Riverbank protection and restoration is one of the most important things you, as a landowner, can do to protect both your property investment and the health of Kenai Peninsula rivers. Several programs are available to help property owners with the costs of habitat protection and restoration projects. Some projects may be eligible for more than one program. To learn whether your project qualifies for a particular program, contact the agency or office that administers it.
The AK Department of Fish and Game (ADF&G) and US Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) have developed a Cost-Share Program to help riverside property owners protect riverbanks and fish habitat on Kenai Peninsula rivers. Applicants whose projects are accepted can receive reimbursement for up to 50% of the cost of their project. Click here to learn more about the Cost Share Program.
The USFWS Fish Passage Program was established to improve fish access to historical habitat. This program works with local landowners, communities and partner agencies to restore natural flows and fish migration. The Fish Passage Program provides technical assistance and federal funds to remove, replace, or retrofit culverts, weirs, abandoned dams, or other structures that impede fish movement. The program also supports surveys of fish barriers within important watersheds. To learn more about the USFWS Fish Passage Program, click here.
The Kenai Peninsula Borough recognizes the contribution property owners make to the health of Kenai Peninsula rivers when they undertake riverbank protection and restoration projects. To assist property owners, the Borough has established two programs to help property owners with the cost of such projects.
The KPB Habitat Protection Tax Credit Program provides landowners a tax credit as partial reimbursement for habitat protection and restoration projects within 150 feet of the salmon streams protected under the KPB Habitat Protection Ordinance. Click here to learn more about the Tax Credit Program.
The KPB Habitat Protection Tax Exemption Program provides landowners a tax exemption for all or part of the increased assessed value of property when the increase is due to habitat protection and restoration projects within 150 feet of the salmon streams protected under the KPB Habitat Protection Ordinance. To learn more about the Tax Exemption Program, click here.
The Wildlife Habitat Incentives Program (WHIP) is a program of the USDA Natural Resource Conservation Service. WHIP is a voluntary program for private landowners and local and state land managers who want to develop, improve or restore fish and wildlife habitat. WHIP provides both technical assistance and financial support to help establish and improve fish and wildlife habitat on non-federal lands. NRCS can assist landowners with up to 75 percent cost-sharing to improve fish and wildlife habitat. Federal or state wildlife agencies or private organizations may provide additional funding or expertise to help complete a project. To learn more about the Wildlife Habitat Incentives Program, click here.