Anchor River Small Parcels

The parcels acquired along the Anchor River provide protection of important riparian habitat for salmon, steelhead trout and Dolly Varden as well as ensuring public access to a prime sportfishing area. The Anchor River supports popular salt and freshwater fisheries and boasts the largest freshwater fishery on the Kenai Peninsula south of the Kasilof. The Anchor River also provides important habitat for many species of wildlife including harlequin ducks and river otters.

The Thorn Crowther and Elliot parcels are located along the lower Anchor River less than a mile upstream from the Sterling Highway. These parcels contain riparian and upland habitats that provide structure to the riverbank and cover contributing to high quality fish habitat essential to the production of salmon, trout and Dolly Varden. This area is an important rearing and overwintering area as well as a major migratory corridor for adults of all species attempting to reach upstream spawning grounds. Anchor River Dolly Varden are highly migratory and tagging studies have demonstrated that they contribute to populations that inhabit Deep Creek, Ninilchik and other Kachemak Bay tributaries. These parcels include one of the most popular reaches of the river for sportfishing access.

The Knoll, Nakada and Thompson parcels are located approximately eight miles upstream from the mouth of the Anchor River. They are in the floodplain of the river and when viewed in combination with adjacent State lands and other protected properties over 500 acres of intact floodplain and over two miles of river frontage are protected. This portion of the Anchor River provides important spawning and rearing habitat for four species of salmon, Dolly Varden, and the largest steelhead run in Cook Inlet. Bald eagles nest and feed extensively in the cottonwoods along this portion of the river. These parcels are also important for recreation and sportfishing access.

Parcel ID Description Acres Value
KEN 294 Eliot 19.8 $78,000
KEN 295 Crowther 46.0 $200,000
KEN 1101 Knol 37.0 $100,000
KEN 1102 Nakada 5.0 $27,500
KEN 1103 Thompson 64.0 $90,000
Anchor River Total: 171.8 $495,500