Watersheds

For a comprehensive study of the Mendenhall Watershed by Juneau High School Students, [|take this link].

Watersheds in the Mendenhall Valley drain populated areas that limit space for stream corridors and produce pollutants from roads, sewage systems, and litter. Salmon that journey up the Mendenhall River may find areas where their access is restricted by road crossings or find spawning gravel that is covered by sand and litter that enters the stream during winter road maintenance. [|Scientists are doing research] in the watershed to determine the best ways to allow salmon to reach spawning areas and to clean up polluted runoff before it reaches streams.The health of the Mendenhall River estuary is also being studied by [|mapping the fish habitat] there and watching for changes over time.

Mitch Lorenz Fisheries Research Biologist Marine Ecosystem and Stock Assessment Program National Marine Fisheries Service, Auke Bay Laboratory