Iliamna Lake is an incredibly important resource for the people of Alaska. It is the largest lake in the state and provides a vital source of food, water, and recreation for local communities. The lake is home to a variety of fish species, including the world's largest population of sockeye salmon, as well as other fish, such as trout, whitefish, and char, along with waterfowl, and aquatic mammals. It is a key habitat for many species of wildlife, and its unique ecosystem serves as a natural laboratory for scientific research, offering a wealth of knowledge and insight into the biodiversity of the region. Iliamna Lake has immense cultural significance as well, as it is embedded in the traditional stories and beliefs of the Iliamna people, many of whom make their home around the lake. The lake plays an integral role in local indigenous culture, and has been a source of sustenance and spiritual nourishment for generations.

The health of Iliamna Lake is under threat from a variety of sources. These include pollution, climate change, and overfishing. Pollution from industrial sites, agricultural runoff, and urban development can contaminate the lake and damage its wildlife. Climate change is causing rising temperatures and reduced snowpack, which can lead to water shortages and changes in the lake's ecosystem. Overfishing can also have a negative impact on the lake's fish populations.

Iliamna River is an important resource for local communities, providing vital sources of sustenance, recreation, and spiritual nourishment. The River is home to many species of fish and wildlife, and its rich biodiversity offers a wealth of knowledge and insight into the region’s ecology. It is also embedded in the traditional stories and beliefs of the Iliamna people, playing an integral role in their culture. Consequently, protecting the River is essential to preserving its vital resources, as well as its cultural and spiritual significance.

The Iliamna River faces a number of threats, including habitat loss, sedimentation, pollution, and overfishing. These threats can have a significant impact on the health of the river, the Iliamna Lake ecosystem, and the surrounding landscape. Habitat loss is a major threat, as the river and its tributaries are being impacted by development, logging, and mining operations. Sedimentation from these activities can cloud the water and reduce the amount of oxygen available for fish and other aquatic species. Pollution from agricultural and industrial runoff can also cause water quality to degrade, making the river less hospitable for aquatic life. Finally, overfishing can take a toll on the fish populations in the river, reducing food availability and impacting the river's overall health.

The Iliamna River Basin is one of the largest in the state of Alaska, covering an area of approximately 11,000 square miles. The basin is made up of numerous rivers, streams, and lakes, including Iliamna Lake, the largest lake in the state. The basin is a vital source of food, water, and recreation for local communities, and its unique ecosystem serves as a natural laboratory for scientific research. The basin is also home to a variety of fish species, waterfowl, and aquatic mammals, and its cultural significance is deeply embedded in the traditional stories and beliefs of the Iliamna people. The size of the basin highlights its importance, and protecting it is essential to preserving its vital resources and its cultural and spiritual significance.