVER BASIN PORTAGE CREEK TALKEETNA RIVER ~DEVIL CANYON DAMSITE .AND RESERVOIR 49 miles (.)V 29 rni les long CHULITNA \ RIVER . I-' H:>- COOK INLET 38,That section of the Susitna River downstream from Devil Canyon to its confluence with the Talkeetna and Chulitna Rivers is fed by a few clear tributary streams which furnish habitat for rain- bow trout,grayling,lake trout,Dolly Varden char,and burbot,and spawning and rearing grounds for the five species of Pacific salmon. Portage Creek,3 miles below the damsite,is the last tributary up- stream on the Susitna River where significant numbers of spawning salmon have been noted,It is not known how extensively the main stem Susitna below the damsite is utilized for spawning,but such usage is probably light due to the silt-laden water and the relatively muddy,sandy nature of the channel.Sport fishing between the dam- site and confluence of the Susitna,Talkeetna,and Chulitna Rivers is limited to the mouths of a few clear-water tributaries.It is pre- sumable that no significant changes in either fish spawning or sport fishing will occur without the project. 39.The Devil Canyon impoundment area is a rugged,narrow canyon with several rapids and a few clear-water tributaries,the largest being Fog Creek and Devil Creek.Grayling,whitefish, burbot ,suckers,and cottids occur in these tributaries and in the main river.Due to a paucity of sizeable tributary streams and re- moteness of the area.sport fishing is practically non-existent. Little change is anticipated in fish populations or fishing pressures without proje ct development. 40.Investigations conducted by the Fish and Wildlife Service intermittently from 1952 to 1958 failed to reveal the presence of adult or young salmon above the proposed Devil Canyon d arris i.te . No actual waterfalls or physical barriers have been observed in or above the Devil Canyon area which would preclude salmon from utilizing the drainage area above the damsite.However,the most logical reason for the absence of salmon from the area is the probability of a hydraulic block resulting from high wate r velocities for several river miles within Devil Canyon (Fig.6).It is doubtful that the area above Devil Canyon will become accessible to and utilized by anadromous fish without project development. Without the Project -Denali 41.In the Denali area,the affected sections are considered in two parts;the area from the head of the Devil Canyon Reservoir to the Denali damsite at river mile 248,for a distance of 85 main stem miles,and the Denali impoundment area,which is about 25 miles long. 15 Figure 6. Fhoto by Dick Hensel Possible hydraulic barrier to ascending salmon several miles above Devil Canyon Damsite.Note slide lower right. 42.From the Devil Canyon Reservoir upstream to the Denali impoundment,several tributaries enter the Susitna River.The larg- est of these are the Maclaren River,which is glacially turbid,and the Oshetna and Tyone Rivers which are clear.Smaller streams in- clude Deadman,Wa.tana ,Kosina,jay,Goose,Coal,and Clearwater Creeks.In this section of the Susitna,only burbot have been cap- tured during the summer.Clear tributary s t r e arn s contain grayling, whitefish,burbot,suckers,and cottids.Lake trout are present in certain of the tributary drainages which contain deep lakes.Fishing pressure on the mainstem Susitna is negligible and limited to the mouths of some of the clear-water tributaries.It is expected that this pressure will show only a slight increase without the project. 43.In the Denali i rrrpo und me nt area,the major tributaries to the Susitna River are Raft,Butte,Windy,and Valdez Creeks which are clear and Boulder Creek which is turbid.The clear streams contain grayling,whitefish,burbot,suckers,and cottids.Lake trout are found in some of the small lakes adjacent to the river. Anadromous fish are not pres ent.Stream fishing,principally for 16 grayling,is not extensive and is generally confined to the mouths of clear tributaries.Sand Lake.easily accessible from the Denali Highway,is fished for lake trout.Opening of the Denali Highway has provided access to this area and establishment of tourist facili- ties and trails portends increasing fishing pressure. With the Project -Devil Canyon 44.In that area from the confluence of the Susitna,Chulitna, and Talkeetna Rivers to the damsite at Devil Canyon,it is doubtful that any significant changes to the sport fishe ry will occur.However. the Susitna River in this area serves as the migration route for salm- on ascending to the spawning tributaries.Releases of water,either colder or warmer than normal stream temperatures,could affect the attraction of salmon to such tributaries.Possible flushing and scouring action that would occur as a result of sudden changes in discharge from the Devil Canyon Reservoir may alter production of insects and other fish food. 45.From available records of water contribution of the Susitna,Chulitna,and Talkeetna Rivers.it appears that the project will have no effects to the anadromous fish runs or sport fish below this confluence to the ri ve r I s mouth at Cook Inlet. 46.In the reservoir to be formed by the Devil Canyon Darn, it is doubtful that any significant effects will be sustained by the fishery resources.Inundation of the lower portions of clear-water tributaries may have a limited detrimentf.tl effect on some species. However,this may be offset by elimination of falls near the mouths of some of these streams which will be flooded,thereby permitting increased fish movement and utilization.Although the reservoir will improve access,fluctuating water levels and turbid waters will limit both fish production and fishing pres sure. With the Project -Denali 47.In the area from the Devil Canyon impoundment up- stream to the Denali damsite little change in the overall fishery is anticipated,even though water will not be released from the Denali Reservoir from April through September.This will result in virtual dewatering of the 11 miles of the Susitna River between the dam and the mouth of the Maclaren River.This section currently contributes little to game fish production.Under project develop- ment,it may serve as a wintering area for fish.Reduced flows will have less effect on fish movement and food production below the mouth of the Maclaren River,and these effects will become progressively less severe downstream as each tributary adds more water. 48.Fall and winter flows in this section of the Susitna River may consist of turbid glacial water stored in Denali Reservoir,in contrast to the normal clear water at this time of year.This pos- sible change from clear to turbid water could affect the wintering habitat with attendant effects to the fish species utilizing the river. Should releases from the Denali Reservoir be relatively clear,winter fish habitat may improve since flows will be substantially increased. Improvement is particularly likely if these releases are controlled to minimize fluctuations. 49.The Denali Reservoir will inundate 25 miles of the Susitna River,several small lakes,and 13 miles of the lower por- tions of several clear -water streams which presently support an expanding sport fishery.However,the middle stretches of these streams will become accessible due to the availability of the reser- voir for boat travel and float-plane landing.The Bureau of Recla- mation estimates that only about 14 percent of the inflow will be glacial,with the remaining percentage being snow-melt runoff and spring -fed waters.Retention of water in the reservoir throughout the summer months will permit some warming to occur.The degree of turbidity to be expected from the glacial inflow is not known; however,observations elsewhere indicate that glacial silt tends to remain in suspension rather than settle out.Further observations generally indicate that turbid lakes are not only less productive of fish life than clear lakes,but less attractive to sportsmen.There- fore,the degree of turbidity will partially determine the fishe ry productivity and utilization of the impoundment area.Fluctuating water levels will further limit fish life by restricting food produc- tion in the shoal areas of the reservoir. 18 WILDLIFE Without the Project -Devil Canyon 50.The dominant vegetative cover throughout the Devil Canyon impoundment area is spruce.Low bottomland along the main river and the tributaries supports black spruce-aspen stands. White spruce occurs on the steep side hills in conjunction with paper birch,dwarf birch,black spruce,and occasional stands of aspen and cottonwood.Dwarf birch is present in the rolling country on each side of the canyon,while willow occurs infrequently through- out the entire area.The understory includes blueberry,low-bush cranberry,narrow-leaved Labrador tea;crowberry,fireweed, mosses,and lichens. 51.Game populations are limited in number along the steep canyon walls which comprise most of the area to be flooded.A few moose and black and grizzly bear are present.Segments of the Nelchina caribou herd periodically range throughout the impound- ment area.However,at no time of the year are caribou resident to the area nor is the area located on any re cently-utilized migration route. 52.A limited number of spruce grouse inhabit the area. Ptarmigan would probably be present during peak population periods, 53.Beaver,present in sloughs along the river,are probably the most abundant fur bearers.Other spe des of fur animals present in sparse numbers include land otter,mink and fox.Wolves occa- sionally travel through the area.Other bur bearers that may be present are lynx,marten,wolverine and muskrat. 54.Waterfowl use of the area is limited to a few mergansers which nest in tributaries to the Susitna River. 55.Hunting and trapping in the impoundment area are virtu- ally non-existent due to inaccessibility and low populations of wild- life.This condition can be expected to remain without project development.Even with road building and settlement of the region, game species would probably not be sought in the impoundment area due to low numbers and difficulties associated with hunting the steep canyon walls and traveling on the relatively turbulent Susitna River. 19 Without the Project -Denali 56.The upper section of the Denali impoundment includes extensive river bottomland containing abundant sedge and willow vegetation.Below the mouth of Valdez Creek,the area narrows with sedge and willow in the river bottom,and spruce,dwarf birch, and a heath plant formation composed of blueberry,low-bush cran- berry,Labrador tea,and crowberry on the side hills.The im- poundment area spreads out below the mouth of Butte Creek and contains lakes,potholes,and marshes,separated by higher well- drained land.Spruce and dwarf birch occur throughout with heath plants and lichens as an understory on the better drained sections, and sedge and willow along water bodies. 57.The Denali impoundment area supports a moose popu- lation of slightly less than one moose per square mile throughout all seasons of the year.Without the project,and based on moose productivity studies els ewhe r'e in Alaska,the moose population will probably increase for the next several years and then stabilize at a higher density level. 58.The Denali impoundment area is located within the range of the Nelchina caribou herd,estimated to number over 50,000 animals.Scattered bands and stragglers may occur any- where throughout the range,including the impoundment area,at any time of the year.However,the principal calving .and summer- ing grounds lie outside the impoundment area to the south.Histor- ically,wintering grounds for the main segment of the Nelchinaherd have been the Lake Louise Flats.An unexplained,westward shift in winter range use has been evident in recent years.As many as 20,000 caribou have been observed in Monahan Flats for limited periods.This is an area of about 400 square miles which com- prises about 2 percent of the total Nelchina caribou range.That section of the impoundment area north of Valdez Creek includes the eastern one-eighth of Monahan Flats.Intermittent caribou utilization of the Monahan Flats,which includes the northern sec- tion of the impoundment area,will probably continue without project development.Sedge and Li che n s ,which are highly important winter food plants for caribou,are generally in better condition in this locale than in areas utilized by wintering caribou in past years. Therefore,Monahan Flats is a desirable wintering area.The re- mainder of the impoundment area is utilized less by caribou than this northern section. 20 59.The southern half of the impoundment area is in one of the most popular big game hunting regions in the State ,due to its accessibility from the recently completed Denali Highway and the availability of moose and caribou close to the road.The northern half of the Denali impoundment is part of the Denali Reserve,an area now closed to hunting.This reserve extends east and west for 80 miles and is situated on the north side of the Denali Highway. Several moose are harvested each year from within and adjacent to the open section of the project area.Without project development, hunting pressure for moose in the open areas will increase.Should recurrent suggestions to open the Denali Reserve and/or an either- sex moose season be adopted by the Alaska Department of Fish and Game ,additional increases in the moose harvest will follow. 60.That se ction of the project area lying south of the Denali Highway is part of a region which receives rather intensive hunting for caribou during the first part of the season .The harvest ,which varies from year to year depending on the distribution and move- ment of the caribou,would probably not be increased either by fur- ther liberalization of the present limit (3 caribou)or extension of the season.Hunting pressure,however,is expected to increase without project development.Should the Denali Reserve be opened to big game hunting,hunting pressure for caribou could be exp ected in the northern half of the impoundment area. 61.The area supports both black and grizzly bear;their harvest is mainly incidental to other big game hunting. 62 .Spruce grouse,ptarmigan,and snowshoe hare,whose numbers fluctuate periodically,are present throughout the area but have not been abundant in recent years.Hunting for these species has been light and generally incidental to big game hunting.Hunting pressure may be expected to increase somewhat with an increase in human population ,but harvest will still be large ly dependent upon bird numbers. 63 .Wolves,red fox,wolverine,beaver,muskrat,and land otter are present in the area.Other fur bearers possibly present include mink ,marten and coyote.The present annual fur harvest probably does not e xceed 20 beaver taken by one or two year-round residents near the Denali Highway crossing of the Susitna River. The potential fur yield is far greater than this and ,with increased settlement,trapping would probably increase substantially. 2.1 64.The impoundment area furnishes nesting and rearing habitat for waterfowl.Species nesting in the area include the trumpeter and whistling swan;Canada goose,scaup,baldpate, green-winged teal,mallard,pintail,bufflehead,goldeneye,old squaw,harlequin,shoveller,canvasback,white-winged scoter, and American merganser.Migrant waterfowl use the area for feeding and resting during both spring and fall flights. 65.Waterfowl hunting at present is negligible.Without project development,the area would continue to furnish ne sting, rearing,and resting habitat.Hunting pressure may increase with an increase in human population. With the Project -Devil Canyon 66.Limited amounts of moose,caribou,bear,spruce grouse,and fur animal habitat will be inundated and destroyed. Fluctuating water levels and the precipitous topography of the area will preclude creation of new game habitat.Access to the area will be improved by a road from the Alaska Railroad section at Gold Creek to the damsite and by creation of the 29-mile long reservoir,which will furnish a surface for boat and plane opera- tion.This improved access will undoubtedly attract some hunters and,perhaps,trappers,and result in an increased yield of the presently lightly harvested game of the surrounding area. With the Project -Denali 67.About 61,000 acres of land will be inundated.Most of this is moose habitat,the use of which varies according to the season.Since it is unlikely that the surrounding area can support the displaced animals,the moose population of the impoundment area will be lost.With project development,a new road will be constructed around the lower half of the reservoir.This road,as well as the lake itself,which will afford boat and plane operation, will add to the accessibility and harvest of moose from the range surrounding the project area. 68.About 33,000 acres of good caribou winter range,which receives intermittent winter use by the Nelchina caribou herd, will be destroyed by inundation.An additional 28,000 acres of less valuable range,which receives intermittent use throughout the year,will also be inundated.Although substantial numbers of 22 caribou occasionally use this overall area.the range that will be destroyed is apparently not of major importance when compared with other segments of the Nelchina range.No main caribou.travel routes will be inundated.Improved accessibility as a result of project development will probably increase the caribou harvest in the surrounding area. 69.Spruce grouse.ptarmigan and snowshoe hare habitat will be inundated and lost by project development. 70.A minor hazard to game animals may be created if a series of ice shelves is formed around the perimeter of the reser- voir as water is drawn down during the winter. 71.Inundation will destroy fur bearer habitat and areas used by waterfowl for nesting and rearing.A fluctuating waterline will preclude creation of alternate habitat around the reservoir shore- line to replace these los s e s ,The impoundment will furnish in- creased resting areas for waterfowl,particularly during the fall•migra tion.With a lake for boat and float-plane operations.the area will probably become increasingly important for waterfowl hunting as the population of Alaska increases. 23 DISCUSSION 72.The Devil Canyon Project,if constructed,will result in relatively insignificant losses to the fishery resources of the Su,- sitna River Basin. 73.Reservoirs fo r med as a result of the Devil Canyon and Denali Dams will inundate about 54 miles of the main stem Susitna River,a minimum of 15 miles of clear-water tributaries,and some lake habitat.Fluctuating water levels in both reservoirs win limit maximum development of impoundments for fish habitat.A further restriction to optimum fishery habitat development will be the turbid waters caused by glacial silt runoff.The degree of this turbidity cannot be predicted on the basis of available data;how- ever,fishery production will decrease in proportion to turbidity. Although access will be improved by project development,only limited increases in sport fishing are anticipated where the clear- water tributaries enter the impoundments.It is anticipated that the paucity of clear streams,the fluctuating water levels,and the presence of better fishing in adjacent areas will preclude high usage of the impoundments by anglers. 74.If water released from Devil Canyon Dam for power gen- eration is different in temperature from that of the natural river, the attraction and migration of salmon and other fish to the tribu- taries between the confluence of the Su s i.tria ,Chulitna,and Talkeetna Rivers and the dam may be altered.Limited spawning and other fish usage of this area would be reduced by the introduc- tion of cooler water,while warmer waters would result in increased fish food production and fish utilization in this area.For these reasons,water releases should be made,if feasible,from a reservoir level that corresponds as nearly as possible to normal or warmer than normal .river temperatures. 75.The releases indicated in the Bureau of Reclamation Operating Plan for the Devil Canyon Dam will be adequate to sus- tain fish habitat in the Susitna River downstream from the project. However,during dam construction,reservoir filling,and through- out the life of the project,flows of not less than 2,000 c.f.s , should be maintained.If the initial reservoir filling occurs during the period October through April,inclusive,the minimum flow requirement would be 1,000 c.f.s ..Sudden changes in water dis- charge should be avoided to prevent scouring of the channeL 24 76. Stream ecology and fish life will be modified in the 85 miles of the Susitna River between the Devil Canyon Reservoir and the Denali Dam. The plan of operation calls for water above Denali Dam to be impounded during the spring and summer and to be released during the fall and winter. Changes will be most pro found in the 11 miles of the Susitna River from the Denali Darn to the Maclaren River. However. during the summer months when such flows will be stored, this section of stream apparently re ceives little usage by fish; therefore. this summer dewatering may be of little consequence. Below the Maclaren River, it is most likely that summer fish usage increases. Water records indicate that incremental flows from the various tributaries in this section are normally greater than the flow of the Susitna River at Denali Dam. Even without flow in the Susitna River from Denali Reser voir. the amount of water from the tributaries is believed adequate to sustain fish habitat and fish life. 77. During the fall and winter months. flows between Denali Darn and Devil Canyon Reservoir will exceed normal flows without the project. Such increases will probably be of benefit to wintering fish populations in the Susitna River. particularly if the flow from Denali Darn is relatively clear. However. if this water is glacially turbid, it may be of less value than the normally clear water which currently occurs. 78. Although minimum year-round releases from the Denali Dam would probably reduce the changes in the stream habitat, such alteration of habitat without minimum flows will not be particularly adverse .to the fishery resources. Therefore, minimum flows are not required during spring and summer months when the project is in operation. In order that fish habitat may be preserved durlng the construction and initial filling period and project operation. flows of not less than 150 c. f. s. should be maintained from October through March. When the project is fully operational, flows released from the dam for power generation downstream at Denali will be adequate to maintain the winter fish habitat. 79. Although there have been two reports of fish above the Devil Canyon Dam that could have been salmon, no verified report exists of salmon above this site. A strong probability exists that a hydraulic block (comprised of swift water for several miles) pre vents the movement of anadromous fish to the Susi tna River drain age above the Devil Canyon damsite. It may be that, with some 25 ._--_ .._-_.----------_..__ ._---_.--------------- special water condition which might exist periodically,an occa- sional salmon is able to traverse the area.There are no indica- tions,however,that any significant numbers of salmon or other anadromous fish will be blocked by construction of the Devil Canyon Dam;therefore,no fish ladder or other fish facility is recommended for inclusion in the plans for the Devil Canyon Dam at this time, 80.Above the Devil Canyon d arn s i te ,there are many ql ea r « water tributaries and lake systems that may be utilized by salmon for spawning and rearing purposes.Elimination of the hydraulic block by inundation togethe r with some type of fish-handling device might make it possible to bring the middle and upper Su- sitna drainage area into salmon and steelhead trout production. Detailed studies will be conducted to determine the feasibility and opportunities for enhancement features to utilize these potential spawning areas. 81.Limited amounts of wildlife habitat will be destroyed by inundation with attendant losses to the wildlife species dependent on these habitats.Because of generally low populations and poor accessibility,these losses are considered to be of a minor nature. The topography of the reservoir perimeters as well as the season, duration,and severity of fluctuating water levels in the two reser- voirs make mitigation of such limited losses by development of replacement habitat improbable,It is possible that,as a result of project construction and operation,access to currently remote areas will improve with increased utilization of,the game and fur species by hunters and trappers. 26 C.L.ANDERSON,COMMISSIONER l.fay 6, 1960 STATE OF ALASKA DEPARTMENT OF"F"ISH AND GAME BOARO OF FISH AND GAME RICHARD .JANSON,.JR.,CORDOVA CHAI RMAN ARNOLO BROWER,POINT BARROW OSCAR DYSON,KODIAK ARTHUR M.HAYR,F'A1RBANKS R08ERT I.MARTIN,NAKNEK ROY S.SELFRIDGE,KETCHIKAN ERLING STRAND,PETERSBURG 229 ALASKA OFFICE BUILDING .JUNEAU,ALASKA STATE OF ALASKA WILLIAM A.EGAN ClDVERNDR Mr.John T.Gharrett,Regional Director Bureau of Commercial Fisheries and Mr.Urban C.Nelson,Regional Director Bureau of Sport Fisheries and Wildlife U.S.Fish and Wildlife Service Box 2481,Juneau,Alaska Gentlemen: The Department has reviewed the report of the U.S.Fish and Wildlife Service dated }~4,1960 concerning the Bureau of Reclama- tion's planned.Devil Canyon Project on the Susitna River Basin.We agree with your findings as to the effect of the project on fish and game,and concur in the recommendations for the protection of these resources as outlined in this report. Sincerely, AlASKA.DEPARTMENT OF FISH &GANE (j)a.U»v 1f~ 1.fal ter Kiz-kneas., Acting Commissioner WK:kp j ,j ~ UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR FISH AND WILDLIFE SERVICE CLARENCE F.PAUTZKE,COMMISSIONER VEE PROJECT SUSITNA RIVER ALASKA , ,QL ,161 ',;.U52 /' .'1 1965 I EPO RT ON F I SH A ND WILDLIFE RESO URCE S R "...1...-' UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR Fish and Wildlife Service Clarence Fo Pautzke~Commissioner A DETAILED REPORT ON FISH AND WILDLIFE RESOURCES AFFECTED BY VEE PROJECT SUSITNA RIVER ALASKA Juneau~Alaska February 1965 REPORT OF THE REGIONAL DIRECTOR Bureau of Commercial Fisheries ADDRESS ONLY THE REGIONAL DIRECTOR UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR FISH AND WILDLIFE SERVICE BUREAU OF COMMERCIAL FISHERIES Juneau v Alaska FEB 9 5 District Manager Bureau of Reclamation Juneau»Alaska Dear Sir: This is the detailed report of the D08 0 Fish and Wildlife Service concerning effects of Vee Dam and Reservoir project v Susitna River p Alaska p on fish and wildlife re sourc es ,This Let t er ,which summarizes information concerning fish and game species present in the project area and effects of project construction on fish and game p is supported in more detail in the attached substantiating report o The letter and substantiating report have been pre- pared under the authority of and in accordance with the Fish and Wildlife Coordination Act (48 Stato 401 p as amended;16 DoSoC o 661 et seqo)o Construction and operation of Vee project wou ld inundate 42 miles of glacial river habitat and 27 oS miles of clear or slightly turbid stream hab i t at , Grayling v burbot v suckers v and sculpins occur in these waters;whitefish possibly occur;and lake trout inhabit waters which drain into the impound- ment area o Fishing pressure does not occur in the project area and without project development is not expected to occur during the period of analysis o This lack of fishing pressure results from the availability of better fishing in other more accessible areas. The project Hould form a deep reservoir in which lake trout p whitefish v and burbot might become established;however p fluctuating reservoir levels and water wh i ch is expected to be glacia.lly turbid would not provide optimum conch t i ons for development 0 Grayling?wh i ch are particularly susceptible to turbid water v wou ld not be expected to develop significant populations 0 An important sport fishery would not be likely to develop p even if popula- tions of fish were to become established in the reservoir p since fishing in streams and clear lakes is preferred by most anglers. The Susitna River is now glacially turbid eluring the summer but is clear during the wi.rrt er ,111e extent to which fish inhabit this clear water during winter when tributary f l ows are reduced is not known 0 Denali Rese'rvo i r , wh i.ch is the second phase of the Devil Canyon proj ect p would probably retain glacial silt in suspension throughout the winter and winter flows downstream from the Denali Dam would be somewhat turbid 0 Construction of Vee Dam would not alteT this condition o Turbid waters would extend downstream for 46 miles to the upper end of Devil Canyon Reservoir o Any sudden spilling of water past Vee Dam might have a slight adverse effect on fish by scouring and flushing food organisms from the channel below the dam,. REPORT OF THE REGIONAL DIRECTOR Anadromous fish do not occur in the proj ect area and would not be affected 0 The reservoir would inundate approximately 26 05 square miles of wi.Idl i fe habitat 0 The project would ultimately result in loss of habitat which now winters a population of about 50 moose o Caribous use the impoundment area throughout the year in their travels but individual animals do not remain for extended periods o The reservoir would not seriously hinder their move- ments,because they could swim across it in summer and cross on the ice in winter o Some mortality might be expected as a result of attempted cross- ings during periods of thin ice e Black and grizzly bears occur in the area and probably make use of the reservoir site o Willow ptarmigan,spruce grouse~and snowshoe hare~the small game species in the impoundment area,would suffer reduction of habitat as a result of project construction o Fur animal species of the area are beaver,muskrat,otter,mink~lynx,fox, wolf,wo Ive r i ne , and weasel ,Although the area is not considered good quality fur=animal habitat,the project would destroy more habitat than it would create 0 Fluctuating water levels and the steep sides of the reservoir would not favor development of fur-animal populations o Waterfowl habitat now present in the area is of 10;"value 0 Steep banks and a fluctuating shoreline would ext ens i ve nesting on the project reservoir o The reservoir might be used for resting by fall=migrating birds but such habitat is not needed urgently because adequate natural water areas occur nearbyo The area presently supports light hunting pressure for big game by hunters using boats and aircraft o Small game is harvested only incidentally to big game hunting o There is no hunting for waterfowl or trapping of fur animals o Without project development these activities will probably increase slightly during the period of analysis o With project development,access to areas surrounding the impoundment wou l d increase and result in increased hunt mg , The fur harvest might also increase 9 especially duri.ng periods of higher fur pri.ces, This report and the following recommendations have been endorsed by the Alaska Department of Fish and Game as indicated in the letter to us dated January IIp 1965 p from Deputy Commissioner EQ So Marvich,a copy of which is appended to the substantiating report o The report has also been read and approved by the Regional Director~Bureau of Sport Fisheries and Wildlife, Portland,Oregano In order to minimize adverse effects to fish and wildlife resources with project development and operation,it is recommended that: 1 0 During the construction p filling 9 and operating phases of the project p a minimum flow of 500 cafos o be maintained at all times in the Susitna River below the damo 2 REPORT OF THE REGIONAL DIRECTOR 2.Abrupt changes in the volume of water discharged past the dam be avoided;such changes should be made gradually or in a series of slight increases or decreases. 3. The following language be incorporated in the recommendations of the report of the District Manager,Bureau of Reclamation: a."That additional detailed studies of fish and wildlife resources affected by the project,be conducted as necessary, after the project is authorized,in accordance with Section 2 of the Fish and Wildlife Coordination Act (48 Stat.401,as amended; 16 U.S.C.661 et seq.);and that such reasonable modifications in the authorized project facilities be made by the Secretary of the Interior as he may find appropriate for the conservation,improvement,and development of these resources." b."That Federal lands and project waters in the project area be open to public use for hunting and fishing so long as title to the lands and structures remains in the Federal Government,except for sections reserved for safety,effi- cient operation,or protection of public property." c."That leases of Federal land in the project area reserve the right of public use of such land for hunting and fishing." The analysis of project effects as set forth in the substantiating report is based on engineering data made available through November 6,1964.The Fish and Wildlife Service should be advised of any changes in engineering plans so that effects of such changes on fish and wildlife resources of the project area may be determined. Very truly yours, ~~ Harry L.Rietze Regional Director Bureau of Commercial Fisheries 3 SUBSTANTIATING REPORT PREFACE 0 0 0 0 TABLE OF CONTENTS ooooo/)OOOOc.o 000000 1 INTRODUCTI ON OQOOOCOOOOOOQ 000000 1 DESCRIPTION OF THE AREA 0000000000 0000000 2 PLAN OF DEVELOPMENT O(lOOO(JOOOUOOQOOOO~4 FISH RESOURCES 0000000000000000000000 5 Without the Project 000000000 0000000 5 With the Project 00000000000 oonone 8 WILDLIFE RESOURCES Without the Project OOOOOOOOOQooooeoo 0000000000000000 10 10 With the Project 0000000000 0000(1)000 12 DISCUSSION 000000000000000000000000 15 LETTER OF CONCURRENCE FROM THE ALASKA DEPAR~!ENT OF FISH AND GAME LOCATION MAP i PREFACE 1 0 This report of the U.S.Fish and Wildlife Service appraises fish and wildlife resources which would be affected by Vee project,Susitna River, Alaska.It substant.iates conclusions and recommendations contained in the letter from the Regional Director of the Bureau of Commercial Fisheries to the District Manager,Bureau of Reclamation.This report is based on engi- neering data received from the Bureau of Reclamation by letter dated November 6,1964.It has been prepared under the authority of and in accordance with the provisions of the Fish and Wildlife Coordination Act (48 Stat.401,as amended; 16 U.S.C.661 et seq.). 2.Previous reports issued by the U.S.Fish and Wildlife Service that pertain to Vee project are as follows: 1.1952.A Preliminary Report on Fish and Ivildlife Resources in Relation to the Susitna River Basin Plan,Alaska. 2.1954.A Progress Report on the Fishery Resources of the Susitna River Basin,Alaska. 3.1954.A Progress Report on the Wildlife Resources of the Susitna River Basin,Alaska. 4 e 1959.1958 Field Investigations,Denali and Vee Canyon Darnsites and Reservoir Areas,Susitna River Basin,Alaska. 5.1960.A Detailed Report on Fish and Wildlife Resources Affected by the Devil Canyon Project,Alaska. INTRODUCTION 3.The Susitna River is a major drainage of southcentral Alaska,the most populous section of the state.To meet existing ano predicted ppwer needs in this area,the Bureau of Reclamation is investigating the develop- ment of the Susitna Basin's power potential.The Devil Canyon project,with 1 dams and reservoirs at the Devil Canyon and Denali sites,would be the first two units to be constructed.This project would have an installed capacity of 580,000 kilowatts.A report issued by the U.S.Fish and Wildlife Service in 1960 concluded that Devil Canyon project would have only minor effects on fish and wildlife resources.If power needs in southcentral and interior Alaska develop as predicted,Vee project would be considered as the third stage for development.The installed capacity of this project would be 338,000 kilowatts. 4.Vee project would be located in southcentral Alaska midway between the population centers of Anchorage and Fairbanks.The dam would be located at Sus.itna River mile 209 between the Devil Canyon and Denali Dams (see location map).A possible fourth stage in development of the Susitna Basin water power resource is the Watana project.It might be built after Vee project in the section of the basin lying between Vee and Devil Canyon. DESCRIPTION OF THE AREA 5.The Susitna River drains about 19,300 square miles of land having only a small human population.The Susitna Basin is bordered on the south by Cook Inlet and the Talkeetna Mountains,on the east by the Talkeetna Mountains and the Copper River Plateau,and on the north and west by the Alaska Range.From its glacial origin in the Alaska Range,the river flows south for about 60 miles,then west through the Talkeetna Mountains for about 100 miles,and then south for 115 miles to Cook Inlet.The drainage can be separated into upper and lower basins at approximately river mile lOa. 6.Topography in the upper basin ranges from gentle slopes and a high, poorly drained plateau in the east to rolling hills and mountainous terrain in the west.The Maclaren River,which is turbid because of its glacial 2 source,is the largest tributary.Other tributaries in the upper basin are either clear or possess only slight glacial turbidity. 7.The l owe r basin is a broad valley bordered.on each side by mountains. Both large,glacially turbid streams and smaller,clear tributaries discharge into the Susitna River in the lower basin. 8.The Talkeetna Mountains,which border the lower Susitna Basin on the east,are primarily granitic.The Alaska Range,bordering the basin on the north and west,is composed of sedimentary rocks,some of which have been metamorphosed and intruded by granitic masses.Valleys of the upper basin are filled to considerable depth with glacial materials.The floor of the lower basin is filled largely by glacial stream deposits. 9.Stream flows in the Susitna Basin are high from May through Sep- tember and low from October through April.Snow melt,rainfall,and glacial melt contribute to flows.Glacier-fed streams are turbid during summer but clear in winter. 10.The northwes't section of the basin lies in Mount Mc Ki.nley National Parka The 3,030 square Juile park,established in 1917,preserves a wide variety of wild game animals in their natural tundra and mountain habitats. Mount McKinley Park is one of the most visited tourist attractions of the entire state o 110 The Alaska Railroad extends north and south through the lower Susitna Basin and affords the only means of overland transportation through ita A highway paralleling the railroad is now under construction.The Denali Highway passes through the headwater portion of the upper basin. The only additional routes of access are limited to a few roads and trails on the fringes of the drainage.Boats are used for travel on portions of 3 the main river and tributaries,and aircraft are used throughout the drainage wherever landings and takeoffs are feasible. 12.The human population is concentrated along the railbelt.Scattered settlements of trappers,miners,and persons providing services to hunters are present throughout the drainage. 130 Economic activities associated with the Susitna drainage include the harvest of Susitna River salmon in Cook Inlet,trapping,mining,and some businesses that furnish services to hunters and fishermen.Oil and timber are two resources of the basin that have potential for future development o PLAN OF DEVELOPMENT 14 0 Engineering data for Vee project were received from the Bureau of Reclamation by letter dated Novenilier 6~1964 0 The dam would be a concrete arch structure with a maximum structural height of 605 feet at crest elevation of 2,360 feet nI.solo It would involve a main dam across the river and an earthfill saddle dam on the left abutment with a gated spillway provided on the right abutment 0 The reservoir would inundate about 17~OOO acres (26.5 square miles)and contain 1,760,000 acre-feet of water at maximum pool eleva- tion of 2,355 feet mos.lo Maximum drawdown would be 215 feet and the average operating head would be 431 feet.The tailwater elevation would be 1,905 feet mos olo A powerplant with an installed capacity of 338,000 kilowatts would be constructed with prime power production expected to be 189,000 kilowatts.Maximum and minimum water releases would be 10,000 and 1,800 c.Ls. respectively,with an average of 6,580 cof.s.Spilling might occur from June to September o 4 FISH RESOURCES Without the Project 15 0 The Vee proj ect area includes the area wh i ch would be inundated and the section of the Susitna River extending below the dam to the upstream end of the Devil Canyon Reservoir. 16 0 The project area contains two types of fish habitat:(1)glacial waters of the Susitna River and the Maclaren River p the largest tributaryp and (2)clear or slightly turbid waters of the other tributaries (table I). Project Reservoir oTable1.Fish Drainage Habitat Affected by Vee River Total Miles Stream Above Length Damsite (Miles) Stream Length Flooded (Miles) Character of Water Susitna River 275 41.0 Heavy glacial turbidity Goose Creek 7 20 2 05 Clear Oshetna River 9 51 4.5 Light glacial turbidity Tyone River 21 52]}15.5 Clear Tyone Creek 2/82 3.0 Clear Maclaren River 34 50 LO Heavy glacial turbidity Coal Creek 37 28 1.5 Clear Cl earwater Creek 39 34 0 05 Clear 1/Includes length of lakes o 2/Tributary to Tyone Rivero 17.About 42 miles of glacial river habitat lie within the proposed reservoir boundaries.These flows are turbid in summer but clear during winter p when glacial melt ceases.The dam upstream from Vee Canyon at Denali~however p would probably cause somewhat turbid flow at Vee Canyon 5 to continue year-around,because glacial silt would probably remain suspended in Denali reservoir throughout the wintero Winter turbidity is expected to be considerably less than during summer,however,for high summer flows sustain substantial amounts of coarser materials o Grayling,burbot»sculpins, and suckers have been captured in the mainstem Susitna in the project area. Abundance and extent of movement of these fish in the Susitna and l:laclaren Rivers are unknown.Some fish in tributaries may respond to diminished winter flows by moving downstream to the mainstem Susitna River.Turbidity precludes sport fishing in the summer and inaccessibility and availability of better fishing elsewhere preclude winter angling in these glacial rivers. 18.Tributaries other than the Maclaren are clear except for the Oshetna River which has a slight glacial turbidity produced by small glaciers at its headwaters 0 The proposed Vee Reservoir would inundate a total of 69.5 miles of tributary streams o Grayling,burbot,sculpins,and suckers have been captured in these tributaries.Whitefish and lake trout occur in lakes of the upper Tyone system and lake trout occur in Black Lake in the Oshetna drainage. Tyone Lake,Susitna Lake,and Lake Louise form a series along the upper Tyone River in the section extending from 14 to 36 miles upstream from the proposed reservoir.These lakes are accessible by automobile from the Glenn Highway and they sustain fishing pressure that is heavy by Alaskan standards,pri- marily for lake trout o Black Lake in the Oshetna drainage sustains light pressure for lake trout by fishermen who fly in with float-equipped aircraft. Few or no fishermen travel by boat dO"TIstream from Tyone Lake to fish in the section of the Tyone River that lies within the proposed reservoir area because of (1)difficulties of boat travel and (2)the availability of good fishing in the 1akes o For these same reasons also,very few fishermen travel 6 on the Susitna to reach inaccessible tributary streams.A few hunters traveling by boat may fish incidentally to hunting. 19.The Susitna River between the Vee damsite and the upper end of the Devil Canyon Reservoir receives flows from five major clear-water tributaries:Jay~Kosina,Watana,Deadman,and Tsusena Creeks.Stream survey data for this section are limited;however,grayling,whitefish, burbot,suckers,and sculpins are probably present.Fishermen do not use this section because of difficult access and availability of good fishing elsewhere.Vee Canyon at the upper end of this stream section and Devil Canyon at the lower end preclude boat travel.Pilots are reluctant to land aircraft on the river here,also. 20.Changes in access and in the human population must be considered in predicting fishing and hunting pressures in the project area.Means of access to the upper project area are increasing as new trails develop through the use of swamp buggies and tracked vehicles for hunting.This trend can be expected to continue and extend to the lower project area if present human population predictions are correct.Population projections vary,but all show increases.Expanded human populations will result in greater use of aircraft and boats within the project area.Expanded human populations, coupled with improved means of access,will produce increases in fishing pressure,much of which is incidental to hunting.The presence of better fishing elsewhere will continue to limit the number of people traveling to the project area primarily to fish.Further,the glacial waters of the main- stem Susitna and Maclaren Rivers will preclude summer fishing and the extreme cold and discontinuous ice cover on these rivers will deter any significant winter fishery. 7 210 Investigations conducted intermittently by the UoS o Fish and Wildlife Service during the period 1952 to 1958 revealed that salmon migrate upstream only to the lower end of Devil Canyon at river mile 134.They were not found beyond this point.It was assumed that the long stretch of swift, turbulent water in Devil Canyon constitutes a hydraulic block to fish migra- tion.Therefore~fish passage facilities were not recommended in the Service Report on the Devil Canyon project.Since facilities were not recommended at Devil Canyon p they clearly are not required at Vee Dam o The earlier reports noted~however,the possibility that the Louise,Susitna.and Tyone Lake series p as well as certain other lakes in the basin.might possess a potential for producing sockeye salmon o Alsop the many clear-water streams tributary to the Susitna River above the Devil Canyon and Vee damsites might sustain other salmonid species 0 This Service plans additional studies to determine the extent of potential spawning areas.Should studies indicate a reasonable probability that the area can be developed for production of anadromous fish p and should this be economically justified,then some type of fish passage facility might later be recommended for both Devil Canyon and Vee Dams.If passage over these clams is infeasible.then the prevailing lack of salmon in the upper basin will continue. With the Project 22 0 Construction and operation of Vee project would inundate 42 miles of glacial river and 27.5 miles of clear or slightly turbid stream habitat. Fish known to occur in the proj ect area include grayling.burbot p suckers. and sculpins o Whitefish possibly also occur here,and lake trout are known to inhabit wate rs which drain into the proj ect area , 23.The project reservoir would be deep,a condition which would favor development of a lake trout population.Burbot and whitefish might also 8 become established in the reservoir and if sop would offer some sportfishing value o Conditions would not be optimum for these species~hO\'I'ever 9 since the reservoir would be steep-walled and have little food-producing shoal area o Drawdown would also restrict food production o Lakes of somewhat the same size in other glacial drainages (Tazlina p 21 miles long p 3 miles wide;and Klutina 9 16 miles long p 2 miles wide)remain turbid throughout the year.It is assumed that Vee Reservoir would also remain turbid.Turbidity wou ld suppress development of a grayling population. 24 0 Present distribution of fishing effort suggests that even if fish populations were to develop in the turbid reservoir p fishing pressures would be fairly light because most anglers prefer streams and clear lakes o If a fishery developed g it would probably be limited to (1)casting and trolling for lake trout in summer and (2)fishing through the ice for lake trout and burbot in winter o 25 0 Construction and operation of Vee project \'I'ould affect 46 miles of the Susitna River from Vee Dam to the upper end of Devil Canyon Reservoir o Any stoppage of flows during the construction and filling period would elim- inate nearly all fish use of this section because incremental flows constitute only a small percentage of the main river flow o Since the project would not be placed in operation until after construction of Denali Dam,flows would probably be little changed»although the flow regime would reflect regulation for power production at Vee o Vee tailrace flows are expected to remain some- what turbid throughout the year 0 26 0 During project operation~fish movement in the river below the dam would not be impeded o However D sudden changes in spill volume could result in scouring of the channel with detrimental effects on production of fish food organisms o Access roads constructed for the project would encourage 9 people to visit the area and some summer fishing would develop in tributaries downstream from the dam. However,year-round turbidity would limit fishing in the main river. 27.Anad romous fish are apparently unable to pass through Devil Canyon and thus do not occur in the Vee project area.Controlled water releases at Devil Canyon could compensate for any possible a.dverse effects to anadromous or resident fish downstream. WILDLIFE RESOURCES Without the Project 28. The proposed Vee project reservoir area contains approxima.tely 26.5 square miles.The area includes four major wildlife habitat types: (1)bars and islands of the main river,(2)flat bottom land along the main river,(3)relatively steep sidehills on each side o~tho river,and (4) bottom land along tri0utary streams. 29.Big game species of the project area are moose,caribou,black bear,and grizzly bear. 30.Quantitative data on moose numbers are limited.However,the habitat of the proposed Impoundment area,though limited in extent,is of good quality.An average population of about 50 moose winters there.Hunting pressure for Inoose is light and is exerted by hunters·using boats on the Tyone and Sus i t.na Rivers and by a few hunters using aircraft.Hunting pres- sures and success for moose are increasing at present,just as they are throughout the state as a result of extended season lengths.Significant habitat changes in the project area will probably not occur during the period of project analysis.Hunting of moose will increase as overland access im- proves and as the human population increases. 10 31 0 Segments of the Ne lch i na caribou herd inhabit ar-eas surrounding the impoundment site;their abundance on these areas fluctuates seasonallyo Caribou use of the impmlndment area is limited mainly to transient animals traveling from one to another of these surrounding areas o Lack of suitable lichen growth probably deters caribou use of the impoundment area itself o Although seasons arc long and the bag limit of three anima.ls of either sex is liberal,harvests of tile Nelchina caribou herd are considered inadequa~e for proper management o This results in part from the limited access to the area which causes hunters to confine their activities largely to locations near the road system o Hunting in the impoundment area is light p being limited to hunters using boats on Tyone River and Creek o During the period of project analysis caribous will continue to use the impoundment area as a route of travel between surrounding tracts of desirable habitat.The present liberal seasons will probably be continued until harvests reach levels adequate for proper management of the herd o As improved means of access develop and as the human population increases,the impoundment area and the area surrounding it will sustain more hunting pressure for caribous o 32 0 There is little hunting specifically for black bears in the Nelchina area?although a feH are taken incidentally by hunters seeking other game o Some hunting is done specifically for grizzly bears in the Nelchina area, mostly by hunters using aircraft o Because of the small size of the impound- ment area D the total number of bears involved is very small o The area~hoVl= ever~is probably visually searched each year by several hunters using air~ craft and any grizzly bear seen is subject to being hunted o Grizzlies are also taken in the Nelchina area incidentally to moose and caribou hunting o Probably more black bears will be killed as the number of people visiting the 11 area increases.Grizzly bear populations will probably decline as civili- zation encroaches the area. 33.Small game species in the impoundment area are willow ptarmigan, spruce grouse,and snowshoe hare.Populations of all three fluctuate periodically.No change in species or habitat is expected without the project.Hunting pressure is now negligible and is e::;cpected to increase only slightly in the future because big game hunting will probabl.Y continue to receive primary emphasis. 34.Fur animal species that have been identified in or adjacent to the project area are beaver,muskrat,otter,lynx',fox,wolf,and wolverine. Other species which probably also occur here are mink and weasel.The area is not considered good quality fur-animal habitat.There are few ponds which would favor aquatic species and the dominant cover of spruce does not favor terrestrial species.There is no trapping because other,more acces- sible areas possess better populations of fur animals.The area would possibly receive light trapping pressure if access were to improve and if fur values increased during the period of project analysis. 35.The Vee impoundment area has low value as wat erf'owl habitat owing mainly to the lack of pond and marsh areas.No changes in habitat are expected during the period of analysis.Waterfowl hunting is not now pursued here and is not expected in the project area during the period of project an-alysis. With the Project 36;Wildlife habitat sustaining variable numbers of animals would be inundated by Vee Reservoir. 37.Good winter moose habitat would be destroyed.This would result ultimately in the loss of about 50 moose which now winter in this habitat. 12 This loss is not considered serious owing to the small size of the flooded area relative to the amount of adjacent range.The hunter population is expected to increase,and would use all means of access constructed as project facilities.Improved access would include both overland trails to the damsite and the reservoir itself,which would be used for boat and float plane operations.More hunting pressure on moose in areas surrounding the reservoir would thus develop. 38 0 Caribou use of the reservoir area is largely limited to transient animals moving between blocks of habitat around the impoundment.The project reservoir would probably not impede this movement Q Caribous are strong swimmers and would encounter no difficulty swimming the narrow reservoir. In winter they could cross the reservoir on the ice.Some mortality might occur because of attempted crossings during periods when the ice is thin. An expanding human population utilizing the improved access afforded by the project would hunt the herd more heavily.Increased human activity associated with the project might cause caribous in adjacent areas to move to less dis- turbed portions of the Nelchina range. :;9 0 Grizzly and black bear habitat would be inundated.This loss is not considered significant owing to the small size of the reservoir compared to the 2mount of suitable habitat available nearby.Increased numbers of hunters using access created by the project would probably harvest a few more bears than are nO\<l taken from areas surroun.ding the impoundment o 40 0 Habitat for Umited numbers of wi Ll ow ptarmigans,spruce grouse, and snowshoe hares would be destroyed.Areas surrounding the reservoir \\loulel support displaced animals for a period of time but eventually populations wou ld decline to former levels and the number of animals which had been supported in the reservoir area would be lost. 13 41.Habitat for beavers,muskrats,minks,otters,lynx,faxes,Halves, wo l ver i.nes ,and wease l s would be lost by inundation.Some mar gi nal habitat would be created for aCluatic species by formation of shoal areaS at the upper end of the reservoir and at the mouths of tributaries.Productivity of this habitat would be severely limited by reservoir drawdown.Habitat for aquatic fur animals around the remainder of the reservoir would be limited by steep banks and reservoir drawdown , The project would not create new habitat for terrestrial species.The area surrounding the impoundment might receive light trapping effort,especially during periods of higher fur prices. 42.Only low value waterfiowl habitat would be flooded by a dam at Vee Canyon. A limited amount of habitat wou l.d be created by the formation of shallow water areas at the upper end of the impoundment and in the upper ends of bays formed in tributary valleys.However,reservoir drawdown would limit food production and successful nesting in these shoal areas.Nesting around the rest of the reservoir would be limited by steep exposed banks and reservoir clrawdown. 43.Waterfowl would probably use the reservoir for resting during their fall migration and mi~1t also use it during their spring migration.Spring use would depend on whether the reservoir had open water areas before or at the same time as nearby lakes and potholes.Although use for resting by migrating birds wou ld be a project benefit it would not be significant since numerous lakes and potholes adjacent to the project area presently furnish adequate resting areas. 44.Limited waterfowl hunting might occur with project development. However~the area would never be prime habitat and waterfowl hunting would be incidental to other activities in the area. 14 DISCUSSION 45.The project would replace 42 miles of glacial river habitat and 27.5 miles of clear or nearly clear tributary habitat,with a deep reservoir 41 miles in length and 0.65 miles average width.The reservoir would remain turbid year around.Sport fish populations might become established in the reservoir.Habitat would not be optimum,however,since glacial turbidity, fluctuating water levels,and lack of shoal areas would limit fish food pro- duction.Turbidity,fluctuating water levels,and availability of better fishing in adjacent areas would preclude intensive angler use of the reservoir. 46.Anticipated effects of Vee project on the fishery resources are not regarded as serious.Mitigation measures are not recommended,and feasible means of enhancement cannot now be foreseen.The most serious effects fore- seeable as a result of Vee project would be (1)destruction of fish habitat by severe reduction or stoppage of flows downstream from the dam,and (2) scouring fish food organisms from the river by excessive releases.These effects could extend downstream 46 miles to the upper end of Devil Canyon Reservoir.To assure maintenance of fish habitat in this section of the river,a minimum flow of 500 coLs.should be maintained in the river down- stream from the dam during project construction and operation.Also,changes in water releases should be made gradually,so as to minimize flushing and scouring of the channel o 47.Passage facilities at Vee Dam might be recommended as an enhance- ment measure at a later date if future studies should demonstrate the feasi- bility of developing salmon runs in the Louise,Sus i tna , and Tyone Lake series, as well as certain other.lakes in the basin.Implementation of such a plan would require fish passage facilities at both Vee Dam and Devil Canyon Dam. 15 48.Vee project would inundate approximately 26.5 square miles of habitat used to varying degrees by wildlife.The small area involved and the present and anticipated low hunting pressure sustained by the affected wildlife populations minimize the importance of such losses.Perhaps the most serious effect of the project upon wildlife would be destruction of a small area of moose winter range.Nonetheless,feasible means of mitigating these losses of wildlife habitat are not known and no mitigation measures are recommended. 16 ~~m~[@w ~~~~~~/WIWAMAIGAN,GOVIRNOR DEPARTMENT OF FISH AND GAME / OFFICE OF THE COMMISSIONER SUBPORT BUILDING-JUNEAU January 11,1965 Harry L.Rietze,Regional Director Bureau of Commercial Fisheries u.S.Fish and Wildlife Service P.O.Box 2481 Juneau,Alaska 99801 Dear Mr.Rietze: The Alaska Department of Fish and Game has reviewed the Bureau's draft copy of a detailed report on the fish and game resources that would be affected by a hydroelectric project at Vee Canyon on the Susitna River. We agree with the findings as to ffect of the project on fish and game and concur in the recommendations for the protection and enhancement of these resources as outlined in the report. incerely, ALASKA DEPARTMENT OF FISH AND GAME rffmbuuL E.S.~arVich,Deputy Commissioner cc:Frank Stefanich,ADF&G,Anchorage Jim Rearden,ADF&G,Homer Lake Lake Louise Q) :> VEE CANYON DAM I AND RESERVOIR N miles CANYON AND RESERVOIR Ma -« \ Foirbonk~\ Location Location map,vee L811YUJI lJrVJtlCL.