Restoring Connectivity for Chinook and Coho Salmon in the Little Tonsina River (Bridge 568)

The Copper River Watershed Project worked with partners from Alaska Department of Fish and Game, Alaska Department of Transportation and Public Facilities (DOT), U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, BLM, Chugach Alaska Corporation, and the Copper River Native Association to remove a critical barrier to fish passage on the Little Tonsina River through replacement of a blocked, dual culvert structure to a bridge. The new bridge allows for better fish passage and the completed 100% design employed USFWS guidelines for maximizing ecological function including better flood mitigation and formation of a more natural stream.



This project utilized funds from PCSRF award NA23NMF4380392. No funds from either award were used past the end dates.

Replacing the undersized culverts of the Lower Tonsina River crossing will open access to approximately 113 km of upstream habitat for Chinook and coho salmon.