Who We Are

KHLT was founded in 1989 as the first land trust in Alaska, one month before the Exxon Valdez oil spill. The early days were spent gathering information about private land conservation, drafting bylaws, unleashing the talents of visionary founders as they created a way to protect the future of land on Kachemak Bay.

KHLT was born of people passionate about land who were also foresighted and hardworking enough to translate that passion into action. This talented group of community members created KHLT before legislation existed to create conservation easements in Alaska.

Today, we serve the entire Kenai Peninsula. Our strategic focus is preserving irreplaceable fish and wildlife habitat as well as recreational lands for the future.

Our Team

Marie McCarty
Executive Director
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Heather Brinster
Accounting and Grants Manager
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Joel Cooper
Stewardship Director
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Lauren Rusin
Lauren Rusin
Conservation Projects Manager
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Hayley Patton
Operations Manager 
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Carson Chambers
Communications and Development Manager
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Amanda Kelly
Stewardship Coordinator
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Board of Directors

Donna Aderhold
President
Karen Wuestenfeld
Vice President
Larsen Klingel
Treasurer
Sam Means
Director
Joey Allred
Director
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John Mouw
Director
Jim Thiele
​Director
Bernie Griffard
​Secretary
Dave Trudgen
Director

Community Partners