Abstract |
This report is an Action Strategy to improve water quality conditions in the Swan Lake watershed. The present accumulations of debris, waste metals, plastics, abandoned oil tanks and other residues within Swan Lake and feeder streams negatively affect recreational uses in the watershed, create nuisance conditions that may attract undesirable wildlife species and present potential adverse effects on resident fish habitat and populations. The Strategy identifies specific actions to fix these problems. In addition, it addresses legal requirements under the federal Clean Water Act to restore degraded waterbodies. Cleaning up debris and solid wastes--and keeping the watershed free of these wastes--is the first of several issues of importance to Sitkans. Subsequent reports and actions will deal with alternatives for controlling the excessive plant growth in Swan Lake, and will be the basis for grant applications to secure the funding to carry out the preferred remediation option. The Strategy is designed to address the community's vision for a clean and aesthetically-pleasing watershed that meets the recreational, fish and wildlife, and water quality goals already outlined in the municipality's Swan Lake Area Meriting Special Attention (AMSA). |