Coastal Erosion Conference - Homer, Alaska

Date

3 March 2004

Coastal Erosion Conference
"Coastal Dynamics on the Western Kenai Peninsula"
17 March 2004
Homer, Alaska

Sponsored By:
Kachemak Bay Research Reserve
Kenai River Center

For further information, please contact:
Dr. Rick Foster, Education Specialist
Kachemak Bay Research Reserve
95 Sterling Highway
Homer, Alaska 99603
Phone: 907-226-4653
Fax: 907-235-4794
E-mail: (rick_foster [at] fishgame.state.ak.us)

The western Kenai Peninsula is moving into Cook Inlet. It is time to
begin incorporating good science into decision making about land use
planning and management. "Coastal Dynamics on the Western Kenai
Peninsula," a free all-day workshop bringing together local citizens and
experts in coastal processes, will be held at the Alaska Islands and
Ocean Visitor Center in Homer on Wednesday, 17 March 2004, from 8 a.m.
to 5 p.m. Kachemak Bay Research Reserve and the Kenai River Center are
sponsoring the workshop.

The workshop is the first offering of Kachemak Bay Research Reserve's
Coastal Training Program. The Coastal Training Program is designed to
provide cutting-edge science and technology to facilitate better
decision-making regarding coastal concerns. It will bring coastal
experts from Alaska and the lower 48 together with local citizens,
policy makers, and land managers. The discussion topics will include:
- The land and oceanic processes at work on the western Kenai coast
- How humans affect and are affected by the resulting erosive actions
- Techniques that other communities have used to deal with similar
situations

Ten scientists will take part in the workshop, all of whom have done
research on the western Kenai. Among these is Dr. Owen Mason from the
University of Alaska, who literally "wrote the book" on the processes
and hazards of coastal Alaska. Mason is the lead author of "Living with
the Coast of Alaska."

Prior to the public workshop, all the presenters will travel along the
coast between Homer and Nikiski, visiting various sites to view current
conditions. Dick Reger, who has studied the geology of the Kenai for
over 30 years, will lead the field trip. Reger will also be a presenter
for the public workshop on the 17th.

On Thursday, 18 March the invited experts will gather together with
officials and staff from the Kenai Peninsula Borough and the cities of
Homer and Kenai for a workshop. The day will focus on the challenges
facing the western Kenai Peninsula and ways to address them at a city
and borough level. The public is welcome to observe on this day,
although the schedule does not allow for public comment.