Kenai Watershed Forum volunteers study fish habitat in wetlands near City of Kenai Docks.
With spring right around the corner, some might find themselves asking “where will all the snowmelt go?” To this we answer; Wetlands!
Wetlands are some of the most vital–and often overlooked–ecosystems on the Kenai Peninsula. From filtering water and reducing flood risk after a winter full of heavy snow loads, to providing essential habitat to wild salmon, birds, and other wildlife – wetlands support the health of our entire region’s watershed.
Dr. Mike Gracz, a previous Kenai Watershed Forum scientist led research between 2005-2015 that culminated in the creation of a high-resolution GIS map supported by extensive field data, and you can find this map on the Kenai Peninsula Borough’s KPB GeoHub, under ViewKPB.
You can find a lot more resources and details about wetlands on the Kenai Watershed Forum’s page on Cook Inlet Wetlands. The Kenai Watershed Forum is also applying for grant funding at this time to continue building community capacity–helping residents, local leaders, and partners better understand, appreciate, and conserve wetlands.These efforts will be key in ensuring future generations can benefit from healthy, functioning, intact ecosystems.
Want to learn more about how you can partner with us and support our Kenai Peninsula Wetlands? Check out our Cook Inlet Wetlands page on our website, and contact alie@kenaiwatershed.org.
