History
A World-Class Fishery
One of Alagnak River's most noteworthy features is its salmon population. The river is brimming with all different species such as king, silver, chum and sockeye. In fact, the waters of the Alagnak support a significant sockeye salmon spawning habitat for the Bristol Bay commercial fishery, the largest in the world.
The life cycle of salmon plays an intriguing, integral role in maintaining the area's ecosystem. Salmon are born in freshwater and remain there up to two years, until they are large enough to begin their long journey downstream to the ocean. They reside in the saltwater up to three years, where they grow to be large fish with a silver sheen. Each summer, the five species of Pacific salmon return to their birthplace in the Alagnak River to spawn and die. As they migrate upstream by the hundreds of thousands, the salmon undergo incredible morphological changes: a male sockeye salmon turns a brilliant red and develops a distinctive humped back by the time it reaches its destination. Through this remarkable journey, salmon provide nutrients to support virtually every animal and plant species that call the Alagnak home. Rainbow trout, Dolly Varden, char, and arctic char all eat salmon eggs, juveniles and decaying bodies. Salmon carcasses also supply nutrients that allow insect populations to thrive. Even the arctic grayling, a fish that eats primarily aquatic insects, benefits from the presence of salmon. Other species along the Alagnak—such as the bald eagle and the Alaskan brown bear—flourish as a result of the salmon's extraordinary migration. For this reason, salmon populations must be carefully managed to ensure a healthy future for the Alagnak Wild River.
Along with salmon, there are rainbow trout, char, northern pike, Aleutian sculpin, Alaska blackfish, grayling and others to complete Alagnak's bounty and help provide some of the most attractive sport fish in the world. Small wonder this river has become the most popular fishing location in all of southwest Alaska. Yet this area is still vulnerable to the hazards of over-fishing; for this reason, the Alaska Department of Fish and Game takes steps to ensure that present regulations maintain the long-term stability of the Alagnak sport fishery. Subsistence fishing is permitted to local rural residents only.
Alagnak River In Depth
News from the Parks
Colorado Section of Vast Bike Network is 1,000 Miles
January 5, 2009 - 12:43pm
More than 1,000 miles of the 50,000-mile bikeway being spliced together throughout North American lies in Colorado. The Colorado portion is part of the Great Parks section, which includes 2,518 miles from Jasper National Park in Alberta, Canada, to Mesa Verde National Park outside of Durango.
January 5, 2009 - 12:43pm
More than 1,000 miles of the 50,000-mile bikeway being spliced together throughout North American lies in Colorado. The Colorado portion is part of the Great Parks section, which includes 2,518 miles from Jasper National Park in Alberta, Canada, to Mesa Verde National Park outside of Durango.
Ranchers Oppose Yellowstone Bison Relocation
January 5, 2009 - 12:32pm
Ranchers are voicing concern about plans to relocate some Yellowstone Park bison to Indian reservations in Montana and Wyoming. The ranchers are worried about the animals' history of carrying brucellosis, a disease that causes domestic cows to miscarry.
January 5, 2009 - 12:32pm
Ranchers are voicing concern about plans to relocate some Yellowstone Park bison to Indian reservations in Montana and Wyoming. The ranchers are worried about the animals' history of carrying brucellosis, a disease that causes domestic cows to miscarry.
A Trip to Yosemite National Park via YARTS is a Must for Valley Residents
January 5, 2009 - 12:31pm
The YARTS bus sped up Highway 140 from Merced into the foothills. It passed Mariposa and stopped at the entrance to Yosemite National Park. A sign read, “Chains required.” The driver parked, and deftly fitted the chains over the tires. A horde of enthused travelers lined up outside the bus, but there were no more seats. Instead of turning them away, the kindly driver allowed them to board the bus and stand in the aisle for the remaining 13 miles of the trip.
January 5, 2009 - 12:31pm
The YARTS bus sped up Highway 140 from Merced into the foothills. It passed Mariposa and stopped at the entrance to Yosemite National Park. A sign read, “Chains required.” The driver parked, and deftly fitted the chains over the tires. A horde of enthused travelers lined up outside the bus, but there were no more seats. Instead of turning them away, the kindly driver allowed them to board the bus and stand in the aisle for the remaining 13 miles of the trip.
Nene Killed on the Road in Haleakala National Park
January 5, 2009 - 12:21pm
An adult nene was killed on the road at Haleakala National Park on Dec. 28. Motorists traveling to the park are asked to drive slowly and cautiously. Visitors reported the dead nene to Visitor Use Assistant Tony Manion at 7:30 a.m. Park Ranger Chad Riggin retrieved the dead nene from the road near mile marker 16.
January 5, 2009 - 12:21pm
An adult nene was killed on the road at Haleakala National Park on Dec. 28. Motorists traveling to the park are asked to drive slowly and cautiously. Visitors reported the dead nene to Visitor Use Assistant Tony Manion at 7:30 a.m. Park Ranger Chad Riggin retrieved the dead nene from the road near mile marker 16.
Life's a Beach: U.S. Virgin Islands are Calling You
January 5, 2009 - 12:19pm
Don't just sit there. Pick a destination and plan a vacation, maybe to someplace a little exotic, where national parks come with tropical beaches, and boats rather than big RVs are a common mode of transportation. You can enjoy all that without fretting over currency exchange rates or making sure that your passport is up to date if you head to a little paradise called the U.S. Virgin Islands.
January 5, 2009 - 12:19pm
Don't just sit there. Pick a destination and plan a vacation, maybe to someplace a little exotic, where national parks come with tropical beaches, and boats rather than big RVs are a common mode of transportation. You can enjoy all that without fretting over currency exchange rates or making sure that your passport is up to date if you head to a little paradise called the U.S. Virgin Islands.
