History of Girdwood’s Past: Alyeska Hotel and Community —working together

By Larry Daniels

TNews Contributor

Thought from the past…

When the hotel was in the permit phase, it became obvious that wetlands would be impacted and the project would need a U.S. Army Corps of Engineers permit. Both the Arlberg crossing of the moose meadows and the parking lot across from the hotel would require filling a wetland permit. Corp regs require replacing habitat or preservation of other habitat.

Early in concept development, a pond was depicted in front and it appeared to be an enhancement to the site. We decided to propose the development of the pond as an offset for impact to other habitat.

There was also a small stream adjacent to the building. So, the pond had a source of water and a connection to a stream that had a small, silver salmon run. The pond was designed as an over-winter shelter for young salmon fry.

30 years later, did the pond perform as designed?  Little fish jumping after insects and a small flock of geese with little goslings, occasional moose visits are evidence that it has performed as intended.