Stream Watch

Make a Difference!

Started in 1994 by a group of anglers who wanted to protect salmon habitat on the Kenai Peninsula, this award winning volunteer program is for those who want to be outdoors, make a difference, have fun, and create a healthy home for wild salmon.

Stream Watch volunteers receive training, uniforms, supplies, and even access to free campsites in return for their service. Volunteers educate the public on river stewardship and complete hands-on river restoration projects on the salmon rivers of the Kenai Peninsula.

Be the change! With volunteer opportunities everyday from June through September, there are possibilities for everyone with Stream Watch.

Stream Watch Volunteers at the Russian River Ferry

Apply To Become a Volunteer Today

Ambassadors

Ambassadors are everyday people making an extraordinary difference!

Stream Watch Ambassadors are outfitted with the knowledge and supplies to walk local rivers sharing information and enthusiasm to protect them.  Stream Watch staff provide training, supplies, and on-going support for Ambassadors, who are the heart and soul of Stream Watch’s ongoing success protecting the rivers of the Kenai Peninsula. Ambassadors participate in a pre-season orientation and commit to a minimum of 24 hours on the river, June through September.

Not from the area? Campsites are available for Ambassadors on a first come, first served basis.

See the 2023 Stream Watch Volunteer Manual.

Apply today to become a Stream Watch Ambassador!

Stream Watch Volunteer Training

Stream Watch utilizes trained volunteers called ambassadors to help patrol high-use sites and perform stewardship activities. To become an ambassador, you can gain volunteer training via in-person or online formats:

In-person Orientation – One avenue is an in-person orientation offered at the beginning of each season. This 6 hour event is generally held just before the June 11th river opener in Cooper Landing. The in-person training is a great place to ask question and meet other volunteers you might want to partner with for stewardship activities. Please keep an eye on our social medias for more information on the dates/times for in-person orientations!

Online Orientation – For those that are unable to attend the in-person orientation or chose to become an ambassador after the beginning of the summer season, we also offer an online orientation course. Online orientation consists of videos and easy quizzes. Online orientation is followed by an on-river meeting with the coordinator to receive your uniform and bear safety training. If you are just beginning the orientation, please read the instructions on the training page prior to registering and logging in.

Access the Stream Watch Volunteer Training

Stewardship Days

Are you part of a group that would like to volunteer for a day of service with Stream Watch?

Throughout the summer, individuals and groups of all ages and interests make a difference through single day stewardship projects, including:

  • River clean-up
  • Recycle fishing line
  • Remove fish barriers
  • Mend fencing
  • Use trees to stop erosion
  • Other protection efforts

Spend a few hours making a huge impact on local rivers. Training and supplies are provided for a great day in the great outdoors. This opportunity is great for individuals, families, scout groups, clubs and businesses.

Internships

Interns for the Stream Watch Program have been funded through the Alaska Conservation Foundation and the National Forest Foundation. 

View the job description and apply directly through the KWF website by visiting the Internship Page.

For more information on becoming a Stream Watch intern through the Alaska Conservation Foundation internship, visit their website.

Season Summary

Click below to see the 2023 Season Summary to get caught up on all the amazing work done by our Stream Watch volunteers over the last summer.

Stream Watch 2023 Season Summary

Interactive Stream Watch Site Map

Questions?  Contact a Coordinator today at 907-398-4304 or streamwatch@kenaiwatershed.org

To learn more about the people of Stream Watch or for Ambassadors to access the volunteer calendar, visit the Stream Watch  website.

To see an additional map of our fishing line recycling locations and stream habitat fencing areas, see our field map.

Stream Watch Partners

Stream Watch relies on support from dedicated volunteers and from these program partners:

  • Kenai Watershed Forum
  • Alaska Conservation Foundation
  • Alaska Department of Natural Resources
  • Alaska Recreational Management
  • Alaska State Parks
  • City of Kenai
  • City of Soldotna
  • US Forest Service
  • ConocoPhillips
  • Kenai Peninsula Fish Habitat Partnership
  • National Forest Foundation
  • Pacific States Marine Fisheries Commission
  • U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service