 The California Fish and Game Commission was among the first non @-@ Alaska conservation groups to oppose construction of the dam , saying in 1963 that it would inundate the Yukon Flats , an area of wetlands that is among North America 's largest waterfowl breeding grounds . Following that objection , other groups began to organize during the 1963 North American Wildlife and Natural Resources Conference . Fifteen conservation groups pooled a total of $ 25 @,@ 000 at the meeting to begin an independent scientific study of the project and start an opposition campaign . 
