BLM REA YKL 2011 kll Moose polys dis

This report presents updated information about subsistence uses of fish, wildlife, and plant resources in 5 communities of southcentral Alaska - Igiugig, Kokhanok, Koliganek, Levelock, and New Stuyahok. The Division of Subsistence of the Alaska Department of Fish and Game conducted the study in collaboration with Stephen R. Braund & Associates. Phase I of this study took place in the communities of Iliamna, Newhalen, Nondalton, Pedro Bay, and Port Alsworth in 2005, to document subsistence uses and harvests and demographic and other economic data for the study year of 2004 (Fall et al. 2006). This report documents findings from phase II which expanded the study to 5 additional communities within the watersheds that could be affected by mine development. The Pebble Project is a proposed open pit mine located 70 miles to the northeast of the study community of Koliganek near Frying Pan Lake, and 35 miles northwest of the study community of Kokhanok. The potential development of the mine requires updated baseline information about subsistence harvests and uses. Information was collected through systematic household surveys and mapping interviews. Scoping meetings were held in each community to elicit ideas about research questions and to learn more about issues. After preliminary study findings were available, a second round of community meetings took place to review the results. In total, 138 households were interviewed, 73% of the year-round resident households. The study documented the continuing importance of subsistence hunting, fishing, and gathering to the study communities. In 2005, virtually every person in each community participated in subsistence activities and used wild resources. Subsistence harvests were large and diverse. Estimated wild resource harvests were 542 pounds usable weight per person in Igiugig, 680 pounds per person in Kokhanok, 899 pounds per person in Koliganek, 527 pounds per person in Levelock, and 389 pounds per person in New Stuyahok. Most participants in this study reported their subsistence uses and harvests have changed in their lifetimes and over the last 5 years, due to reduced resource populations, shifts in the locations of moose and caribou, competition with nonlocal sport hunters, a warming climate, and other outside effects. Residents voiced concerns about the potential development of a mine and impacts on water quality in and near their traditional subsistence harvest areas.