Threats
The biological wealth of the watershed and its nearness to Alaska’s major population center make the Kenai Alaska’s most popular river. Indeed, it’s in danger of being loved to death. Heavy fishing pressure has resulted in riverbank destruction, and growing urbanization and residential development along the river has raised concerns about habitat loss and water quality.

Habitat degradation and fragmentation are of particular concern for the Kenai Peninsula’s geographically isolated, small population of brown bears (about 275 bears). These bears are essentially cut off from the mainland of Alaska. If their numbers dip too low, there is the possibility the population will no longer be viable. Brown bears require large tracts of undisturbed habitat for feeding and movement. Growing human activity in important bear corridors increases the threat of "defense of life and property" shootings of brown bear. In recent years, mortality rates for brown bears have exceeded the number that will sustain a healthy population.

Fish and Wildlife
The watershed supports 37 species of fish, 21 species of waterfowl, and numerous mammal species, including brown and black bear, wolves, caribou, dall sheep, wolverines, lynx, moose, mink and river otters. Significant populations of Wrangel Island snow geese, double-crested cormorants, trumpeter swans, king salmon, and bald eagles

Our Conservation Strategy

• Building and supporting the capacity of local organizations such as the Kenai Watershed Forum and the Kachemak Heritage Land Trust
• Providing local communities with tools to manage growth, such as water quality monitoring program
• Protecting key habitat for salmon and Kenai Peninsula brown bears
• Protecting riparian plant communities, including streamside vegetation, floodplain communities, and wetlands connected to the Kenai River that are important for maintaining a healthy river 

Conservancy Action
In 1995, the Conservancy hosted a simple meeting for community members. "Forces of a River" led to a groundswell of conservation action for the Kenai River Watershed, including the establishment of a new citizen’s goup, the Kenai Watershed Forum (KWF), and a new branch of a local land trust. "Forces of a River" and partnerships with KWF are indicative of The Conservancy’s commitment to empowering local people towards greater watershed conservation and stewardship. Over the years, we have also been involved in the development of the Kenai River Water Quality Monitoring Program and the Kenai River Natural History Public Outreach Program and Education Coalition. The Killey River Brown Bear Preserve was established in 1997, and the Conservancy continues to enlarge the preserve as land in this critical brown bear feeding and movement corridor becomes available for purchase. Currently, the Conservancy the Conservanyc is working in support of culvert restoration for safe passage of salmon and other fish. For more information, see the following:

Visit our Partners in Kenai River Watershed Conservation:

Kenai Watershed Forum
Kachemak Heritage Land Trust
Kenai River Center
Kenai National Wildlife Refuge