Kenai Stewardship Momentum Builds: Community, Conservation, and Summer Opportunities Ahead

Last week, the Alaska Chapter of Backcountry Hunters & Anglers was proud to partner with the Kenai Watershed Forum for our Kenai Stewardship Pint Night at Kenai River Brewing Co.. It was a great evening of conservation conversation, new connections, and meaningful discussion about how hunters, anglers, and outdoor enthusiasts can roll up their sleeves and give back on the Kenai Peninsula.

 

 

A big thank you to the Kenai Watershed Forum team for sharing the incredible range of stewardship, education, and volunteer opportunities they have lined up this summer—from Stream Watch and habitat restoration to community events and watershed education. If you’re looking for ways to plug in this season, we highly encourage checking out their summer events calendar here: Kenai Watershed Forum Events Calendar

As for Alaska BHA, spring conditions on the Kenai have reminded us that Alaska runs on Alaska’s timeline. Our Swan Lakes Canoe Route Clearing Project originally scheduled for mid-May was postponed due to lingering ice conditions, but we are actively working to reschedule for May 30–31. This hands-on stewardship project supports trail access and backcountry recreation within the Kenai National Wildlife Refuge, helping keep one of Alaska’s premier canoe systems accessible for future users.

We are continuing to move forward with our Russian River Fencing Project on May 30, supporting habitat protection, sustainable angler access, and long-term stewardship along one of Alaska’s most iconic fisheries near the Russian River.

 

Both projects depend on volunteer support. If you’ve been looking for a way to give back to the places that give us so much, now’s the time. We hope to see you on the Kenai.

 

Making the most of Alaska's every changing plans

In an attempt to still do some on the ground stewardship, BHA's Alaska Program Manager joined Friends of Alaska National Wildlife Refuges for their Swanson River Road and Campground Cleaup on Saturday May 16th, instead. We filled 5 bags of trash in just 2.5 hours. Volunteers contined on throughout the day as well. We also did a little bit of recon at the Swan Lakes Canoe Route trail down to the canoe launch, which was blocked in many areas with downed tress and debris. We hope to be able to come back and work on that route on May 30th-31st with BHA volunteers in partnership with the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service.