Natural resource groups to host road rally

July 20, 2007

By Will Elliott/Frontiersman

MATANUSKA VALLEY - A coalition of natural resource and conservation groups is holding a road rally today to educate about environmental issues in the Matanuska River watershed.

Participants will make stops in the Palmer area to learn about how local environmental issues affect them as residents and homeowners. Topics include invasive weeds, erosion, sustainable agriculture and fisheries, along with geomorphology, soils and trails. The event wraps up with presentations concerning the Palmer Hay Flats and local birding.

The event is organized by the Matanuska River Watershed Coalition, which is made up of community groups that found themselves often working on similar projects, said Kathy Wiess, education consultant for the Palmer Soil and Water Conservation District, a nonprofit that advises the community on soil and water issues. The road rally was a way for the coalition's many member organizations to join together and inform the public.

The event kicks off with a presentation on soils at the Palmer Plant Materials Center by the Palmer SWCD at 10 a.m. At 10:30, the Alaska Association of Conservation Districts will present there about invasive weeds. Next is a joint 11 a.m. presentation on erosion by the Natural Resource Conservation Service and the Mat-Su Borough in the Butte's Circle View neighborhood along the river off Bodenburg Loop. A discussion on geomorphology will follow at 11:30 at Mile 17 of the Old Glenn Highway by the U.S. Geological Survey.

In the Circle View area off Bodenburg Loop along the Matanuska River, the road runs right into the river. Much of that subdivision has already been carried away.

Presenters there will explain erosion control and give participants a tour of the Circle View spur dike, a barrier thrust into the river to reduce further erosion.

A number of residents lost property along the Little Susitna River last year to fall flooding.

At 12:15 p.m. on Mile 52 of the Glenn Highway, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service will discuss Valley fisheries, followed by a presentation on local trails by Valley Mountain Bikers and Hikers.

From there participants can head to Mile 61 for a 1 p.m. tour of Chickaloon Village's sustainable agriculture projects. That village operates a special greenhouse year-round, using alternative growing techniques and energy sources.

The rally ends at Reflections Lake near the Glenn Highway's Knik River Bridge, where community groups Alaskans for Palmer Hay Flats and Mat-Su Birders will offer presentations from 1:45-3 p.m.

Carpooling is encouraged, and participants can park at the Plant Materials Center on Bodenburg Loop in the Butte. From Palmer take the Old Glenn Highway to the second Bodenburg Loop sign, at a flashing yellow light. Turn right, then go a few miles to a sign for the Plant Materials Center and turn left. For more information, contact Kathy Wiess of the Palmer SWCD at 745-1647.

Contact Frontiersman reporter Will Elliott at 352-2252 or will.elliott@frontiersman.com.