Mushing has many happy trails in Mat-Su

At a time when many locals lament how the unique Alaska-ness of the Mat-Su Valley is being lost in the wake of rapid growth, we’re pleased our Mat-Su Borough Assembly has taken action to preserve one of the must iconic of Alaska traditions — dog mushing.

In addition to hosting the official restart of the annual Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race and home to the event’s headquarters, the Valley is home for some of the best and most accessible mushing in Southcentral Alaska. But with the Mat-Su growing at a torrid 35 percent rate, as reported by the U.S. Census Bureau, the needs of a swelling residential population are beginning to clash with established recreation.

That’s why we give kudos to the assembly for creating a special district for mushers and their dogs. The Knik Sled Dog and Recreation Special Land Use District will protect those sled dog trails, along with other multi-use trails and kennels.

Knik especially has been the focal point of growth in the state’s fastest-growing borough. The district will protect this historic area and it’s tradition of dog mushing, and will maintain an estimated 20 trails, some linking up with the Iditarod National Historic Trail.

Assemblywoman Cindy Bettine represents much of the area affected by the trails district and has been a tireless worker for preservation of local history and traditions. A special use district is needed for residents “so this area can maintain the heritage that they’ve had before the explosive growth in their area,” she said.

Growth isn’t evil and we need not be forced to sacrifice the past for our future. The new Knik Sled Dog and Recreation Special Land Use District doesn’t prohibit new construction. In addition to protecting the already established trails, it also calls for any developers within the district to build trails equal to or better than any they would displace.

As the Mat-Su becomes more urbanized with more densely populated subdivisions, big box retailers and national fast food chains, it’s comforting to know maintaining one of the iconic traditions that makes Alaska unique is also a priority.

We applaud the Mat-Su Borough Assembly and staff for developing a plan that will help ensure dog mushing here has a future with many happy trails.