Region 2-Southcentral News Release
(Released: July 05, 2005)
ALASKA DEPARTMENT OF FISH AND GAME
Wayne Regelin, Commissioner
DIVISION OF SPORT FISH
Kelly Hepler, Director
Contact:
George Pappas
Area Management Biologist
Phone: (907) 262-9368
July 05, 2005
700 FEET OF KENAI RIVER SHORELINE WITHIN SOLDOTNA CREEK PARK CLOSED TO SHORE-BASED FISHING JULY 7
At 12:01 a.m., Thursday, July 7, the Department of Fish and Game will close, by Emergency Order, shore-based sport fishing along a 700-foot long section of Kenai River shoreline within Soldotna Creek Park to protect important riparian fish habitat. This riparian habitat is within the boundaries of Soldotna Creek Park and has recently been restored and replanted with natural vegetation following years of degradation. This property is owned and maintained by the City of Soldotna.
The area being closed is between river miles 21.7 to 21.9 and is posted with ADF&G regulatory markers. This closure is in addition to the regular shoreline closures along the Kenai River, which went into effect July 1. These areas are described on pages 32 and 33 of the Southcentral Alaska sport fishing regulation booklet.
In these areas, fishing is only allowed from a boat located more than 10 feet from shore and not connected to the shore or any riparian habitat. “Riparian habitat” means all areas within 10 feet in either direction of the Kenai River waterline. Kenai River shoreline closures are implemented under the authority of the Upper Cook Inlet Riparian Habitat Fishery Management Plan (5 AAC 56.065). Under this regulation, fishing from the bank or in the water within 10 feet of the Kenai River waterline is NOT allowed.
The Department of Fish and Game asks that the angling public cooperate and avoid fishing or traversing within the boundaries of closed areas. Department of Fish and Game and other resource agency staff will enforce the bank closures and anglers who disregard these closures will be cited.
