August 23, 2021, by Alex McCarrel

Located in the heart of SE Alaska, the CHUM project crew has spent the summer surveying for chum salmon in three stunning locations. Four SSSC crew members are stationed at Sawmill Creek, 35 miles NW of Juneau. Located 2 miles north of Echo Cove in Berners Bay, Sawmill Creek is only accessible by boat, giving the crew members a scenic commute to work each day! The creek hosts expansive views of intertidal marshes and crystal clear waters packed with chum and pink salmon, with the survey stretch ending in a stunning 40-foot waterfall. Now belonging to the Tongass National Forest, the area is rich in mining history. Much of the surrounding land was historically associated with the Juneau-Berner’s Bay Mining District. The site was discovered in 1898, with gold being the primary commodity. Predating European arrival, the region is the traditional home of the Wooshkeetaan clan (Shark Crest) Auk Kwaán Tlingit.

Look out for next week’s post exploring the third and final CHUM survey location, Prospect Creek!

All information was sourced from the Discovery Southeast Natural History of Cowee-Davies Trailhead Placard.