Urban Stream Restoration in Anchorage, Alaska

Rapid growth of Anchorage, Alaska severely impacted the many creeks that flow through the city. These creeks have resident populations of Dolly Varden and rainbow trout as well as anadromous populations of all five species of Pacific salmon. Impacts ranged from increased peak flows resulting from a more impervious watershed to decreased low flows caused by filling riparian wetlands and decreased habitat diversity for fish created by straightening of the creeks and removal of vegetation. To correct these problems, in the 1980s the city started a program to attempt to restore the habitat values of the creeks while improving flood conveyance of the channels. This paper discusses the results of HDR's restoration work done to date and experience gained from these projects.