The July 2 CVN had an article about the Alaska Department of Natural Resources, Division of Parks and Outdoor Recreation possibly moving up construction along the Chilkoot River corridor to mid-August. The reason for starting construction early is because of the light activity along the road this summer due to COVID-19 limitations on travelers.
There is no question that the Chilkoot River road needs to be reconstructed, but possibly starting construction in mid-August is very questionable. Their decision, focused on low human presence, ignores that sockeye salmon and by mid-August pink salmon are migrating up the river. With the pink salmon arrival, the bears show up to eat them as a source of much needed food to survive the winter.
Construction runoff will directly impact the river and spawning areas. Bear 235 (Speedy) and her 2015 offspring Lulu use the road and riparianwetlands adjacent to it. They will be directly impacted.
It is ludicrous for the state to even consider moving up the construction to mid-August.
Ann Puffer