Susitna-Watana Hydroelectric Project: Subsistence Baseline Documentation Study.pdf

The study aims to gather comprehensive data on traditional and contemporary subsistence practices within a defined area in Alaska, catering to various regulatory and environmental assessments.

## Study Objectives:
1. Document Subsistence Harvest and Use: Collect one-year data on subsistence harvest and consumption by households in specific census designation unit communities: Chase, Cantwell, Susitna, Skwentna, Glennallen, Gulkana, Nelchina, Paxson, Tazlina/Copperville, Tolsona, and Tonsina.
2. Urban and Rural Baseline Data: Include documentation of subsistence practices in Anchorage's non-subsistence area, Talkeetna, and other communities with insufficient baseline data, such as Chickaloon, Eklutna, Healy, Lake Louise, and outlying areas along the Denali Highway, Parks Highway, and Western Susitna Basin.
3. Traditional and Local Knowledge (TLK): Gather information on contemporary and traditional subsistence practices, including species harvested, harvest methods, timing, gear, land use patterns, preparation methods, cultural place names, access routes, and culturally significant sites.

## Relevance and Need:
- Subsistence hunting and fishing are vital for the economic and cultural well-being of many Alaskans in rural communities.
- The study addresses data gaps identified in the Subsistence Resources Data Gap Analysis (NLUR 2011) and technical working group meetings, focusing on communities with limited contemporary subsistence data.
- Project construction and operation may impact access to resources and resource abundance, emphasizing the need for understanding these dynamics.

## Study Methodology:
The Alaska Department of Fish and Game (ADF&G) Division of Subsistence will employ standard division methodologies, including systematic household surveys conducted by community-based survey technicians in collaboration with division specialists. The study will be designed to align with generally accepted scientific practices while considering tribal values and knowledge.