Waterfowl at the Mendenhall Lake Outlet | Bob Armstrong's Nature Alaska

Waterfowl at the Mendenhall Lake Outlet shows the variety and abundance of ducks and swans that rest and feed in that area.
It is generally far enough away from human access that there is usually very little disturbance of them.
If a trail is constructed along Mendenhall Lake to better access this area, people and dogs would cause most of the waterfowl to leave.
The proposal to make this area more accessible to humans would change this. If a bridge is constructed across the outlet it might destroy the value of the area for waterfowl.
There appears to be a unique algae that grows in the outlet that attracts the birds.
It is one of the best places to see Mountain Bluebirds in the Juneau area. This is a rare bird for Southeast Alaska. They appear to be attracted to this spot to feed on the numerous aquatic insects that emerge here.
In some years I have observed coho salmon spawning in this area very late in the year– December. The value of the area for salmon and their young should be evaluated.
I recommend that a very thorough study of this environment and its value for birds and other wildlife be conducted before any plans are finalized.
One consideration would be to make a wildlife viewing platform with interpretive signs overlooking this area — accessed by a trail from the campground. And do nothing to alter the value of the area for wildlife.