Valley of the Eagles
Ecology, Economy & Quality of Life
Before there was an Alaska, before there was a Haines, the Takshanuk Watershed supported local residents for thousands of years with a rich and abundant fishery. The region continues to thrive ecologically, its glacially-fed watersheds teeming with five species of wild salmon, the largest concentration of Bald Eagles anywhere in the world, as well as brown bears, black bears, moose and wolves. The Takshanuk Watershed Council (TWC) ensures the future of this vital legacy through restoration, education, research and stewardship of the Chilkat, Chilkoot, and Ferebee river systems. With the help of citizen participation and scientific research, our work benefits the natural ecology, economy and quality of life valued by local residents.
Haines, Alaska
The town of Haines, Alaska helps define the lands and waters served by the Takshanuk Watershed Council. Nestled at the western base of the Takshanuk Range, with the Chilkat basin to the south and the Chilkoot and Ferebee basins to the north, Haines is economically linked to the fisheries resources abundant in these vibrant watersheds. For this reason, they are the Takshanuk Watershed Council's areas of emphasis. These estuarine ecosystems have also been the nexus of an ancient trade route connecting inland native groups to the sea, and the current Tlingit village of Klukwan is located at the confluence of the Chilkat, Tsirku, and Klehani rivers with the Pacific Ocean.
Check out the Haines Community Website.
Takshanuk Watershed Council
TWC promotes programs and projects within the Takshanuk Watershed which encompasses the Chilkat, Chilkoot, and Ferebee River systems, including all streams, lakes, and tributaries. A part-time Executive Director and a three-quarters time Development Director support the Board of Directors (BOD), which is comprised of eight community members. The organization focuses on four major project areas: education, restoration, stewardship and research.
Mission
The mission of the Takshanuk Watershed Council is to provide stewardship of the Chilkat, Chilkoot and Ferebee River systems. Through restoration, education, research and community involvement we will benefit the natural ecology, economy and quality of life valued by all residents.
Vision
Our vision for the Takshanuk Watershed Council is to promote the recognition and sustainability of the healthy, natural ecosystems within the area. Through our research initiatives, we will attain a better understanding of our watershed’s ecology and will use this information to foster good stewardship of the streams, rivers, lakes and lands. We seek a balance between human and wildlife use within the watershed to benefit the entire community, the wildlife and the salmon populations we all depend upon.
History
In fall of 2002, the Southeast Conference solicited communities throughout Southeast Alaska for interest in forming watershed councils to help protect, conserve, and enhance salmon fisheries and habitat. The Community Watershed Project (CWP) is a cooperative agreement between Southeast Conference and the Alaska Department of Fish and Game(ADF&G) to administer Southeast Sustainable Salmon Funds and to help establish community-based watershed councils. Though interest in forming a watershed council based in Haines was sparked as early as 2000, the organization got off the ground with the financial support provided through the CWP, and the Takshanuk Watershed Council (TWC) formed in the spring of 2003.
Funders and Projects
CWP financial support was provided to the TWC through June, 2006. TWC is working toward achieving financial independence and organizational sustainability. The council obtained 501(c)(3) status in March 2004, and is actively pursuing funding reserved for nonprofit organizations. As a grassroots organization, the TWC also seeks community support through donations and volunteer time.