West Side of Cook Inlet

West Side of Cook Inlet | Photo By Jeanne Devon

The Chuitna watershed is defined by Cook Inlet to the south, Mt Spurr and the Alaska Range to the north, the Beluga River to the east and Granite Point to the west. The watershed is dominated by wetlands and low rolling hills. With approximately 50 inches of precipitation annually, these wetlands are vital to the abundant fish and game resources.

The Chuitna River is the dominant river in this area with numerous tributaries. The most important of these is Chuitt Creek, which accounts for 50 % of stream flow while Lone Creek, Middle Creek and Stream 2002 make up an additional 33%. Although other small rivers and creeks provide salmon resources to the Beluga/Tyonek area, the Chuitna River is the primary producer for local subsistence, commercial, and sport fishing efforts. South of the mouth of the Chuitna lies the village of Tyonek , and the community of Beluga lies to the north to the north.

Location of the proposed Chuitna coal stripmine.

The area around Tyonek and Beluga area supports three distinct fisheries: Subsistence, sport and commercial. All three fisheries rely on clean water and healthy habitat.  In turn local residents rely on the abundant fish and wildlife.  In Tyonek, year-round residents  consume, on average,  217 pounds of fish and game each year and in Beluga year-round residents consume 205 pound per year.

The economic base of the Tyonek and Beluga is dominated by government, commercial fishing, oil and gas development. Beluga is the site of the Beluga Power Plant, owned by Chugach Electric.  In operation since1969, the Beluga plant supplies power to the West side of Cook Inlet and Anchorage.

During the summer months the population swells as sports fishermen arrive to use their property in the Three Mile Creek Subdivision or to stay in area lodges. The same is true for commercial fishermen who have fished the area for over 110 years, sustaining generations of families and all five species of wild Alaskan salmon.

The Three Mile Creek Subdivision a unique block of privately owned parcels in an area dominated by large landowners like CIRI, Tyonek and the State of Alaska. The rural nature of this area has lead to strong bonds between neighbors. Local residents cherish their relationship with the natural surroundings and treasure their clean environment.

In June neighbors from both sides of the river gathered to form the  Chuitna Citizens Coalition to oppose PacRim Coal and the proposed Chuinta coal strip mine