Protecting the Kenai Peninsula Through Land Conservation

donate TODAY

Author: Jami Alpe, Marketing Contractor

---

Who We Are

At Kachemak Heritage Land Trust (KHLT), we work with willing landowners to preserve irreplaceable lands on the Kenai Peninsula for the future. KHLT’s strategic focus is to permanently protect valuable fish, bird, and wildlife habitats as  well as recreational lands, benefiting Kenai Peninsula communities and our unique Alaskan way of life.
​

Our mission goes beyond land conservation; we aim to foster a deep connection between the community and the natural environment.
​

The Essence of Land Conservation

Land conservation involves safeguarding natural areas to maintain their ecological integrity, ensuring these landscapes support wildlife, mitigate climate change, and offer recreational opportunities. This is achieved through methods such as establishing conservation easements and through land donations. Once land is in our care, it is protected forever. 
What are conservation easements and land donations? These are straightforward and entirely voluntary legal agreements. Conservation easements permanently restrict land uses to preserve its conservation values (like a scenic view or baby salmon habitat) while the landowner retains ownership. Land donations allow owners to contribute their property to Kachemak Heritage Land Trust for perpetual conservation

Both conservation easements and land donations may qualify for tax benefits. 

Why Conservation on the Kenai Peninsula is Critical

• The Kenai Peninsula is a region rich in biodiversity and natural beauty, encompassing diverse ecosystems such as coastal wetlands, forests, and mountains. This area supports a special way of life by allowing access to some of the world’s most valuable (and vulnerable) resources. And as the land supports us, we need to do the same. By caring for our home, we protect our way of life for future generations.
  
  
• Salmon are a crucial part of most Alaskans’ way of life. Whether we’re harvesting for personal stock or fishing commercially, having a healthy habitat for our salmon to spawn and survive is necessary. By protecting areas like wetlands, we can help give our fish the land they need. Yes, fish need land too!
  
  
• Along with salmon, conservation safeguards other wildlife that depend on protected habitats for survival and reproduction. Conserved lands also act as natural buffers against climate impacts and provide essential recreational opportunities.
  
  

Our Impact and Community Involvement

• Community engagement is central to our work. Through events and volunteer opportunities, we raise awareness about our conservation efforts. Your support—through donations, volunteer time, and spreading the word—helps fund land acquisitions, maintenance, and educational programs that ensure these resources thrive.
  
  

Current Project: Protecting the Anchor Point River Habitat

• We’re partnering with The Conservation Fund (TCF) to safeguard 11.6 acres along the Anchor Point River. This area is crucial for Chinook, coho, chum, and pink salmon, as well as moose, bear, and other species.
  
  
• Help us raise $47,000 to cover acquisition, overhead, and long-term management costs.
  ​

Get Involved

Join us in preserving the Kenai Peninsula’s natural legacy.

Your support makes a lasting impact. Contact Executive Director Marie McCarty at [email protected] for more information or to get involved.

---