Familiar face returns to Susitna Landing

My job during my last six years with Fish and Game involved working in the Sport Fish Division Boating Access Program. My official title was the Region 2 Small Access Project Manager. One of my duties involved working with the concession operator for the Susitna Landing facility. I was involved in the initial selection of Ron and Marilyn Wilson of Ron’s Riverboat Service as the facility concessionaire. I worked with them for six years as the facility project manager and another eight years as a private citizen enjoying the use of the site for fishing and camping.

Ron and Marilyn managed the site during the time period when the state had several projects to upgrade the facility from a dilapidated set of buildings and a gravel boat launch to its current condition. These upgrades occurred over several years and always seemed to impact the main fishing and tourist season. In spite of these operational hurdles, Ron and Marilyn always had a smile and a pleasant manner for visitors.

They took excellent care of the facility and spent much time in keeping the grounds in beautiful condition. Ron and Marilyn invested time and effort in promoting the facility and public use grew steadily during their time as operators. For instance, during their stay, the facility opened up during the winter months as a base supporting snowmachining activities and trail riding, something which had never occurred there before.

The only reason Ron and Marilyn left as operators was because Ron suffered a serious stroke and ultimately passed away as a result of complications. Both Ron and Marilyn were very well liked and appreciated by their clientele. The covered day use area was named in Ron’s memory in a ceremony a few years ago, which was sponsored by the Palmer Fish and Game office.

Marilyn has since remarried and she and her new husband, Joe Rouswell, applied for and only recently signed a contract to operate Susitna Landing. Jeff Boatright, the concession operator for the last few years, had decided to move on to other pursuits and ended his operations contract on Sept. 30. The new contract went into effect Dec. 1 and Joe and Marilyn have been busy moving out to the landing and settling in. Their new business name for the Susitna Landing facility is “J & M’s Boat Launch & RV Park,” but most people will still call the site Susitna Landing.

Marilyn has almost 14 years of experience in the daily operation and maintenance of Susitna Landing and, as I understand things, Joe has prior experience in operating a campground as well. Marilyn was directly involved in developing many of the operational procedures for the site and has close personal relationships with many of the long-time customers who have used the facility for years.

I know Marilyn is excited to be back at Susitna Landing and, while I have yet to meet Joe, I suspect he’s looking forward to the adventure of running the campground and boat launching facility as well. Things will probably be a little disorganized for a while until the Rouswell’s get completely moved and settled in. If you happen to be driving by this winter, stop in and say hey to the new operators. If you’re looking for a good camping facility and boat launch, along with ample bank fishing space, definitely pay the site a visit this coming summer fishing and camping season.

You’ll be glad you did!

Another item to pencil in on your “things to do” calendar for December involves the SCTP-YESS sponsored varsity gun show and Christmas extravaganza scheduled for Dec. 12 – 13, at Raven Hall on the Alaska State Fairgrounds in Palmer. For more information, you can call 373-0961 or email loktsafe@mtaonline.net.

Neil and Lindy Moss are the driving forces behind the Scholastic Clay Target Program and this function as a fundraiser. The monies raised are used to offset the cost of the kids’ shooting supplies, travel to shooting matches, and other expenses associated with operating the program.

Not everyone enjoys going to just a gun show. To make the event more appealing as a family function is where the “Christmas Extravaganza” part comes in. While I don’t have details, I would expect there will be several vendors present with items not normally associated with a gun show so Mom and the kids can have some shopping fun as well.

If you can, stop by and do a little Christmas shopping.