GALENA, Alaska (AP) — As the Yukon River begins to thaw, a familiar scene unfolds along its shores. Jake Pogrebinsky, a longtime resident of the remote village of Galena, is on a quest for driftwood.
His wooden motorboat cuts through the waters, chasing floating logs that have journeyed downstream. When he spots a suitable piece, he leaps into action, using a chainsaw to remove any branches or roots still attached. The hand-rolled cigarette he often smokes punctuates his hard work, which combines necessity and passion.
For Pogrebinsky, who is 59 years old, collecting driftwood has been a lifelong endeavor. While it is part of his job, the activity also brings him immense joy. “Doing this, it’s the greatest time,” he expressed.
Driftwood collection extends beyond individual satisfaction; it plays a crucial role in the local economy. The logs that Pogrebinsky gathers are not only used for building homes and tools but are also vital for heating during the harsh Alaskan winters.
Brooke Sanderson, the tribal administrator for the Louden Tribe, emphasized the significance of this practice. “It provides local jobs. We’re using local materials, we’re using local labor,” she explained, highlighting how this tradition supports the community.
Most of the driftwood collected becomes firewood for heating, but it is also finding new life as siding for energy-efficient homes being constructed for the tribe’s members. The collected wood is just one aspect of Galena’s environmental initiatives.
Over the past decade, local trees have been transformed into wood chips to heat a busy boarding school. In anticipation of summer 2024, a sawmill has been set up by the tribe to process both driftwood and trees into usable lumber, with Pogrebinsky at the helm of its operation.
Previously, the tribe attempted to log trees from their land, but the process proved too labor-intensive. Sanderson remarked that collecting driftwood provides a more efficient alternative, better suited to the community’s needs.
The river carries an abundant supply of high-quality wood, which would otherwise be unavailable to the village. Pogrebinsky noted the advantages of this driftwood, describing it as durable and often free of the bark and debris typically found on freshly cut lumber. “The quality of material is very high. … They can be permanent materials that would last decades,” he stated.
A successful driftwood season can yield such an overwhelming amount of wood that the river becomes difficult to navigate. “A good season brings in so much driftwood that you can hardly see the water,” he added.
Beyond economic benefits, collecting driftwood contributes positively to the environment. Enda Murphy, an assistant professor of civil engineering at the University of British Columbia, pointed out that while excessive driftwood can hinder vegetation and affect aquatic life, these floating logs also serve as essential habitats for various species and can disperse seeds.
Researchers continue to explore the ecological balance associated with driftwood collection, asking critical questions about the relationship between wood quantity and ecosystem health. “This is something that we don’t really fully understand,” Murphy noted, emphasizing the importance of ongoing research.
With Pogrebinsky’s enthusiasm, the Louden Tribe is encouraging more community members to engage in the collection of driftwood. They aim to cultivate a deeper appreciation for the environment, connecting people with nature while contributing to local sustainability efforts.
“A big part of the idea is to encourage people to go out and do this. To see the value of this. To experience all the marvelous things that I have experienced,” Pogrebinsky remarked, capturing the essence of this enduring tradition in Galena.
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