KHLT Safeguards Vital Acres of Kenai River Watershed

Kachemak Heritage Land Trust protects another 46.393 acres within the cherished Kenai River Watershed. This marks the culmination of the fifth and final collaborative effort between KHLT and the Alaska Department of Transportation & Public Facilities (DOT&PF), allowing KHLT to continue furthering its commitment to preserving the ecological integrity of this vital region.

Since its inception in response to the Sterling Highway MP 45-60 Reconstruction Project in 2020, KHLT has diligently worked to identify, evaluate, and secure lands crucial for wetland conservation. With this latest acquisition, the total land safeguarded by KHLT through the ADoT&PF mitigation funds for the Cooper Landing Bypass project has reached an impressive  200+ acres.

Celebrating 35 years of service to the natural heritage of the Kenai Peninsula in 2024, KHLT emphasizes its role as a nonprofit organization dedicated to conserving the region's biodiversity for generations to come. With acres of protected land under their stewardship, KHLT embodies a beacon of hope for the preservation of Alaska's pristine landscapes.

The significance of these newly protected acres extends far beyond mere acreage; they represent critical habitats for salmon, integral to the region's ecological balance. By safeguarding wetlands and salmon habitats, KHLT and its partners contribute to the well-being of vibrant salmon populations, essential for both environmental stability and economic prosperity.

Marie McCarty, Executive Director of Kachemak Heritage Land Trust, expresses her enthusiasm for the project's completion, highlighting its multifaceted benefits: "This final piece in the DOT&PF mitigation project puzzle is such an exciting accomplishment! Protecting this special piece of land is a win-win-win – we are protecting habitat for wildlife, ensuring that salmon and trout fishing remain open to the public along this important fishing corridor, and giving our future generations of people, salmon, and everything in between a chance at long-lasting stability."

Jonathan Tymick from DOT&PF acknowledges the collaborative effort involved in achieving this milestone, underscoring the importance of partnerships in conservation initiatives. “DOT&PF seldom encounters projects requiring mitigation of this magnitude, and KHLT's rapid and efficient procurement of the needed credits has left the Department thoroughly impressed. Originally aiming for a 2026 deadline, KHLT's diligent efforts brought the final acquisition to completion nearly two years ahead of schedule. The Department looks forward to future partnerships with KHLT, enthusiastically supporting their mission to conserve critical habitats on the Kenai Peninsula.”

Lauren Rusin, Conservation Projects Manager at Kachemak Heritage Land Trust, reflects on the significance of her work in securing vital wetlands: "Finding and securing important wetlands on the Kenai Peninsula has been the bulk of my work focus for the past several years... It has been so rewarding to see land that I know is vital to our ways of life be protected, as they are now, forever."

Ben Meyer, Environmental Scientist and Water Quality Coordinator, emphasizes the ecological significance of preserving wetlands, recognizing their role in maintaining water quality and supporting diverse wildlife populations. “The lands protected by Kachemak Heritage Land Trust as part of this project are part of my neighborhood’s ‘backyard’ where I regularly see all manner of local wildlife, including moose, bears, eagles, and even the occasional caribou. It is truly heartening to know that we will be able to share this space in perpetuity as our community grows. These lands mean a lot to me professionally as a scientist who studies water quality and fish habitat, but they mean even more to me as a place that will persist as a wild space long beyond my time.”

With the perpetual protection of these critical lands, KHLT ensures that they will remain accessible to wildlife and the public for generations to come. 

Join us in protecting the Kenai Peninsula's natural heritage by becoming a member of Kachemak Heritage Land Trust today. 

With your support for as little as a dollar per calendar year, you can make a tangible difference in preserving critical habitats and protecting our furred, feathered, and scaled friends for generations to come. Visit our website or contact us to learn more about membership opportunities and join our collective effort in safeguarding Alaska's natural treasures. Together, let's make a lasting impact on conservation along the Kenai Peninsula. 

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