WildArk has partnered with the Igiugig community of Lake Iliamna, Alaska to launch Phase 1 of the project named ‘Grizzly Plains’. This project will secure a vital piece of land on the shore of the Kvichak River, one of the most important rivers int he greater Bristol Bay Salmon fishery in South West, Alaska. Bristol Bay is home to the largest natural Salmon fishery in the world.
The Grizzly Plains project, led by the people of Igiugig, will be looking at increasing conservation, cultural, education and ecotourism initiatives across their homeland to help preserve the incredible biodiversity of the region, with Grizzly Bears, Wolves, Bald Eagles, Caribou and Moose just some of the iconic species that share the land with the people.
The Igiugig lands have seen human habitation for over 8,000 years, with wildlife and people living in a sustainable symbiosis and all thriving off the precious resource of the immense Salmon runs that come in each Summer.
The fishery, the people and the wildlife of the Lake Iliamna region are at threat by a 3,000ft deep, 2-mile wide open pit Copper Mine, The Pebble Limited Partnership, LLC, which if given the green light to excavate billions tons of ore, would potentially destroy the delicate watershed ecosystem and with it the Salmon fishery that all life depends on.
The Grizzly Plains project is just one of many conservation initiatives out in this region and WildArk hopes to do its part in helping the Igiuigig people ensure a long-term, sustainable future for their way of life and that of the wildlife, that have successfully co-existed for 1,000’s of years.
Alaska Sportsman’s Lodge is a full service fishing lodge located in the heart of the Bristol Bay region. Here, snow-fed streams flow crystal clear from the mountains across the rolling tundra to the sea, the purity of this nutrient rich environment allows fish to grow to enormous size.
