The Alaska Department of Fish and Game is accepting proposals for the 2022 Kenai Peninsula Habitat Restoration and Protection Cost-Share until 5 p.m. on Sept. 30, according to a press release from the agency.
The cost-share is a financial incentive and educational program directed toward private landowners and public land managers through both the ADF&G and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, and other community organizations and local governments. The purpose is to provide technical expertise on rehabilitation practices — including salmon habitat rehabilitation on the peninsula — and both state and federal permitting assistance.
According to the website, the project has been serving the public since 1995. Since it began, more than 500 habitat rehabilitation and protection initiatives have been implemented throughout the Kenai Peninsula — from restoring fish habitats along shorelines to removing dangerous structures detrimental to the health of salmon populations.
The ADF&G uses proven techniques to educate landowners on habitat rehabilitation through the program. Some of the techniques include the implementation of coir logs, willow planting, cabled spruce trees, rootwads and elevated light-penetrating walkways to help stabilize, revegetate and restore streambanks.
According to the release, selected proposals may have up to 50% of the cost of the project reimbursed through the program.
“Summer is here, and this is the time when landowners start to think about their streambank projects,” Habitat Biologist Jessica Johnson said in the release. “By participating in the program, landowners will have a hands-on learning experience and they will also be helping to support and maintain healthy juvenile salmon habitat and populations.”
For more information on the project, Johnson can be contacted at 907-267-2403 or dfg.dsf.streambankrehab@alaska.gov.
Reach reporter Camille Botello at camille.botello@peninsulaclarion.com.
