Implementing Fish Passage Improvements at Cop 1 and Cop 33 on the Copper River Delta

The Copper River Watershed (CRWP) and partners will restore fish passage and stream function at two Copper River Highway stream crossing sites. Historical land use and alteration — railroad and highway construction — have prevented migrating adult and juvenile coho salmon from reaching upstream spawning and rearing habitats, degrading local stream conditions in the process. Through the installation of properly sized culverts and functional stream restoration, this project will restore access to 7.5 km of high quality, undisturbed salmon spawning and rearing habitat, preserving these culturally and economically significant runs into the future.

This work will reestablish connectivity to 7.5 km of coho salmon spawning and rearing habitat through the replacement of undersized culverts. Utilizing stream simulation fish passage guidelines ensures that construction activities not only restore up and downstream connectivity for migrating fish, but also restores stream functions such as floodplain connectivity and sediment transport.