Taku River Tlingit First Nation is leading this project to address cumulative impacts within three watersheds on the east side of  Tlèn (Atlin Lake), the largest natural freshwater lake in BC. The T’ooch’ Héeni (previously 4th of July Creek), Koosawu.áa Héen (previously Pine Creek), and Watsíx Héeni (previously O’Donnel River) watersheds, known as ‘At Xá Koogu Watersheds,’ are critical to the Nations kusteeyi (way of life) and cultural resilience and have been heavily impacted by mining, recreation and hunting.
Restoration goals will support clean water and healthy fish and wildlife, food security, sustainable economies, healthy lifestyles, and the continuity of the Lingit ways of life long-term. In the first three years of work, the Nation will improve the available technical and Indigenous knowledge to inform development and testing of a Management Framework while strengthening relationships and partnerships with BC, the local community and stakeholders. The project activities includes thorough data compilation and gap analysis of past and current non-traditional human uses and impacts, cultural and ecological values and conditions, potential future changes, including related to climate change, government policies, human uses, and the economy.
