The Copper River Watershed Project works to foster the health of the Copper River watershed's salmon-based communities, economies and cultures.
What do you value about your town and about living in the Copper River region?
The Copper River Watershed Project was born of deep concern for the region's resources and the economies dependent on those resources. We strive to support the community values of Copper River watershed residents in our efforts to foster sustainable economic development.
In their own words, residents from McCarthy, Chitina, Kenny Lake, Chistochina, Copper Center, Gakona, Glennallen and Cordova state what they value about living in the Copper River watershed:
Backyard wilderness for: open, wild spaces; scenic beauty; recreation, wildlife watching, and subsistence gathering; mountain cathedrals.
Thriving fish and game populations for commercial, subsistence and sport harvest/use.
Self-governance
Minimal regulation, no taxes
Freedom of Opportunity
Safety: safe streets, safe schools.
Cultural and spiritual ties to birthplace.
Small town feeling: in a wilderness setting; with diverse, talented residents; knowing your neighbors and local business owners; with support from friends and family.
Isolation/limited access
lack of extreme development.
Responses are summarized from meetings in Cordova, 1997; McCarthy, Chitina and Chistochina, 1998; and a Copper Basin community meeting in 2000.