In 1999 Kachemak Bay became Alaska's first <> and the nation's largest <> addition to the National Estuarine Research Reserve System, a group of protected estuaries and associated land and water bodies offering long-term science and educational opportunities. The reserve's mission is to develop and implement research and education programs that enhance our understanding and stewardship of Kachemak Bay and its watershed.

To accomplish that, the reserve is working with educators and researchers on a number of projects, from creating a CD-ROM on the ecology of Kachemak Bay to helping form the Kachemak Bay Environmental Education Alliance.

The main reserve office is located on Kachemak Drive, but eventually it will join the Alaska Maritime National Wildlife Refuge in a major new facility on the Homer Bypass that will feature a visitor center as well as labs and work space for researchers learning more about Kachemak Bay. For more information, contact the reserve at (907) 235-6377, or visit the reserve's Web site at www.state.ak.us/adfg/kbnerr.