Frequently Asked Questions

Who is conducting the project?

The Little Campbell Creek Watershed planning effort is a joint project by two departments of the Municipality of Anchorage. The Watershed Management Section and the Office of Economic and Community Development are spearheading the effort and are incorporating input from community members. Other involved agencies include United States Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS), Bureau of Land Management (BLM), National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA Fisheries), United States Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA), United States Army Corps of Engineers (USACOE), Alaska Department of Fish and Game (ADF&G), Alaska Department of Environmental Conservation (ADEC), Alaska Department of Natural Resources Office of Habitat Management and Permitting (DNR OHMP), Anchorage Waterways Council (AWC), and the Great Land Trust.

What is the funding source for the project?

The Municipality of Anchorage received funding for the Little Campbell Creek Watershed plan through a grant from the United States Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS).

What is a watershed?

A watershed is comprised of the entire land area that drains to a waterbody. In other words, a watershed is a region of land where water from rain or snowmelt drains downhill into a body of water, such as a river, lake, dam, estuary, wetland, or ocean. Little Campbell Creek Watershed, for example, includes a portion of the Anchorage hillside and parts of midtown. Watersheds are important for recreation, fisheries, business, floodwater and runoff control, and wildlife habitat. Furthermore, healthy watersheds and associated greenbelts contribute to a better quality of life for the residents.

Where is the Little Campbell Creek Watershed?

The Little Campbell Creek Subwatershed extends from the main stem of Campbell Creek between C Street and the Old Seward highway, north of East 76th Avenue. Major roadways within the watershed include Abbott Road, Hillside Drive, O’Malley Road, New Seward Highway, Old Seward Highway, and Dimond Boulevard. Landmarks include the Chugach State Park, The Alaska Zoo, Hilltop Ski Area, Far North/Bicentennial Park, the Anchorage Golf Course and Ruth Arcand Park. Also prominent businesses like the Dimond Center, Sam’s Club, Carr’s, Fred Meyer, O’Malley’s on the Green, and additional restaurants? are located in the Little Campbell Creek Watershed.

You can view the Little Campbell Creek Watershed map on the Documents and Maps page.

What is a watershed plan, and why is the Municipality of Anchorage conducting one?

A watershed plan is a document developed cooperatively by government agencies and stakeholders (watershed residents, landowners, interested groups, etc.) A plan usually lists things that need to be done so that the watershed looks and functions as we would like it to in the future. The plan is used as the guide for managing human activities that affect water, land/water interactions, aquatic life, and aquatic resources within a particular watershed. It outlines areas that should be preserved, enhanced or rehabilitated and provides goals, objectives, and action items for those areas. A watershed plan also shows areas that are suitable for development and provides guidelines to be followed in development designs.

What are the problems that need to be addressed in the Little Campbell Creek Watershed?

There are a number of problems that need to be addressed within the watershed, including:
• Channel alterations, such as straightening have affected flow rate and contribute to erosion.
• Fish kills, including juvenile salmon, have been collected along Little Campbell Creek. These kills indicate that Little Campbell Creek has water quality problems and reinforce the need to take action.
• Debris found in the creek causes pollution and impedes fish passage.

Photos of these problems can be found here.

A multi-agency initiative is underway to help restore the natural functions of the Little Campbell Creek. Activities include:
• Water quality monitoring
• Stream bank and channel restoration
• Education and stewardship

It is likely that restoration efforts will require significant participation and financial support from the private sector and local landowners.

Can I still participate in the Little Campbell Creek Watershed process if I don’t live in the Little Campbell Creek Watershed?

While the bulk of the public participation will likely come from those who live in the Little Campbell Creek Watershed, everyone is invited to participate in this process. Meetings will be open to the public and you are welcome to comment on this plan at any time.

What would make the Little Campbell Creek Watershed a better place?

You tell us! As a resident, your thoughts and opinions really matter in this process. Contact us.

How can I be involved?

Comments from the public, agencies, and other organizations are important to the watershed planning efforts. There are a number of ways to be involved in the project. Check out the extensive list of opportunities to comment on the Get Involved page.

For more information on watershed management contact the Municipality of Anchorage Watershed Management Services (http://wms.geonorth.com/)