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Commission approves conditional-use permit for Tihonic Creek bridge to improve fish passage
Summary
The commission granted a conditional-use permit to replace undersized culverts with a 50-by-14-foot bridge across Tihonic Creek, including erosion-control measures and the planting of about 125 seedlings; staff said ADF&G will issue necessary permits.
The Kenai Peninsula Borough Planning Commission adopted Planning Commission Resolution 2026-27, granting a conditional-use permit to replace two undersized culverts with a 50-by-14-foot bridge across Tihonic Creek within the 50-foot habitat protection district.
Planner Margaret Aldridge presented the staff report, describing project elements: removal of two culverts, installation of a bridge approximately 50 feet by 14 feet, excavation and placement of coir logs and vegetative mat, willow staking, and planting roughly 125 seedlings to restore riparian habitat. Aldridge said the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service provided site photos from a 2022 visit, that public notice was sent to 300 nearby property owners, and that no public or agency comments were in the packet at the time. Aldridge also noted the Alaska Department of Fish and Game (ADF&G) had not yet issued its permit but had told staff it will permit the project as proposed.
Irene Trilidis of HDR, the permit preparer, told the commission HDR has been working closely with ADF&G and is prepared to meet any additional permit conditions. Commissioners who spoke in favor said the project appears to improve fish passage and stream function and praised the detail in the application. The commission moved to adopt the resolution and approved the conditional-use permit.
