Protection of these rich habitat areas benefit all Alaskans by helping maintain strong fish and wildlife populations while at the same time supporting recreational uses and traditional subsistence activities. The Kenai River parcel protected through the governor's action is located near the Soldotna airport and includes about one-third of a mile of river frontage. This highlights our successful partnership with the Knowles Administration. In a survey of available land in the spill region, from eastern Prince William Sound to the Alaska Peninsula, the habitat on northern Afognak Island ranked as the most valuable for restoration of species injured in the 1989 oil spill. Lands included in the package are adjacent to Afognak Island State Park and the Kodiak National Wildlife Refuge and are across the strait from Shuyak Island State Park.
Numerous species injured by the oil spill use the area for nesting, feeding, molting and wintering.
Tidal, subtidal and upland areas are important for pink salmon, black oystercatchers, harbor seals, harlequin ducks, bald eagles, marbled murrelets, pigeon guillemots, sea otters, and river otters. The area was slated to be logged and, in fact, much of it still will be. State and federal biologists were closely involved in negotiations to protect vital habitat while still allowing logging in selected areas. The acquisition has received wide support from the Kodiak Island Borough, area legislators, the Alaska Outdoor Council and a variety of sport hunting and commercial fishing organizations. It is locally valued for its archaeological and rich cultural resources.