Ask the Mayor

What is required to work near river?

Editor's Note: The following weekly column is designed to help answer residents' questions about the Kenai Peninsula Borough and its government.

Question: When is a permit required to do work within 50 feet of a river or stream?

Answer: The habitat protection area ordinance created a 50-foot "setback" along 24 streams in the borough. This means that activities that occur within 50-feet of a stream may require a permit from the Kenai River Center.

Some activities like minor vegetation management are allowed. However, to ensure compliance with the law an application must be submitted to the Kenai River Center before starting the project. Other activities like major clearing, excavation, construction, and filling are prohibited, unless a

conditional use permit is granted.

Some of the rivers and streams that have the habitat protection area include the Kenai River, Funny River, Soldotna Creek, Slikok Creek, Beaver Creek, Kasilof River, Moose River, Anchor, the North Fork of the Anchor River, Deep Creek, Ninilchik River, Stariski Creek, Quartz Creek and Trail River to name just a few of the 24.

The 50-foot Habitat Protection Area was established in an effort to protect

salmon habitat. Streambank vegetation provides food and cover for a variety of fish and wildlife, reduces erosion, contributes to streambank stability, and moderates the effects of storm water runoff and flooding. A healthy streambank also protects property values.

For more information on the habitat protection area and permit requirements, contact the Kenai River Center at 907-260-4882.

You may send your questions to:

Mayor Bagley

144 N. Binkley

Soldotna, AK 99669

Fax: (907) 262-8616

E-mail: bdove@borough.kenai.ak