United but Apart: A Message of Collaboration
Dear Friends of CRWP,
The year 2020 has quickly developed the theme of community and collaboration. In these difficult times surrounding theCOVID-19 pandemic, global efforts to reduce the spread of a highly contagious virus has certainly brought to light the power of community and universal collaboration.
Being new to my position within the Copper River Watershed Project, I am routinely struck by the incredible efforts and positive work being done by all residents within our region and out, that support a healthy, resilient and vibrant Copper River watershed. In hopes of spreading some joy during these troubling times, I hope you feel a sense of empowerment knowing that your contributions and support to the Copper River Watershed Project (CRWP) are creating and sustaining positive change on a massive scale.
We are always working to support a resilient economy for the Copper River watershed so that during economic uncertainty the region will remain an intact and functioning watershed. That was the premise on which the CRWP was founded. With an uncertain future ahead of us now, our goal is to continue supporting the communities of the region and promote economic sustainability.
The CRWP staff are working remotely to continue implementing planned projects. In the coming months, we will be moving forward with contracts to start replacing culverts on the Copper River highway, securing funding to replace failed culverts on the Little Tonsina and opening up 45 miles of upstream spawning and rearing habitat, collaborating with Ahtna Intertribal Resource Commission to develop a restoration plan for Town Lake in Chitina, and we are purchasing equipment to expand recycling capacity in Cordova.
During this time we will be transitioning our community engagement to more virtual and online forums as we continue to work on our mission in as many ways possible. We are excited to roll out new activities and citizen science programs that you and your family can safely participate in, as well as a virtual Wild Food Feast Recipe Swap to celebrate the amazing subsistence resources we are fortunate enough to have access to! See below for more details!
Sincerely,
