Building Partnerships
Protecting Indiana's Aquatic Resources

Kelly Hepler
NFHAP Chairman

Kelly Hepler currently serves as the chairman of the National Fish Habitat board, after serving as vice-chair, since 2006 when the board was formed.

Prior to joining the Board, Hepler had been appointed to a number of national committees by the Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies (AFWA) and the Director of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS). Through his participation on these committees, Hepler has assisted in the development of a strategic plan for the USFWS's fishery program; participated in a review of the federal aid program; and examined national fisheries and water resource policy issues.

Within Alaska, Hepler's leadership has resulted in the first-ever strategic plan for ADF&G's Division of Sport Fish, and a statewide trout management plan and policy to assure that Alaska's trout stocks will continue to provide benefits for future generations. Hepler also played an integral role in absorbing habitat functions into Division of Sport Fish after Executive Order 107, which transferred statutory responsibilities for habitat management and permitting under the Anadromous Fish Act from ADF&G to the Alaska Department of Natural Resources' Office of Habitat Management and Permitting. Hepler continues his work today with the state of Alaska, assigned to Special Projects for Fisheries.

Hepler’s careers spans 29 years with the Alaska Department of Fish & Game, along with a life long commitment to natural resource conservation.