Ground-water resources of the Palmer-Big Lake area, Alaska: a conceptual model

Abstract

According to Alaska Statute 41, the Alaska Division of Geological and Geophysical Surveys is charged with conducting "geological and geophysical surveys to determine the potential of Alaskan land for production of metals, minerals, fuels, and geothermal resources; the locations and supplies of ground water and construction materials; the potential geologic hazards to buildings, roads, bridges, and other installations and structures; and shall conduct such other surveys and investigations as will advance knowledge of the geology of Alaska. "In addition, the Division of Geological and Geophysical Surveys shall collect, record, evaluate, and distribute data on the quantity, quality, and location of underground, surface, and coastal water of the state; publish or have published data on the water of the state and require that the results and findings of surveys of water quality, quantity, and location be filed; require that water-well contractors file basic water and aquifer data, including but not limited to well location, estimated elevation, well-driller's logs, pumping tests, flow measurements, and water-quality determiuations; accept and spend funds for the purposes of AS 41.08.017 and 41.08.035, and enter into agreements with individuals, public or private agencies, communities, private industry, and state and federal agencies; collect, record, evaluate, archive, and distribute data on seismic events and engineering geology of the state; and identify and inform public officials and industry about potential seismic hazards that might affect development in the state.Administrative functions are performed under the direction of the State Geologist, who maintains his office in Fairbanks. The locations of DGGS offices are listed below: *794 University Avenue

Connectivity between lentic and lotic freshwater habitats identified as a conservation priority for coho salmon

“…This basin is situated on the road system in the rapidly urbanizing Matanuska–Susitna Valley and is rated as extremely high for both biological value and vulnerability to development (Smith & Geist, 2009). The catchment is more than 250 km 2 and is composed of two subdrainages: Meadow Creek (176 km 2 ) and Fish Creek (81 km 2 ), with Big Lake proper separating the two (Jokela, Munter & Evans, 1991; Hogan, 1995; Figure 1). Big Lake is a large water body (12.7 km 2 in surface area) with a maximum depth of 27 m and is classified as oligotrophic to mesotrophic (Woods, 1992).…”

Juvenile salmon habitat use drives variation in growth and highlights vulnerability to river fragmentation

“…Watershed-scale habitat use and growth outcomes of juvenile salmon were assessed in the Big Lake drainage located in the Matanuska-Susitna census borough in southcentral Alaska. The Big Lake watershed is approximately 300 km 2 and composed of two sub-drainages: Meadow Creek and Fish Creek, with Big Lake proper separating the two (Jokela et al, 1990;Hogan, 1995; Figure 1). This coastal subarctic wetland-lake ecosystem drains into Knik Arm of the upper Cook Inlet and supports populations of chum (Oncorhynchus keta), coho, pink (Oncorhynchus gorbuscha), and sockeye (Oncorhynchus nerka) salmon.…”