The designation of Alaska’s Kenai Mountains-Turnagain Arm as a National Heritage Area recognizes the compelling history and culture of an area that cradles some of the most influential crossroads of Alaska’s history. Explore these historic, cultural, scenic, and outdoor recreational resources to discover the story of Alaska’s National Heritage Area.
The Kenai Mountains-Turnagain Arm National Heritage Area (KMTA NHA) encompasses a distinctive landscape of mountains, lakes, rivers, glaciers, and fjords. The area is comprised of north-south road, rail, and trail corridors from Bird to Seward and includes the communities of Girdwood, Portage, and Moose Pass. To the west, the area includes Cooper Landing, Sunrise, and Hope. To the east lie Portage, Whittier, and the wild waters of Prince William Sound. (map)
National Heritage Areas are designated by an Act of Congress and administered by a local coordinating entity identified in the Act. Designation has no effect on property rights. Funding for locally initiated projects that enhance and preserve the area's historic, cultural, scenic, and outdoor recreational resources is provided by the National Heritage Area program through the National Park Service. The Kenai Mountains-Turnagain Arm Corridor Communities Association is the coordinating non-profit that administers the KMTA National Heritage Area program. KMTA CCA has awarded grants for a variety of grassroots projects, including an award winning high school curriculum, new museum exhibits, trail restoration, and interpretative signage.