The salmon run is the time when salmon, which have migrated from the ocean, swim to the upper reaches of rivers to spawn on gravel beds. After spawning, all Pacific salmon and most Atlantic salmon die, and the salmon life cycle starts over again. Most salmon species migrate during the fall. Salmon spend their early life in rivers, then swim out to sea where they live their adult lives and gain most of their body mass. When they have matured, they return to the rivers to spawn (usually, to the same river where they were born). In northwest America, the impact they have on other life is great. The death of the salmon has important consequences, since it means significant nutrients in their carcasses, rich in nitrogen, sulfur, carbon & phosphorus are transferred from the ocean to wildlife such as bears, eagles, etc.
Back in ate 1950’s, the Northern Canada Power Commission built the Whitehorse Rapids Hydroelectric Facility to meet the electricity needs of the growing community. When the rapids interrupted the salmon migration, the Whitehorse Rapids Fishway, known locally as ‘the fish ladder’ was built to help the migrations continue by allowing passage of the salmon around the dam. In the early ‘80’s, the Fish Hatchery began a salmon transplant program in further effort to build and maintain the salmon stocks.
So, bottom line, salmon spawn in fresh water and live and mature in sale water. When the hydroelectric plant was built, the dam caused a problem for the salmon to swim up river to spawn, so they built a “ladder” as a means for the salmon to get around the dam. Isn't that so COOL!
Unfortunately,they had just re-opened for the season, so there wasn’t much to see. But I did find out they have a live cam that you can monitor, so when they do start running through here, you can see it!. www.yukonenergy.com
The little fella there works there each “summer” & had great memories of his grandmother bringing him here & telling him the story of what they do here, so he got a job here when he got older. (I love it!)
So, if you get a chance, check it out.
Here’s a few pics I took while we were there:
They have it built so you can go out over the water & see the dam & the fish running on the “ladder”, but it was cold & windy, so we just looked out & took his word for it. It was pretty impressive & Mr. Charley said we’ll need to stop back in on our way back since July-August is the best time.
On the way back, I saw this in somebody's front yard:
Yep, it’s bicycle wheels
With as cold & windy as it is, I see why they wear tall socks with their kilts:
Love the murals on the buildings:
Didn’t know if this sign was for pedestrians, bicyclists or vehicles
That’s about it today. We got back home sorta rested & Mr. Charley made an awesome pot of Chili. Only a couple of other places to go here, then laundry, fill up tanks (empty others) and hit the road (hopefully by Wednesday if our part comes in).
Have a good one everybody!
RV Riding is looking around & hoping to see something cool (or at least learn about something cool)
I remember when I was in grammar school about them building that dam and the great concern for the salmon. Then we learned about the fish ladders. Maybe one day I can get to see them. Thanks for sharing.
ReplyDelete