Anchor River/Fritz Creek — Critical Habitat Area
Area Overview

In the heart of the southern Kenai Peninsula, spanning the Anchor River and Fritz Creek drainages, lies the Anchor River/Fritz Creek Critical Habitat Area. Created in 1985 to protect natural habitat critical to perpetuation of fish and wildlife, especially moose, the area is one of the only major moose overwintering areas on the southern Kenai Peninsula.

Trail construction and rerouting will take place on portions of the Watermelon Trail within the Anchor River – Fritz Creek Critical Habitat Area (CHA) from fall 2026 through fall 2027. Work will progress from south to north in the CHA and will include heavy equipment, power tools, and ATVs. Visitors may encounter active construction areas and may hear equipment such as chainsaws and excavators during their visit.

While this work may temporarily disrupt recreational use of the trail, it is a much-needed investment into a durable and sustainable trail to support ATV and snowmachine users while protecting sensitive fish and wildlife habitats in the CHA. Reconstruction will improve long-term access and user safety while reducing soil erosion, sedimentation into anadromous streams, and other negative impacts to wetlands, vegetation, and forest resources.

Visitors are asked to be cautious around active work areas, to follow instructions posted on signs, and to provide adequate space for crews and equipment to operate. Work schedules may change due to weather, contractor availability, and site conditions.

Please see the following Advisory Announcement for more information on current conditions.

For more information on the Anchor River/Fritz Creek Critical Habitat Area please refer to the Anchor River/Fritz Creek Management Plan. For current land status information, see the Anchor River/Fritz Creek Land Status Map (PDF 1,975 kB). You may also download the KML file which depicts the refuge area boundary.