Cooper Landing Gem Newsletter- June 2021 by Cooper Landing Chamber

Monthly Newsletter

June 2021

Cooper Landing Chamber of Commerce & Visitors Center

Hello to our Members, Hang on to your hats, the river will be opening in a blink of your eyes. If the information that is being heard, if it is true, it will be a busy summer with tourists, Alaskans, construction workers and our locals. Let’s hope that the leaves on the trees take as long to turn yellow as it was to see them sprout their green leaves. Your Chamber had a change in our officers, Barbara Mosher from Wildman’s, has resigned from the Board of Directors and we would like to thank her for the year and half she was at the helm. Your board has appointed Cheryle James from Wildman’s to be President for the remainder of the year. It is never too soon to think about serving on the Chamber board so think about bringing your ideas to the table. We have appointed a committee to plan a Winter Lighting program for the community. As they build the by-pass, the business community needs to think of ways to make our town a place to visit. Wouldn’t it be special to take the “old” road, and drive through a forest of lighted designs and creatures? It isn’t too early to think of ideas to promote Cooper Landing not just in the summer but also in our winters.

Board Of Directors President Cheryle James Wildman’s 598-8088 Vice-President Carrie Williams Alaska Outdoor Woodstoves 598-1633 Treasurer Shirley Wilmoth The Hutch B&B 595-1270

We are always open to new ideas so please share them. We have a great Board of Directors who have been actively working on promoting all our businesses. Please give all of them a BIG Thank You when you see them. The Cooper Landing Chamber has applied for a grant that is to promote tourism in our state. We will let you know if any funds are approved for our community’s use. The board has decided that since we have several thousand Upper Kenai River Guides from last years printing, we did not contract to print more. We would like to begin to update the guide this fall. Think about updating your advertisements or any other changes that need to be made to the web page and your listings.

Secretary Rose Hetrick Inn at Tern Lake 288-3667 Director Allison Reeves Grizzly Ridge 595-1260

The Chamber office is open but we need your brochures as the ones on hand are mighty slim. Please stop in and put more on the racks. Don’t be silent, contact any of the board members with ideas, comments, desires to be a board member etc. Let’s all make Cooper Landing that little spot of Heaven that you want to visit all the seasons of the year. Thank you, Cheryle James & Your Chamber Board

Cooper Landing Chamber of Commerce PO Box 809 Cooper Landing, Alaska 99572 info@cooperlandingchamber.com

Newsletter Layout & Design by Best Route Productions

Fishing on the Upper Kenai

Click for Alaska Fishing Regulations Click for Alaska Fishing License

Sources: ADF&G Wildlife Notebook Series ADF&G Recreational Fishing in the Kenai River

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The Kenai River is one of the largest and most diverse freshwater sport fishing areas in the State of Alaska. The river flows 82 miles from Kenai Lake to Cook Inlet and is classified in three sections—the Upper Kenai, the Middle Kenai, and the Lower Kenai. The Upper Kenai covers 17 river miles from the Kenai Lake to Skilak Lake. This section is non-motorized and offers pristine views and quiet waters. Here anglers can find excellent fishing opportunities for a variety of species including Rainbow Trout, Dolly Varden, Sockeye Salmon, and Silver Salmon. Kindly follow the fishing regulation for each species. Fishing licenses can be purchased in several stores in Cooper Landing or online and are required for all Alaska residents 18 years and older and non-residents 16 years and older. Click on the boxes below for more information.

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June 11th is a big day for the town of Cooper Landing. Excitement abounds, as this day marks the opening of the Upper Kenai River to sportfishing for the summer season. Some say this day marks the official beginning of summer. The river is closed to all fishing May 1st until June 10th to allow time for Rainbow Trout to spawn.

Opening Day June 11th

Catch-and-Release To maintain healthy fishery, anglers should become familiar with proper catch and release methods. 1. Land fish as quickly as possible. Use a rubber net to secure the fish in place. 2. Keeping the fish in the water, gently grasp the fish around its body to remove the hook. (Long-nosed pliers work well for this task). 3. Always keep your hands and fingers away from the fish’s gills. 4. Immediately return the fish to the water and point it upstream. Cradle the fish until it swims away on its own.

Finding A Sportfishing Guide Make your visit to Alaska memorable by arranging a guided fishing trip with one of our nineteen Chamber members that provide guided sportfishing opportunities. Leave the details up them, relax, and simply have fun fishing. You can find their contact information below.

5 Dogs Fishing PO Box 912 Cooper Landing, AK 99572 (907)598-3525 fivedogsfishing@gmail.com www.5dogsfishing.com

Alaska Rivers Adventures 35269 King Salmon Drive Cooper Landing, AK 99572 (907)595-2000 info@alaskariveradventures.com www.alaskariveradventures.com

Alaska Rivers Company Mile 50 Sterling Hwy. Cooper Landing, AK 99572 (907)595-1226 info@alaskariverscompany.com www.alaskariverscompany.com

Alaska Wildland Adventures 16520 Sterling Hwy., Mile 50.1 Cooper Landing, AK 99572 1-800-478-4100/(907)595-1279 info@alaska-wildland.com www.alaskarivertrips.com

Alaska Troutfitters 18230 Sterling Hwy. Cooper Landing, AK 99572 (907)595-1212 info@aktroutfitters.com www.aktroutfitters.com Photos: Best Route Productions

June 2021 — 3

Finding A Sportfishing Guide

Alaskan Angling Adventures PO Box 847 Cooper Landing, AK 99572 (907)741-0474 alaskananglingadventures@gmail.com www.alaskananglingadventures.com

Angle 45 Adventures Mile 8.1 Hope Hwy. Hope, AK 99605 (907) 782-3175 angle45@angle45.com www.angle45.com

Boatman’s LLC PO Box 864 Cooper Landing, AK 99572 (907) 202-1004 chad@boatmansalaska.com www.boatmansalaska.com Cooper Landing Fish Camp 16938 Sterling Hwy. Cooper Landing, AK 99572 (907)595-3474 info@cooperlandingfishcamp.com www.cooperlandingfishcamp.com Cooper Landing Fishing Guide PO Box 541 Cooper Landing, AK 99572 (907)599-0126 cooperlandingguide@gmail.com www.cooperlandingfishingguide.com

Fish and Sons Kenai Charters 35372 Raven St. Cooper Landing, AK 99572 (907)598-1065 fishnsons@gmail.com www.fishandsons.net Jason’s Guide Service PO Box 822 Cooper Landing, AK 99572 (907)351-3036 lesmeisterjason@gmail.com www.jasonsguideservice.com

Kenai Cache Outfitters 14899 Sterling Hwy. Cooper Landing, AK 99572 (907)268-4849 info@kenaicache.com www.kenaicache.com Kenai River Drifters Lodge 18404 Sterling Hwy. Cooper Landing, AK 99572 (907)595-5555 info@drifterslodge.com www.drifterslodge.com

Kenai River Float-n-Fish, LLC 18251 Sterling Hwy. Cooper Landing, AK 99572 (907)519-0048 hooked@mightykenai.com www.mightykenai.com Kenai River Fly Fishing 35554 Russian Gap Rd. Cooper Landing, AK 99572 (907)598-1400 info@krff.com www.krff.com

Background Photo: Best Route Productions

Kenai River Trout Anglers 18234 Langille Rd. Cooper Landing, AK 99572 (907)599-0085 kenairivertroutanglers@gmail.com www.kenairivertroutanglers.com Mystic Waters Fly Fishing 19282 Holben Ln. Cooper Landing, AK 99572 (509)715-9697 sec907@gmail.com www.mysticfishing.com

Salmon Run Lodge 18523 Sterling Hwy., Mile 48.1 Cooper Landing, AK 99572 (907)595-2197 salmonrunlodge@yahoo.com www.salmonrunlodgeak.com

Cooper Landing Emergency Services

Successful Open House CLES hosted an open house Wednesday, May 19th to celebrate National EMS Week with the theme, “Caring for our community.” We were excited to see many of our community members stop by and visit with our volunteers to learn more about CLES, hear about some of our new initiatives and view our fire/EMS apparatus. We are entering a new era at CLES as we upgrade our services and equipment. Over the past 2 years, we received several substantial COVID-19 related grants that allowed us to upgrade much of our personal protective equipment (PPE) that were approaching 20+ years in service. However, we were required to use these grant monies for items specifically related to COVID-19. Now we are in the process of upgrading several pieces of fire and EMS apparatus that have been in-service for 40+ years in some cases. Our second out engine, Engine 2, is the next piece of apparatus to be replaced. This requires a significant investment of close to $200,000. As we constantly seek sources of alternative funding, we must rely on our community to support us in these critical endeavors. The open house served as the kick-off for our 2021 Donation Drive. Be on the lookout for additional information on our donation drive in the coming days and weeks. - Clay Adam

June 2021 — 6

Cooper Landing Gem News Do you have business or organization updates you would like to share with the community? All Chamber Members are invited to submit updates and information to the monthly newsletter. Contact us for more information.

Graphic & Photo by: Best Route Productions

Father’s Day June 21st June 2021 — 7

Cooper Landing Community Club We would like to extend a very big thank you to volunteers Dan Michels, Dave Westerman, and Jim Carlson for installing the fixing up the fence around the Community Club Softball Field. They installed new fencing material around the outfield and repaired the fence near the dugouts. We would also like to thank Glen Parker for the improvements he made to the scorekeepers booth. He rerouted the stairs, fixed the seating area, and installed a new door. All of the improvements look wonderful! We are grateful for their hardwork and dedication. Our next step as soon as it is economically feasible is to make improvements to our bleachers and we hope to have that completed by next season. Thank you also to the CLSCCI Endowment Grant for helping us purchase the materials and make these improvements a reality.

Photos by: Kristine Route

June 2021 — 8

Cooper Landing Trails

Virtual Trail Run June 5th Photo by Martha Story

our Facebook page and tell us how active transportation and recreation corridors benefit you.

Join us on Saturday, June 5th to participate in the Cooper Landing Trails Virtual Trail Run! You can pick to run along the Safety Path through Cooper Landing or along a pathway of your choosing – just get outside, go for a run (or walk) on a path that connects you to your community. To participate share an image with Cooper Landing’s Walkable Community of you traveling our pathway or another public pathway that you love. Post your photo with hashtag #CLWCP or send it to us via email so we can share it in an event album on

We may not run together on June 5th but we still want to share the trails that connect us all. If you are able, please consider donating to a trail organization of your choosing or to the Cooper Landing Trails Committee by clicking here.

May 2021 — 9

Kenai Kayaking Company Kenai Kayak Company is up and running for the 2021 season starting June 1st! We are offering kayak tours and continuing to offer kayak rentals out of Quartz Creek Campground as available. Please call Meaghan at (907) 521-0244 for inquiries!

See everyone on the water! -Meaghan Lessard & Kristen Peters Kenai Kayak Co.

Happy Birthday 6/3 6/6 6/7 6/9 6/10 6/10 6/11 6/12 6/15 6/22 6/22 6/24 6/26 6/27

Yvette Galbraith Riley Hemingway Jim Carlson Mona Painter Barb DeMattia Melissa Shirley Karl Romig John Corbey Corey Robinson Connie Bensler Brandon Harrison Brad LaRock Lisa Dickinson Ann Hanson

Happy Anniversary

This photo was taken last year on Summer Solstice at 11 pm.

6/10 Richard and Mary Dreifuerst 6/23 Kathy Recken and Nick Vanderhoff

Photo by: Best Route Productions

June 2021 — 10

Become a Stream Watch Ambassador this summer. Volunteer opportunities for everyone, June - September.

CONNECT & PROTECT Connect with Nature Connect with Community Protect Salmon Rivers

To get started: Visit KenaiWatershed.org/Stream-Watch Or call (907) 398-4304

DITTO! !

I LOVE STREAM WATCH!!

June 2021 — 11

Cooper Landing Lynx News

Page 12

June 2021

End-of-Year Activities The last day of school was a funfilled day of laughter amidst a flurry of activities. The kids had great fun at the end of the day with a water fight! Although it was a bit chilly, they used warm water and had water balloons and water guns. Some parents even participated!

Photos by: Todd Loomis

Congratulations We would like to extend a big congratulations to Sydney who received the Outstanding Student of the Year award, Molly and Josie who won second place in the Battle of the Books competition, Riley and Titus who graduated from Kindergarten, and Linnaea who became the first senior to graduate from Cooper Landing School!

Kindergarten Orientation We will be holding kindergarten orientation by appointment. Beginning August 3, please contact the school by calling 907-595-1244 or by emailing Donna Tucker at: dtucker@kpbsd.org.

Principal Douglas Hayman DHayman@KPBSD.org Teacher Thomas Gossard TGossard@KPBSD.org

Photos by: Best Route Productions

Inst. Aide Kristine Route KRoute@KPBSD.org Secretary Donna Tucker DTucker@KPBSD.org

Cooper Landing School 19030 Bean Creek Rd. Cooper Landing, AK 99572 907-595-1244 fax 907-595-1461

2021 Cooper Landing Chamber of Commerce & CVB Please support our local businesses! 5 Dogs Fishing

(907) 598-3525

Grizzly Ridge

(907) 595-1260

Alaskan Angling Adventures LLC

(907) 595-3336

Gwin’s Lodge

(907) 595-1266

Alaska Heavenly Lodge

(907) 599-0022

Inn at Tern Lake (Moose Pass)

(907) 288-3667

Alaska Horsemen Lodge

(907) 595-1806

Jason’s Guide Service

(907) 351-3036

Alaska Home Grown

(907) 953-4205

Kahtnu Spirit Lodging

(907) 299-2855

Alaska Outdoor Woodstoves

(907) 598-1633

Kenai Cache Outfitters

(907) 595-1401

Alaska River Adventures

(907) 595-2000

Kenai Kayak Company

(907) 441-6753

Alaska Rivers Company

(907) 595-1226

Kenai Mountains-Turnagain Arm National Heritage Area

(206) 920-9051

Alaska Troutfitters

(907) 595-1212

KPB Mayor –Charlie Pierce (Soldotna)

(800) 478-4441

Alaska Wildland Adventures

(800) 334-8730

KPBSD Superintendent

(907) 714-8836

Angle 45 Adventures (Hope)

(907) 782-3175

Kenai Peninsula Econ. Dev. Dist.

(907) 283-3335

Bean Creek Gallery

(907) 595-3488

Kenai Princess Wilderness Lodge

(907) 595-1425

Bearfoot Publications

(907)320-1145

Kenai River Drifters Lodge

(907) 595-5555

Best Route Productions

(303) 570-2081

Kenai River Float-n-Fish

(907) 519-0048

Bike Cooper Landing, LLC

(907) 231-6793

Kenai River Fly Fishing

(907) 598-1400

Boatman’s

(907) 202-1004

Kenai River Trout Anglers

(907) 599-0085

Camp K on Kenai Lake

(907) 279-3551

Kenai Watershed Forum

(907) 265-5412

Conoco Phillips Alaska, Inc. (Anchorage)

(907) 276-1215

Mystic Waters Fly Fishing

(509) 715-9697

Cooper Landing Brewery

(907) 276-5044

Professional Testing

(907)598-1633

Cooper Landing Community Club

(907) 595-2169

Prospector John’s Pan for Gold

(907) 598-1808

Cooper Landing Community Library

(907) 595-1241

Round Mountain Retreat

(907) 598-1333

Cooper Landing Community School

(907) 595-1244

Salmon Run Lodge

(907) 595-2197

Cooper Landing Emergency Services

(907) 595-1800

Seramur Home Services

(907) 599-0019

Cooper Landing Fish Camp

(907) 595-3474

Sharon Saunders, GRI, Realtor

(928) 706-8901

Cooper Landing Fishing Guide

(907) 599-0126

Sunrise Inn & Café

(907) 595-1222

Cooper Landing Rifle & Sportsman’s Club

(907) 599-0004

Tanisha Walters, L.Ac. Acupuncturist

(303) 482-7176

Cooper Landing Historical Society

(907) 598-1042

Talon Air Service, Inc. (Soldotna)

(907) 262-8899

Cooper Landing Senior Citizens Corp.

(907) 595-3000

The Hutch Bed & Breakfast

(907) 595-1270

Eagle Landing Resort

(907) 595-1213

Upper Kenai Cabins

(907) 595-3055

First National Bank Alaska (Soldotna)

(907) 260-6000

Wildman TR Inc.

(907) 595-1456

Fish & Sons Kenai Charters

(907) 598-1065

June 2021 — 13

June 2021 Sunday

Monday

Tuesday 1

Wednesday 2

Thursday 3

Friday 4

Saturday 5

CL Chamber Board Mtg. Wildmans 12 pm 6

8 CLSCCI Board Mtg. (via conf.call) 1:30 pm

Virtual Trail Run 10

CLAPC Mtg. (via Zoom) 6:00 pm

Fishing Opens

Flag Day 20 Father’s Day Summer Solstice 27

Cooper Landing Library Hours • Monday: 1-3 pm •Tuesday 1-3pm •Wednesday 9-11am (curbside pickup only)

•Thursday 3-5pm •Friday 1-3pm

Cooper Landing Chamber of Commerce Newsletter Graphics & Design by Best Route Productions