Annual summary of instream flow reservations and protection in Alaska
By: by Christopher C. Estes.
Contributors: Alaska. Division of Sport Fish.
Series: Fishery data series -- no. 96-45.
Publisher: Alaska Dept. of Fish and Game, Division of Sport Fish
Published: 1996
Place of publication: Anchorage
Language: eng
Number of pages: 106
Subjects: Stream measurements -- Alaska -- Evaluation.; Fishes -- Habitat -- Alaska.
Other titles: Federal aid in sport fish restoration (Alaska)
Description: This report summarizes instream flow water rights applications and related activities of the Alaska Department of Fish and Game (ADF&G) during the tenth year of the statewide instream flow program. The status of instream flow applications prepared by other agencies and the private sector in Alaska is also reported. Alaskan legislation, regulations, and other activities that influence instream flow protection are identified and reviewed. Between July 1, 1995 and June 30, 1996, instream flow analyses were completed by the ADF&G for six river reaches: Kobuk River (two reaches), Glacier Creek, Lemon Creek (two reaches), and Klehini River. Applications to acquire instream flow reservations were prepared based on these analyses and will soon be submitted to the Alaska Department of Natural Resources (DNR) for adjudication. Ten of 67 instream flow reservation applications, filed by the ADF&G between 1986 and 1996, have been granted by the DNR. Adjudications for two of the ADF&Gs 57 pending applications were recently initiated by the DNR. It is anticipated the remainder will be slated for adjudication by July 1997 as part of a DNR backlog project to process all pre-1996 water right applications. Nineteen applications have been filed to reserve instream flows in Alaska water bodies by other agencies and the private sector. Four of these applications were filed by the U.S. Bureau of Land Management (one has been granted), thirteen by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, and two by the private sector. Two reservations of water were recently granted by the DNR as mandated by instream flow provisions of the 1992 water export amendments to the Alaska Water Use Act (AS 46.15.035). The reservations were processed as part of the adjudication process for the Blue Lake water export project in Sitka. An 11 month process was initiated by the DNR in January 1996 to identify and select options for reducing the states costs associated with managing water allocation in Alaska. Options range from eliminating the Alaska Water Use Act to retaining the status quo. Completion of this process is anticipated by the end of 1996.
Notes: "November 1996"

Includes bibliographical references (p. 18-21).

Also issued online.

Partially financed by the Federal Aid in Sport Fish Restoration Act ... Project F-10-11, Job No. H-7."