Each summer, the Kenai Watershed Forum hosts volunteer-staffed dipnet information booths at the Kenai and Kasilof beaches for the duration of the dipnet season. The booths are facilitated by Kenai Watershed Forum’s Stream Watch program, with support from the Alaska Department of Fish & Game, Alaska Department of Environmental Conservation, Alaska Department of Natural Resources, and the City of Kenai. Originally started to provide information on the health threats posed by bacteria from fish and seagull waste on the beach, the booths now provide information to dipnetters on regulations, emergency orders, fish ID, how to keep the beach clean and healthy, and invasive species.
And, new to the booth this year: belugas! Alaska Wildlife Alliance, as a member organization of the Alaska Beluga Monitoring Program, is excited to be joining the Kenai Watershed Forum to spread awareness and information about these unique marine animals. We’ll have beluga trivia to test passersby’s knowledge, as well as information on how they can get involved in beluga monitoring.
We’re looking for volunteers to help at the Dipnet Booth this year! Volunteers are welcome to stay near the booth and spread information about belugas, keeping the beaches clean, dipnetting regulations, and how to properly ID fish. You’ll have access to dipnet brochures containing all of the information you need to know. Volunteers don’t need to stay at the booth during their entire shift, and are also welcome to patrol the beach, pick up litter, and engage with people as they walk around.
Interested in volunteering but don't know anything about the Dipnet Booth? No need to fret! Kenai Watershed Forum staff or an experienced volunteer will gladly join you for your first shift.
If you’re interested, click the following links to sign up for a volunteer shift for the Kenai Dipnet Booth or the Kasilof Dipnet Booth.
If you have any questions, or choose to sign-up to volunteer, please contact Alexis McDonald at jrswtech.kenaiwatershed.org or 907-252-8272.
