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Changes and Observations
Snow
Residents of Quinhagak have observed much lower levels of snowpack in the past five years. Snowdrifts used to
be as high as houses, but now winter snows may barely cover the tussocks and the tundra. With little or no
snow, potholes can form which may impact travel and hunting as well as land mammal behaviors.
Snowfall affects winter bear, ungulate, and human behaviors. Brown bears are beginning to build their dens
on the tundra flats instead of on the south facing mountains, and are coming out of winter hibernation
earlier, in December and January when unusual winter rains are occurring. This is having an effect on
predation in the area that has not yet been fully realized. Although the reduced amount of snow negatively
affects some animal species, it may actually help ungulates. Less snow makes more food (lichen and willow
shoots) available to caribou and moose. This may benefit humans who depend on these animals as a food source.
 The reduced amount of snow is also impacting berry production as residents are noticing a decline in the
amount of harvestable berries, and this affects those dependent on berries as a food source, including
land animals and humans. Salmonberries, an important food for some Alaska Natives, seem to be declining
due to inadequate amounts of moisture provided by the diminished snow fall.
Adaptation
The high price of fuel in rural Alaska is requiring residents to modify their behaviors and decrease their
fossil fuel use. This is better not only for their personal finances, but also for the environment.
Coping strategies include
- Small hunting groups joining together to help share the cost of fuel and to increase human power
for a successful hunt.
- Increasing the amount of time a family or group stays out hunting. Rather than day trips, week
trips are becoming more practical.
- Decreasing speed when traveling in motorized boats in order to save gas.
- Delaying the establishment of trap-lines until water areas are frozen.
- Utilizing wood stoves and moving away from oil stoves.
- Relocating fish camps closer to villages.
- Building bridges over sloughs for winter snowmobile travel.
- "Just make do."
Fish
In recent years one species that has been thriving in the Kuskokwim delta area has been the sockeye
salmon. This has had a positive impact on commercial fishing, providing economic benefits to the
people of the lower Kuskokwim and helping them to offset the cost of gas and higher prices of
store-bought foods.
Water Level
Lower water levels may also affect
- Spring migration of waterfowl
- The Kuskokwim delta is an important resting place for waterfowl. The lack of water may
affect migration in a profound way. Residents have noticed the number of white-fronted geese
is increasing compared to Canada geese.
- Eelgrass habitat
- Lower levels of water may affect the condition and production of eelgrass, a source of
food for migrating geese.
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