Russian River Fencing Project 2025 Recap
Russian River Fencing Project 2025 Recap
“Ahhh yes, the great Friday evening Kenai migration,” my wife joked as we headed south along the Seward Highway. In front of us stretched a seemingly endless line of cars and campers clogging the road. Like salmon responding to ancient instinct, the rising temperatures and longer days must have triggered something deep inside Southcentral Alaskans - suddenly, everyone had the same idea.
It was late May, and in the coming weeks, the first red, or sockeye salmon, run would begin on the Kenai and Russian Rivers.
On this particular weekend, we were headed to the Russian River to help the U.S. Forest Service and a volunteer organization called Kenai River Stream Watch install fencing along the riverbanks. This was the third year the Armed Forces Initiative as well as servicemembers and veterans from the surrounding community took part in this endeavor. Now, I know what you’re thinking: “But Cody, BHA takes down fencing to promote access to public land. Why would you limit angler access to a public river?!”
Good question.
In short, we help install temporary fencing to guide angler access to trails and access points which helps prevent the destruction of vegetation and bank erosion. By keeping anglers on marked trails and access points, we ensure the Russian River remains a pristine salmon fishery. Don’t believe me? Just look at photos of the Russian River in the 1990s - wider, muddier, and producing fewer fish - then compare them to today’s crystal-clear water and the jungle-like forest that surrounds it.
So when the reds run, and the banks of the Russian and Kenai Rivers are packed elbow-to-elbow with anglers, I ask you to take a moment and reflect on the impact you have. Be a good steward of the public places we all enjoy: Take out your trash, be polite to fellow anglers, and remember, just because a limit exists doesn’t mean you have to reach it.
If we can all do these small things, we will help ensure the conservaton of a truly beautiful place.
Cody lives in Anchorage, Alaska with his wife and dog, a two year old Drahthaar. He spends most of his time in the mountains and drinking absurd amounts of coffee.
Special thanks TRCP's Chelsea Pardo, who came out to help with this event. Alaska BHA works with other conservation partners when possible, and boots on the ground opportunities are always a great way to connect.