As a wildlife photographer, tour guide, and resident of the Chilkat Valley, I advocate to keep the Chilkat River pristine. The Chilkat River supports abundant salmon runs, which are vital to the region’s ecosystem and the livelihoods of local communities. The Chilkat River and its resources are central to the culture, economy, and way of life of the Chilkat Tlingits and the people of Haines. The Chilkat Valley is home to one of the largest migrations of bald eagles in the world as well as over 260 species of migratory birds. This ecosystem is far too valuable to jeopardize.
Through my photography business I interact with many visitors throughout the year. They come to experience our wild landscapes and wildlife. They find themselves in the heart of healthy river systems that support all five species of Pacific salmon. Where else can you photograph congregations of thousands of bald eagles feasting on salmon in November from the side of the road? For many of my guests, their encounter of the Chilkat Valley is a profound experience of a lifetime.
I commend the American Bald Eagle Foundation for expressing a vision for the future of the Chilkat Valley that advocates for the preservation of the Chilkat watershed, which is essential to the continuation of our thriving visitor industry. Demand for experiencing places like the Chilkat Valley is likely to continue to grow. The question is: will we be able to keep this place somewhere people want to visit?