Salmon & Clean Water

Salmon and Clean Water: Protecting Alaska’s Lifeline

Salmon are the heart of Alaska’s identity, connecting our communities through food, culture, and livelihoods. At The Alaska Center, we work across the state to ensure that our salmon runs and clean water are safeguarded for generations to come.

Our Current Focus


Reviving Idlughetnu (Eklutna River)

The Eklutna River, traditionally known as Idlughetnu, has supported the Dena’ina people for millennia. Once teeming with all five species of salmon, today virtually no salmon spawn in the Eklutna River. The river suffered drastic declines due to hydroelectric development that redirected water flow and blocked fish passage. In 2018, the removal of the Lower Eklutna Dam marked a pivotal step toward restoration. However, the journey isn’t over.

Collaborative Efforts for Change

The Alaska Center is proud to be a part of the Eklutna River Restoration Coalition, working alongside Tribal leaders, the Eklutna Native Corporation, environmental groups, and thousands of Alaskans to bring life back to the river. Together, we advocate for returning water to the river, restoring fish habitat, and ensuring a thriving salmon population.

A Historic Opportunity

After years of researching many alternatives, the utility companies released their Draft Fish and Wildlife Program in October 2023 to start the mitigation process for the River. The Draft Plan proposed diverting water from the lake via an Anchorage Water and Wastewater Utility (AWWU) pipeline and releasing it a mile downstream, restoring just 3% of historic flows at a cost of $57 million to ratepayers. We believe this plan does not go far enough to restore the Eklutna and bring salmon back to the river. In January and February 2024, 874 Alaskans commented on the Draft Plan, with 80% opposing it. Most called for restoring adequate flows throughout the river, reconnecting it to the lake for fish passage, and 53% advocated for full dam removal.

Wrong Path Forward

Despite public opposition, The Governor approved this plan in October 2024. The Mitigation Plan leaves a mile of the river completely dry, releases only a trickle of water down the remaining river, and does not provide fish passage between the lake and the river. Fish are still blocked from accessing the majority of available habitat within the Eklutna River watershed, including the lake and its upstream tributaries. This plan does not meet the vision outlined by the Native Village of Eklutna or the goals of fish passage and adequate flows outlined by the federal agencies involved. This was a huge step backwards for river restoration, but the work isn’t over.

The Work Continues

The Eklutna River Coalition is dedicated to achieving full restoration of the river. We’re focused on educating decision-makers, ensuring they uphold their commitments to wild salmon and Alaska Native communities. Your support makes a difference—join us!

Stay Connected

Stay informed on our work for a thriving, just, and sustainable Alaska! Sign up for updates on program news, community impact stories, and ways to get involved.

Your privacy matters. We keep your information confidential and you can unsubscribe at any time. View our privacy policy here.

Support Our Work

Your generosity helps The Alaska Center continue our critical work advocating for bold climate solutions, protecting Alaska’s resources, and electing leaders who stand up for our values. Together, we can make lasting change.

Volunteer with Us

Whether you can give five minutes or five hours, your support makes a difference. Join us in creating a thriving, just, and sustainable Alaska for future generations. Together, we can protect our resources, advocate for bold climate solutions, and build stronger communities.