On Prince of Wales Island, nearly 450 culverts and bridges along Forest Service roads do not meet state or federal standards and restrict fish migration to important spawning and rearing habitat upstream. There are likely many more barriers to fish migration along roads on non-federal lands. These barriers reduce salmon and trout populations in affected areas, increase the risks of flooding, and create public safety hazards along critical transportation routes.
Trout Unlimited will replace 12 culverts on Prince of Wales Island in the coming years. This work is part of a broader effort to restore fish passage across Southeast Alaska. Trout Unlimited will replace a total of 27 culverts across the region by 2028.
Since not all barriers are created equal, TU is prioritizing those bridges and culverts that offer the greatest “bang for the buck” with the most impactful ecological and community benefits.
TU works closely with the U.S. Forest Service and other landowners and organizations including NOAA, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Federal Highway Administration, the State of Alaska, and local and regional tribal organizations to construct these restoration projects.
Why Culvert Replacement Matters
Replacing these structures with fish-friendly culverts and bridges designed to accommodate seasonal floods will bolster fish populations, create more durable transportation networks, and help improve the health and productivity of local communities and the forest.
These projects benefit local economies by providing job opportunities for engineers, equipment operators, and local construction firms throughout the projects’ design and construction. Once complete, these transportation improvements provide long-term benefits to the region’s tourism and fishing industries. They also benefit communities by vastly improving the ability of these crossings to survive floods and storm events, maintaining access to important infrastructure and traditional hunting and fishing grounds for subsistence harvesters.
Project Highlights on Prince of Wales Island
Location: West Prince of Wales
Habitat reconnected: 3 miles
Community benefits: Access recreational subsistence hunting and fishing, commercial outfitting and guiding, popular area for residents.
Funding sources: NOAA Fish Passage Program and USFS
Species: Coho, Chum, Pink, Sockeye, Steelhead, Cutthroat, Dolly Varden
Construction status: 6 culverts in Staney (1) Shaheen (3), Logjam (1), and Rush Creek (1) currently in design and to be constructed in 2027-2028.
Location: East Prince of Wales
Habitat reconnected: 1.04 miles
Community benefits: Access to homes, nearby communities and emergency services, recreational and subsistence fishing and hunting, commercial outfitting and guiding.
Funding sources: USFS
Species: Coho, Chum, Pink, Sockeye, Steelhead, Cutthroat, Dolly Varden
Construction status: 6 culverts in the Luck Creek watershed will be constructed in 2026 by 2 local construction contractors.
The Luck Lake construction will require these temporary road closures.
A Stronger Future for Fish and People
Every culvert replaced is more than an infrastructure upgrade. It’s a step toward healthier fisheries, safer roads, stronger local economies, and resilient communities. With continued collaboration and investment, Trout Unlimited Alaska and our partners are reconnecting the waterways that define Southeast Alaska’s way of life.