Alaska rebuilt a gold-mining damaged creek; salmon runs rose six-fold

Alaska's Resurrection Creek, once a hub of gold mining activity and ecological degradation, has undergone a remarkable transformation in recent years. Roughly 20 years ago, efforts began to restore the creek, with the first major project starting in 2006. This initial restoration effort aimed to reconnect the creek to its natural floodplain and restore essential stream features, leading to a six-fold increase in salmon runs within a few years.

However, this progress was halted for over a decade due to funding issues. In 2021, renewed momentum was achieved with a partnership between the National Forest Foundation, Trout Unlimited, Hope Mining Company, and the U.S. Forest Service. The latest phase of restoration includes a 2.2-mile extension with an additional 74 acres of riparian habitat improvements, backed by a $7 million grant.

This effort aims to restore the creek's natural channels, wetlands, and riparian forests, benefiting not only the salmon but also the diverse wildlife within the watershed. The success of this restoration project highlights the potential for ecosystems to recover when given the opportunity, offering hope for Alaska's creek and its surrounding communities.