Susitna Flats State Game Refuge public meeting today

PALMER — A public meeting to share information and concerns about the Susitna Flats State Game Refuge is from 6:30 to 9 p.m., today at the MTA Headquarters Building conference room.

These meetings — sponsored by the Alaska Department of Fish and Game, Divisions of Habitat and Wildlife Conservation — are the first step in Alaska Department of Fish and Game’s effort to revise the Susitna Flats State Game Refuge’s management plan, which was originally written in 1988.

Information is sought about how people currently use the area and its resources, and on the best management practices and public uses for the area.

The Susitna Flats SGR Management Plan is used to guide Fish and Game’s Special Area Permitting decisions for activities there that impact fish and wildlife or their habitat. Harvest regulations are under the authority of the Boards of Fish and Game and cannot be changed via this planning process.

Susitna Flats SGR was established in 1976 to protect the area’s fish and wildlife populations and habitat — particularly waterfowl nesting and staging areas — as well as public uses of the area, such as hunting, viewing and general public recreation in a high-quality environment.

This area encompasses most of the Susitna River delta between Beluga and Point Mackenzie, and includes the Little Susitna Public Use Facility to the northeast.

For more information, contact dfg.hab.specialarea@alaska.gov, (907) 267-2342 or visit 1.usa.gov/UOTtED.