New rules for Copper River dipnetting season

Ryan Anderson and Doug Vincent-Lang

COMMENTARY

Late last fall, important cultural sites were discovered within the right-of-way between Chitina and Hailey Creek along the Copper River. The Native Village of Chitina and Ahtna, Inc. rightfully contacted the state to determine a way that we could conduct the dipnet and subsistence fisheries in a manner that protected these identified sites in a respectful manner. The state agreed that we would not allow access that impacted these sites in a manner that was culturally disrespectful.

Over the course of the past several months the Native Village of Chitina, Ahtna, Inc. and the state have worked cooperatively to implement a plan that respects the sensitive sites and that allows continued access by ATVs between Chitina and Hailey Creek. The plan involves the construction of “bridges” that span the sensitive areas and prevent ground disturbance. It also places barriers around other identified sensitive areas. The goal is to avoid impacts while further investigative work is done. Just recently, the bridging work was successfully completed, in time for the upcoming fishing season.

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