Controversy over Knik River access needs fix

Alaska's natural beauty is for all to enjoy. But what form that enjoyment takes is not always a matter of agreement.

Valley residents are fortunate to have a natural playground virtually right outside their doors. Sadly, that playground is sometimes abused by those whose version of fun holds no regard for others.

Consider the Knik River basin. For years, the area has been used by diverse groups. Hikers, hunters, fishermen, boaters and ATV riders have shared the area's recreational bounty, which includes glaciers, wetlands, woodlands, upland forests, mountains, alpine tundra, and springs and streams that flow into Knik River.

In addition to a vast and diverse array of wildlife, the area is also home to residents of the Butte, South Knik River and Goat Creek communities.

In recent years, increased use has led to increased misuse. Littering has visibly fouled parts of the area, and the larger traffic flow has contributed to erosion and damage to the banks of streams and salmon habitat.

In turn, a conservation effort has been mounted to preserve the area and study the effects of all the use on the overall health and ecology of the watershed. But with talk of planning comes fears among some user groups, particularly those that access the area with motorized vehicles, that they will be "planned" out of the area.

The controversy over watershed access is fraught with emotion. This, predictably, has resulted in a firestorm of finger-pointing and a mountain of misinformation. Charges and counter-charges are flying, and bad feelings are boiling over on both sides.

In this kind of atmosphere, it is easy to forget that much common ground exists. No one wants to see the resource ruined, but ignoring that problems exist is no solution.

This is a classic case of a few bad apples spoiling the fun for everyone. If everyone who used the area behaved responsibly and acted with respect for others and the resource, there would be no problem. Sadly, that is not the case.

The Knik River basin is a treasure right in our back yard. Proper planning and management is the only way to ensure that future generations of Alaskans will still be able to enjoy the recreational wonders of the area.

To that end, Sen. Charlie Huggins and Rep. Bill Stoltze have proposed legislation that would begin to address access issues. They are conducting a public hearing on it Thursday night from 7 to 9 at Butte Elementary School.

We urge all users of the area to participate in the hearing and let their concerns be known in a manner that respectfully acknowledges other users. Only this kind of collaboration will yield a positive and lasting outcome that puts the resource first.