Local, tribal, and federal partners join forces to find long-term solution for glacial lake outburst flooding
The USDA Forest Service and City and Borough of Juneau sign agreement to invest in flood study
Local, tribal, and federal partners are joining forces to seek a solution to the Mendenhall glacial lake outburst flooding in the capital city.
The Forest Service and City & Borough of Juneau signed a $1 million participating agreement to search for a long-term solution providing relief to Juneau residents who reside in the flood path of the Mendenhall River. The federal funding would not be realized without staunch support from the Central Council of the Tlingit and Haida Indian Tribes of Alaska (Tlingit & Haida).
“This agreement marks a crucial first step in addressing the risks posed by reoccurring glacial lake outburst flooding to our citizens and the greater Juneau community,” said Tlingit & Haida President Chalyee Éesh Richard Peterson. “Protecting lives, homes, and vital infrastructure is our foremost priority. Tlingit & Haida is dedicated to working alongside our partners to develop solutions that are not only effective and sustainable but also grounded in the cultural values that define our people. By collaborating, we can strive to strengthen the safety and resilience of our community.”
The funds will go towards near-term studies to provide base line data for the General Investigative Study by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. The local and federal agencies are eager to get to work on a long-term solution, and this funding will help get some of the work started.
“Our goal is to implement solutions that protect the homes and infrastructure in the Mendenhall Valley from annual glacial lake outburst floods,” said CBJ City Manager Katie Koester. “To do that we have work together on both short- and long-term solutions. Permanently solving this threat to our community will be an ongoing partnership.”
“We recognize that addressing local flooding requires a collaborative approach that includes the voices of our partners and Alaska Native communities who have stewarded the land for thousands of years,” said Alaska Regional Forester Chad VanOrmer. “Their perspectives and insights are valuable to building a flood relief plan that respects cultural values and long-term sustainability.”
All involved share a common goal of protecting valued public and private infrastructure. Together, the Forest Service, CBJ, Tlingit & Haida, and others will contribute to near-term studies and actively participate in the Corps of Engineers General Investigation Study to support long-term solutions.
About the partners
The City & Borough of Juneau is a home-rule municipality on Tlingit land with a mission to provide for local government responsive to the will of the people and continuing needs of the community.
Tlingit & Haida is a federally recognized tribal government representing more than 37,000 Tlingit and Haida Indians worldwide with a mission to preserve our sovereignty, enhance our economic and cultural resources, and promote self-sufficiency and self-governance for our citizens.
The Forest Service Alaska Region has considerable interests at stake as the glacial lake outburst flooding originates on Forest Service managed lands – as both a land management agency with technical expertise, as well as a community partner with a responsibility and vested interest in the safety of the downstream community of Juneau. Forest Service leadership, hydrologists, engineers, planners, and recreation specialists are actively working to understand, map, and plan for future glacial lake outburst flooding events.
About the area
The Mendenhall Glacier Recreation Area is a world-class tourism destination and highly valued community asset. The agreement seeks to manage, maintain, and provide for ecologic values, recreation opportunities, and community safety at the Mendenhall Glacier Recreation Area now and into the future.