Read how the River Center regulates projects to protect salmon-bearing waterbodies.
How Do I?
Looking for information about Kenai Peninsula Borough streams, rivers and lakes? Find what you need below!
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Advisory Planning Commission membership opportunities are available by application, and are appointed by the Mayor and confirmed by the Assembly.
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Becoming a Planning Commission Member is an excellent way to have a meaningful impact our Borough and engage in local government.
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Learn the steps to combine lots, tracts or parcels into one and view fees and requirements.
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Learn the steps to subdivide or replat your property and view fees and requirements.
River Center
The River Center is a multi-agency permitting, outreach, and education center. We have two agencies housed at the River Center that work together to protect and restore the rivers of the Kenai Peninsula, its watersheds, and its fish and wildlife resources.
River Center personnel also work closely with other state, local, and federal offices to further our mission, including: the Kenai Watershed Forum, US Army Corps of Engineers, Alaska State Parks, US Fish and Wildlife Service, Alaska Department of Environmental Conservation, and others.
Our Programs
Our programs focus on landowner education and permitting for natural resources and other zoned developments within the borough. Programs at the River Center include:
- KPB Habitat Protection District
- KPB Floodplain Management
- KPB Permitting & Zoning
- Alaska Department of Fish & Game - Habitat Section
What's Happening at the River Center?
KPB 21.06 FEMA Floodplain Map Update
KPB has been working with FEMA to update the Kenai River’s regulatory floodplain maps, also known as Flood Insurance Rate Maps or FIRMs. The Kenai Peninsula Borough Assembly adopted Ordinance 2024-35 at their February 4, 2025 meeting. The final maps and study are effective as of February 28, 2025.
Additional information regarding the new maps may be found at Kenai River Flood Map Update. A floodplain determination for your property may be requested at Floodplain Determination Request.
Quick Links
- Anadromous Waters Brochure
- Floodplain Determination Request Form
- River Center Conference Room Policy
- FAQs
- Contact the River Center
Restoration
- Cost Share Program
- Funding for Restoration
- KPB Habitat Protection Tax Credit & Exemptions
- Streambank Rehabilitiation
Other Resources
Agencies
- Alaska Department of Fish & Game
- Alaska State Parks
- Kenai River Flood Map Update
- Kenai Watershed Forum
- KPB Coastal Program
- KPB Floodplain Management Program
- KPB Habitat Protection District
Cook Inlet Beluga Whale Final Reports
- SeaLife Center CIBW Final Report
- AKECO CIBW Final Report
- CIRCAC CIBW Final Report
- LGL Alaska CIBW Final Report
- Old Dominion CIBW Final Report
Visitor Information
The Donald E. Gilman River Center is a multi-agency facility primarily charged with the enforcement of regulations for watersheds in the Kenai Peninsula. Therefore, we are not able to provide specific recommendations when choosing vendors, accomodations, guides, etc.
Please feel free to visit the links below for additional visitor information.