Wilderness Rafting

For over ten years EPC has been bringing people through a wilderness stretch of the Copper River from Chitina to Cordova. Far from being a standard tourist visit, rafting participants experience the majesty of, and the threats to, the Copper River, its wild salmon, and its rich biodiversity. We supply everything our rafters’ need for the 7-day journey: guides, food, gear, and especially musical instruments! We have watched the Copper River transform people, developing in them a deep sense of connection to the land and a sense of responsibility to protect it.

In each wilderness trip we incorporate educational discussions about:

• the history of the region
• the state of the wild fishery
  
• Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act (ANCSA, 1972)
  
• development threats,
  
• private and public land issues

Before and after our trips, we bring guests to local meetings in Cordova, coordinate presentations from scientists and fishers, and when possible introduce them to our opponents. Participants leave with a complete picture of the environmental challenges and potential our region faces.