Habitat of Stikine Flats Wildlife Viewing Area

The Stikine-LeConte Wilderness, about 448,841 acres, is located on the mainland of southeast Alaska, 6 miles west of Petersburg and 7 miles north of Wrangell. The boundary extends from Frederick Sound on the west to the Alaska-Canada boundary on the east. The eastern portion of the wilderness is part of the Kates Needle area, a recent addition to the Tongass National Forest.

Description: The most prominent feature of the Wilderness is the Stikine River. The river is confines to a narrow valley by steep, rugged mountains. These surrounding mountains contain many active glaciers. Meltwater from the glaciers has a high silt content, thus giving the Stikine a milky appearance. The delta at the mouth of the river is 17 miles wide, being formed from numerous slow moving "braided" channels (three of which are navigable). One hot and two warm springs are found adjacent to the river.

Alpine vegetation, including mosses, lichens, and other small plants, are found at elevations above 2,000 feet. The lower mountain slopes near salt water support a dense spruce-hemlock rainforest. In the area's eastern portion approaching the Canadian border, the rainfall decreases and the vegetation changes to stands of cottonwood with dense underbrush. Cottonwood trees are also common on the many islands of the Stikine River. Grass flats, tidal marshes, and shifting sandbars cover the delta area. Much of the Wilderness, particularly the Stikine River drainage, is recognized as an important fish and wildlife area. Incredible opportunities to view bald eagles are available in the Stikine Flats Wildlife Viewing Area. Moose, mountain goats, brown and black bears, Stika black-tailed deer, and wolves inhabit the area. The delta "flats: are a major resting and nesting area for migratory birds. A variety of fish, including king and other species of salmon are found.

Wrangell is the Gateway to the Stikine River. The City of Wrangell, located at the northern end of Wrangell Island, overlooks the mouth of the Stikine River and the Stikine River Delta. The Stikine River delta is a significant stopover on the Pacific Flyway for migrating birds. The delta is 11,000 hectares (27,200 acres), and 16 miles wide.

The Stikine River is the fastest navigable river in North America and stretches 400 miles from its headwaters in Canada. The river provides numerous and diverse recreational opportunities for the residents of Wrangell and visitors.

Bird watching and other wildlife viewing is one of those opportunities. The migration begins with the arrival of Spring in Alaska! In mid April over 14,000 snow geese, over 10,000 sandhill cranes and almost 2000 eagles begin the bird migration on the delta, converging on the area. The concentration of eagles is the largest reported springtime concentration in North America. The eagles arrive to feast on the hooligan (smelt) migrating up the Stikine River to spawn. Eagles begin arriving in Wrangell in February. Mt. Dewey hillside is spotted with white heads and numerous eagles can be spotted sharing favorite trees in the middle of town. One day, they will be gone and the locals know the hooligan have arrived.


	NATUREWATCH: Alaska
	Habitat of Stikine Flats Wildlife Viewing Area



				The wetlands of the Stikine Flats are a critical habitat for many migrating birds.

		The Stikine-LeConte Wilderness, about 448,841 acres, is located on the mainland of southeast Alaska, 6 miles west of Petersburg and 7 miles north of Wrangell. The boundary extends from Frederick Sound on the west to the Alaska-Canada boundary on the east. The eastern portion of the wilderness is part of the Kates Needle area, a recent addition to the Tongass National Forest. Description: The most prominent feature of the Wilderness is the Stikine River. The river is confines to a narrow valley by steep, rugged mountains. These surrounding mountains contain many active glaciers. Meltwater from the glaciers has a high silt content, thus giving the Stikine a milky appearance. The delta at the mouth of the river is 17 miles wide, being formed from numerous slow moving "braided" channels (three of which are navigable). One hot and two warm springs are found adjacent to the river. Alpine vegetation, including mosses, lichens, and other small plants, are found at elevations above 2,000 feet. The lower mountain slopes near salt water support a dense spruce-hemlock rainforest. In the area's eastern portion approaching the Canadian border, the rainfall decreases and the vegetation changes to stands of cottonwood with dense underbrush. Cottonwood trees are also common on the many islands of the Stikine River. Grass flats, tidal marshes, and shifting sandbars cover the delta area. Much of the Wilderness, particularly the Stikine River drainage, is recognized as an important fish and wildlife area. Incredible opportunities to view bald eagles are available in the Stikine Flats Wildlife Viewing Area. Moose, mountain goats, brown and black bears, Stika black-tailed deer, and wolves inhabit the area. The delta "flats: are a major resting and nesting area for migratory birds. A variety of fish, including king and other species of salmon are found. Wrangell is the Gateway to the Stikine River. The City of Wrangell, located at the northern end of Wrangell Island, overlooks the mouth of the Stikine River and the Stikine River Delta. The Stikine River delta is a significant stopover on the Pacific Flyway for migrating birds. The delta is 11,000 hectares (27,200 acres), and 16 miles wide. The Stikine River is the fastest navigable river in North America and stretches 400 miles from its headwaters in Canada. The river provides numerous and diverse recreational opportunities for the residents of Wrangell and visitors. Bird watching and other wildlife viewing is one of those opportunities. The migration begins with the arrival of Spring in Alaska! In mid April over 14,000 snow geese, over 10,000 sandhill cranes and almost 2000 eagles begin the bird migration on the delta, converging on the area. The concentration of eagles is the largest reported springtime concentration in North America. The eagles arrive to feast on the hooligan (smelt) migrating up the Stikine River to spawn. Eagles begin arriving in Wrangell in February. Mt. Dewey hillside is spotted with white heads and numerous eagles can be spotted sharing favorite trees in the middle of town. One day, they will be gone and the locals know the hooligan have arrived.

		Toward the end of April and early May, over 100,000 shorebirds begin arriving. Approximately 123 species are represented at any one time, not only the above mentioned, but also Short-eared owls, Northern Harriers and an occasional Goshawk, can be spotted during the height of the migration. In addition, the delta is swarming with seals and sea lions. The Garnet Festival was created and first held in 1997 to celebrate the beginning of Spring, the beginning of the bird migration of snow geese and eagles and the spawning run of hooligan up the Stikine River. The festival is held the third week of April. The festival is named for the famous Garnet Ledge, located at the mouth of the Stikine River belonging to the children of Wrangell. Additional information and calendar for the festival and subsequent shorebird migration is being developed. Activities during the festival include educational workshops, speakers, and family events. Specific activities include boat trips to the delta for the public and all local elementary school children, photo workshops, birding activities and workshops, art shows, concerts, locally manufactured boat show, golf tournament and a special visit by the Sitka Raptor Center with an Eagle.There are also other nearby areas for viewing waterfowl and shorebirds, including Aaron?s Creek, Bradfield River as well freshwater lakes, bays and shorelines. Approximately 5 to 8 Whistling Swans spend two to three weeks on Pat?s Lake just north of town on their annual migration north. For the advanced birder there is a challenging array of songbirds during the summer months.