FAIRBANKS PADDLERS

Paddling and conservation are intimately linked. Unique experiences along streamsides and on the water inspire paddlers of all types to plan for and launch into their adventures. The Fairbanks Paddlers exist to help you prepare for safe and rewarding adventures in the wilds of Alaska.

Watersheds and water quality must be protected to enjoy the challenges of whitewater, waves, current, and flat water; to camp and hike in wild areas along clean rivers and lakes; experience the benefits of intact wildlife habitat - hunting, fishing, and watching wildlife. Two conservation issues facing the Fairbanks Paddlers this year are the lack of streamside buffers north of the Alaska Range, and restoring flow in Noyes Slough.

Noyes Slough winds through the heart of Fairbanks, and can be seen in two of these photos. Over the years, it has been altered by human activity, and now sits stagnant through most of the year. An effort is under way to restore flow through Noyes Slough, clean out its banks and the channel, and restore a unique opportunity for paddling through the heart and soul of our community. Fairbanks Paddlers will recruit volunteers for the restoration effort, which has been submitted to Senator Stevens for federal funds that are available for restoring urban waterways.

Perhaps you have heard about the logging versus salmon habitat controversy near Delta Junction. This area is also a major canoeing destination. Many of us put in on the Delta Clearwater River and take out at points downstream along the Tanana River, an area which is shown on this map.

Along a 30 to 40 mile stretch of the Tanana downstream of the Delta Clearwater River, there is a unique upwelling zone where springs move relatively warm water to the surface year around. These conditions have made this area the biological heart of the Tanana River. Fish and Game has identified this as critical spawning habitat for silver and fall chum salmon. On both sides of the river, and on its islands, floodplain habitat supports vigorous stands of white spruce trees.

Each year chum and coho salmon are attracted to these sites for their slightly warmer ice-free and highly oxygenated waters. These characteristics produce ideal conditions for successful salmon spawning. Chum salmon routinely spawn in this region as late as December. Air temperatures at this time may be as low as minus 30 degree F.

As a result of a gap in state regulations, logging can now proceed to the banks of streams north of the Alaska Range. This lapse in habitat protection means that sensitive riparian values along the Tanana River receive no mandatory protection. Mandatory buffer zones, however, are in place in south-central and in south-east Alaska.

Unfortunately, the Division of Forestry (DOF) has ignored the prudent concerns voiced by Fish and Game biologists and has scheduled logging operations on this stretch of the river. The Fairbanks Paddlers, other local groups and individuals believe this is short-sighted and detrimental to the multiple-use principle upon which the Tanana Valley State Forest was created.

A wave of public criticism has temporarily stopped DOF's logging plans. As a result of the public outcry, a multi-disciplinary team of biologists, soil scientists, ecologists and foresters has been formed. They are charged with researching this unique region and analyzing the extent to which it needs to be protected. This includes the possibility of modifying state law to require mandatory buffer zones along streams and rivers.

If you would like to help with issues like these, call the Fairbanks Paddlers Conservation Chair, Ed Davis at 479-7263.