Since the mid-1990s, the demand for boat access to the Kenai River at Bing's Landing has been high.

...Department of Natural Resources Division of Parks and Outdoor Recreation has closed the Pillars boat launch in the Kenai River Special Management area. According to a press release, repairs will be made to the launch as soon as high water levels subside...

The Kenai Peninsula Borough Office of Emergency Management is watching several areas of concern and potential road closures as storm water runoff continues to swamp roadways and cause river flooding. According to a media release residents should avoid flooded areas and roads and watch for traffic diversions. Several areas have either already been closed or are being watched including -Areas of the Kenai River where the bank is eroding faster than normal -Leopold Road in Ninilchik which has yet to be closed but should be avoided

The Kenai River Special Management Area is temporarily closed to all boating traffic, effective today, Sept. 24 at 1:00 pm. Recent heavy rainfall has created flooding conditions within the Kenai River watershed.

Editor's note: This is the second of a two-part series examining a Kenai Watershed Forum study showing violations of state water quality standards on the Kenai River. Friday's story looked at the still-preliminary study results.

The state Division of Parks and Outdoor Recreation announced Wednesday evening that it will reopen the section of the Kenai River Special Management Area from Skilak Lake downstream to the confluence of the Upper Killey River to boating today.

Editor's note: This is the first of a two-part series examining a Kenai Watershed Forum study showing violations of state water quality standards on the Kenai River.

For the past two weeks, volunteer mariners have conducted free boat examinations on the Central Peninsula, marking the approach of Memorial Day weekend and boating season. Members of the Kenai Flotilla of the United States Coast Guard Auxiliary have examined various personal-use boats to determine if the boats meet federal and state requirements. "We look for valid registration, personal flotation devices, fire extinguisher," said George Leighton, vice flotilla commander. "And depending on the vessel, we check for other requirements."

The Kenai River Special Management Area Advisory Board is looking for three members. The 17-member advisory board is accepting applications for public representatives until Sept. 1. Terms are for three years.

Homer Electric Association will begin field work this summer to fully determine if a hydroelectric project on the east side of the Kenai Peninsula will be feasible. A recent renewable energy grant from the Alaska Energy Authority will spur HEA to award work to crews charged with conducting a battery of tests at Grant Lake near Moose Pass. Crews will look to determine if the body of water would be suitable for producing electricity.