Clearing Weather, Kvichak Mouth (Bristol Bay)

Bristol Bay, Alaska is the most productive wild salmon fishery in the history of the world generating more than 1 billion dollars of revenue on an annual basis. Eating wild salmon is not only an extremely healthy food to consume, but it is a renewable resource that can be harvested every year if the fisheries is well managed

High Basin Ecosystem

Southwest Alaska is a relatively undeveloped area of land about the size of the state of Washington. The wild salmon fishery of Bristol Bay exists because of the vast river and lake systems that define the landscape of Southwest and provide spawning habitat for the migrating fish.

The Iliuk Arm Of Naknek Lake, Katmai

Alaska contains some of America¹s largest and most spectacular parks, and southwest Alaska has the greatest concentration of them. Southwest is home to two national parks, Lake Clark and Katmai, three national wildlife refuges, and four state-designated areas, of which Wood-Tikchik, is one of the largest state parks in North America.

Fishtrap Lake, Lake Clark National Park

Southwest Alaska and Bristol Bay lie between the rugged Alaska Range and the Bering Sea. The rivers and lakes of Southwest are born of the significant rain and snowfall generated by the Bering Sea, and the drainage of water from the snowcaps and glaciers of the Alaska Range.

Afternoon Shadows, Wood River Mountains

Weather from the Bering Sea brings rainfall and sometimes in the winter, as much as 20 feet of snow. Springs and summer are mild and usually pleasant but the temperature may drop to ­50 (or colder) in the winter and storms will be driven by gale force winds. Commercial fishing in the winter season is one of the world¹s most dangerous occupations because of the harsh weather.

The Blue Pool

Southwest Alaska is a world of water and wetlands primarily consisting of tundra and some boreal forests. In much of the landscape, the groundwater is so near the surface that it drowns the tree roots and limits the development of the forest.

The Red Hills

Tundra is a very diverse habitat of plants and mosses that remain stunted and grow close to the ground. This biological adaptation allows these plants to survive the extreme cold of winter (-50 and below) because they are protected under the snow. The dense growth of tundra also acts like a sponge and water filter, helping to prevent flood-like runoff during heavy rains and snowmelt.

Fall Frost at the River's Edge

“The Fisherman¹s View” early morning frost on the grass at streamside is a common view to the many recreational anglers drawn to Southwest in pursuit of both salmon and trout. While not as large as the commercial fishing industry, income from recreational fishing is worth millions of dollars of income to residents and the state.

The Allen River enters Lake Chauekuktuli

Big rivers and small streams, deep fiord lakes and shallow ponds all provide for an abundant and productive habitat, not only supporting salmon but bear, moose, caribou, wolf, eagle and people as well. In the spring and fall, these vast wild lands are also part of the Pacific flyway and thousands of birds rest and feed here during their migration.

Fish paths & Caribou Tracks

Clear streams with little turbulence and plentiful gravel and sand bars make an ideal environment for fish to lay their eggs. Southwest Alaska is one of the most diverse freshwater habitats in North America, and is home to not only all five species of Pacific salmon, but Arctic char, Dolly Varden and the largest rainbow trout in the world.

Fall Spit, Nuyakuk

Southwest Alaska is now at a crossroads. With a growing world population comes a tremendous demand for alternative resources and these wild lands and spectacular parks are now confronting massive developments proposals that would alter them forever. One of the largest mining complexes ever constructed is moving slowly forward, sited in the headwaters of two of the most salmon-productive river systems.

Rat Creek, Wood-Tikchik State park

1.5 million acres has been opened for oil and gas exploration. Legislative bills have been introduced to protect this valuable commercial fishing industry, and national recreational and environmental groups have allied to thwart construction of the Pebble Mine by a Canadian corporation. This exhibit has been created to make Americans more aware of this remarkable area and the impending political battle over these resources.