Success Story: YRITWC

Heavy equipment smashes a truck before it is removed.

Organization: Yukon River Inter-Tribal Watershed Council

ACF Support in 2005: $10,000

Project: Backhaul Program

During summer of 2005 Yukon River Inter-Tribal Watershed Council (YRITWC) implemented an ambitious program to remove solid waste from villages along the Yukon River and its tributaries. This waste, consisting of old cars and trucks, snow machines, four wheelers, boats, lead acid batteries, office equipment, computers and household appliances, has been a major source of pollution for the watershed, as toxics and fluids released from neglected equipment leeches its way into the rivers. It is also an aesthetic problem, as rusting machinery creates a community-wide eyesore.

Forming partnerships with shipping companies, airlines and cargo operators, YRITWC have removed between 200 and 300 tons of material since the project began in the spring – and items are still making their way down the river now. Some of these partners include Yutana Barge Lines, Northland Services, Alaska Railroad, Lynden, Northern Air Cargo, Arctic Transportation Services, Grant Aviation, Frontier, Alaska Battery Services, Interstate Battery, C+R Pipe, and KAKM Channel 7.

The response from the communities has been overwhelming and enthusiasm for removing the waste grows daily. As Solid Waste Coordinator Jon Waterhouse said, “To receive a hug and a thank you from an Elder in the middle of a big move, what more can I say? This is a job where everyone goes home at the end of the day feeling good.” YRITWC”s efforts have also been well received by the media, with the Anchorage Daily News writing an feature story on the project as part of a summer series about life along the Yukon River. Pink dots on abandoned vehicles indicate they are to be removed.

The Backhaul Program ties in directly with YRITWC Environmental Education Program, which was first initiated last year. Over 500 youth across the watershed participated in this hands-on program and as a result many students become engaged in the backhaul efforts, identifying items to move, physically lending a hand, and perhaps most importantly, inspiring adults to be active participants. YRITWC's Environmental Education Program will kick off its second year in November.

The plans for the future are to expand the service and partners. YRITWC is looking across the border at possibilities in Canada and communities along the Alaska road system. Next year the program will expand to include HazMat materials, heavy equipment, old fuel tanks, electrical transformers, freon, used oil, glycol and more.

YRITWC is an accord signed by 62 tribes along the Yukon River. Their intent is to initiate and continue the protection and restoration of the Yukon River Watershed for the welfare of their people and continuation of their way of life. The Alaska Conservation Foundation has provided $72,800 of support to YRITWC since 2000. Students on an education trip to Scammon Bay.