KBNERR Honored with 2025 Kingmaker Award

This month we officially announced the recipient of the 2025 Kingmaker Award: Kachemak Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve (KBNERR).

The Kingmaker Award recognizes individuals and organizations that have made a significant, lasting commitment to salmon conservation in Alaska. KBNERR was chosen for its pivotal role in maintaining and monitoring the health of our local ecosystem here on the Kenai Peninsula. They are the driving force behind critical research, education, and coastal resource management efforts.

The essential data and educational programs they provide are not just academic; they directly inform local policy and deepen the public's understanding of the vital issues facing Kachemak Bay and the salmon that call these waters home. Simply put, KBNERR provides the foundational knowledge that makes long-term land and water protection possible, making them an indispensable partner in KHLT’s mission.

Yarrow Hinnant, Curator of Botanical Exhibits at the Pratt Museum, emphasized KBNERR’s local impact. 

“We have found the staff at KBNERR to be resourceful and highly motivated, bringing excitement and momentum (as well as science) to classrooms, local naturalist trainings, and education events...KBNERR is an essential strand in that web, one that supports and encourages the work that we love to do.”

Marie McCarty, Executive Director of KHLT, reflected on their deep, shared history. 

“Our partnership developed over time to incorporate on-the-ground outreach with our joint Fish Need Land Too trips...This partnership represents the significance of each organization contributing to a good whole, with each organization sharing what they do best to ensure land important to the City of Homer is preserved for the future.”

From inspiring school children with insights into local peatlands to working with the City of Homer on critical conservation land acquisitions, KBNERR is truly a force for good.

The award was presented to KBNERR during the annual KHLT Meeting of the Members on Wednesday, December 10th. The evening was hosted at the Porcupine Theatre and wrapped up with a free showing of the classic film “Local Hero.”

Thank you, KBNERR, for being such a wonderful partner in protecting the heritage of the Kenai Peninsula for future generations!

This award and the conservation work it celebrates was made possible, in part, by a grant from the Dept. of Environmental Conservation Alaska Clean Water Actions (grant 25-02).