Maud Road extension, Kenny and Patti Barber Shooting Range closed through July

BUTTE— The Maud Road extension is closed to the public and will remain closed through July 31, while upgrades are being made. This means all recreational activities on the extension, including the Kenny and Patti Barber Shooting Range will be shut down until the extension reopens.

“We know that it’s affecting users but we’re opening it before hunting season or a majority of hunting season… once the road opens then duck hunters and whatnot still have time in the season to get in there,” Knik River Public Use Area Land Manager Travis Jensen said.

The construction spans 3.3 miles. During that time, KRPUA will be brushing the entire length, and making upgrades like widening the road into a “true two-lane” all the way down to Jim Lake and installing about 20 culverts in the roadway, according to Jensen.

This plan, called “ripping the Band-Aid” was one of two the options KRPUA discussed, entailing a three-month closure to “get it over with,” Jensen said. He said the other option would have spanned over two years and would have cost more in the long run.

The shooting range will reopen the same day as the extension. The Maud Road Shooting Committee made a post on Facebook on Feb. 26, stating:

“We got a message that the range road will be under construction starting April 15 — July 31, that means the range will be closed and all recreational use in that area will also be closed during that time. It will be a sacrifice (again) but it’s something that has been in need for a long time. Just remember what we got with the last closure!!! Fish & Game was awarded monies from Pittman Robertson to build the road since it goes to a shooting range. Just be patient and enjoy the end results!!”

Contact Mat-Su Valley Frontiersman reporter Jacob Mann at jacob.mann@frontiersman.com