Week 1 6/3-6/9

Monday marked my first day of work as a Fish Technician with the Ahtna Intertribal Resources Commission (AITRC). This role is vital for conserving and managing fish resources in the Ahtna Traditional Use Area. My work is essential for ensuring the health of fish populations and the sustainability of our fisheries, which supports the food security, culture, and economy of the Ahtna people. I monitor and manage fisheries, especially in the Copper River Basin, by collecting and analyzing data on fish populations and water quality. Collaborating with partners like the Wrangell St. Elias National Parks Service and the Alaska Department of Fish and Game, we aim to improve fisheries management. By working closely with Ahtna Tribes, I help increase their involvement in fisheries management. My work blends traditional ecological knowledge with scientific practices to respect and sustain our land and resources for future generations. On my first day, I met everyone and completed some paperwork. I also met Luke, the other technician I’ll be working with all summer, and we seem to get along really well.

Tuesday was all about ATV and trailer training. I gained a lot of confidence on the ATVs and had a blast driving through the big puddles and learning how not to get stuck in the mud. We drove about 30 miles down Klutina Road, which is really more of a large dirt trail. Afterward, we practiced backing up the trailer. I didn’t enjoy this part and decided Luke would handle most of the driving from now on.

Wednesday was a KBA field day, where we conducted Klutina baseline assessments. This work allows us to monitor the conditions of the Klutina River and the surrounding anadromous streams. Anadromous streams are waterways that fish use to migrate from the ocean to freshwater to spawn. With our new ATV skills, we went out and met Emily, a technician from Ahtna Inc. Ahtna Inc. is one of 13 Alaska Native Regional Corporations created by the Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act of 1971. Owned by over 2,000 shareholders, primarily Ahtna Athabascan, many of whom still reside in their traditional homeland, Ahtna Inc. is dedicated to preserving and enhancing the cultural identity of the Ahtna people. The corporation focuses on providing shareholder opportunities, business growth, and effective resource management. We will work closely with them throughout the summer.

Thursday involved electrofishing with guys from Fish and Game in. Electrofishing is a technique used to stun fish temporarily so they can be studied and released unharmed. One of the main things we’re looking for is lamprey, a fascinating species with little research done on them despite being quite common. I also learned how to take genetic samples. Genetic testing of salmon is crucial for understanding population structures, migration patterns, and ensuring the sustainability of the species. The Copper River is home to two types of salmon: Chinook and Sockeye. Fun fact about salmon: they have an incredible homing instinct, allowing them to return to their birthplace to spawn. It is likely believed that they can smell the metals and salt in the water and “sniff” their way home.

On Friday, we taught kids how to sample and got another chunk of samples done. After that, we met up with our new friend Mia! Mia’s parents both work for the National Parks Service, and she worked as an AITRC tech a few years ago. She and Luke have both been getting me into birding, their favorite hobby. She took us to the Gulkana Airport, an amazing spot to see birds. After that, we headed to Paxson Lake and had a great time listening to music and getting to know each other. It was the best way to end a long work week.

Saturday was a day for hiking and exploring. We hiked Liberty Falls, a beautiful trail where we spent hours in awe of the landscape. Afterward, we wandered around the Wrangell-St. Elias Visitor Center with Emily, following any path that caught our interest.

Sunday took us to the Tonsina River Trail with Emily. This hike offered stunning views, and we couldn’t help but spend extra time soaking in the scenery. The trail was quite flooded, but we managed by doing some skillful off-roading. Despite the mosquitoes, it was a memorable adventure.