Riverbank rehabilitation work underway at the confluence of the Kenai and Russian Rivers, Kenai National Wildlife Refuge.

Anglers congregate at the confluence of the Kenai and Russian Rivers on the Kenai National Wildlife Refuge each summer to catch sockeye salmon.

The confluence of the Kenai and Russian Rivers hosts Alaska's most popular salmon fishery and is often called a "combat" fishing zone where tens of thousands of anglers congregate on the Kenai Refuge each summer in hopes of catching sockeye salmon.  Because of the intense use of the site, valuable riverbank habitat has been seriously damaged over time.  Bank rehabilitation and protection work was completed in 2006 just in time for the June 11 fishing opener.  The project is a cooperative effort between the Alaska Department of Fish and Game, Kenai River Sportfishing Association, and the Refuge.  Funding for the project was obtained through the Pacific Coastal Salmon Recovery Fund.  This year, the Refuge installed fences and stairs to provide angler access to the river and planted approximately half the area between the access structures with willow and alders to stabilize the eroding banks.  Areas between the stairs have been closed to foot access.  The Refuge will revegetate the rest of the areas next spring to complete the project, along with adjustments to the structures deemed necessary after a year of evaluation.  Volunteers are watering newly planted shrubs throughout the fishing season and helping inform the public about the project.