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Commission approves fence in Sildomna Creek area to protect restoration project
Summary
The commission granted a conditional-use permit to install an ~80-foot wooden-slat fence between Sildomna Creek and the Kenai River to protect prior riparian restoration work; the fence is funded by Kachemak Heritage Land Trust and will be installed by the Kenai Watershed Forum.
The Kenai Peninsula Borough Planning Commission adopted Planning Commission Resolution 2026-28, granting a conditional-use permit to install an approximately 80-foot wooden-slat fence in the public-use area between Sildomna Creek and the Kenai River to protect a prior restoration project from foot traffic.
Planner Margaret Aldridge told commissioners the fence will deter trampling, allow vegetation to recover, and was proposed after years of observed erosion along the bank. Staff said the parcel is owned by the Department of Natural Resources and managed by Alaska Department of Fish and Game; the project is funded by the Kachemak Heritage Land Trust and will be installed by the Kenai Watershed Forum. Fish and Game and the City of Soldotna were consulted and intend to issue permits as appropriate. Public notice was sent to 15 nearby property owners and staff received no comments in the packet.
Some commissioners raised questions about differences between the permit form visible on certain devices and the completed application; staff explained packet-assembly issues and confirmed the public packet contains completed application materials. A commissioner moved to adopt Resolution 2026-28 and commissioners described the project as a relatively low-impact habitat protection measure; the motion passed on roll call.
