Thanks for listening to Valley concerns

Editor’s note: This letter was sent to the Alaska Department of Fish and Game Board of Fisheries members and the Mat-Su Valley Frontiersman.

To the editor:

The action taken by members of the Board of Fisheries at the 2014 Anchorage finfish meeting is to be applauded on all levels by residents here in the Mat-Su. The board’s commitment in addressing the issues regarding the lack of salmon in Valley rivers and taking a proactive approach in resolving these matters with objectivity is to be commended.

We in the Mat-Su understand that this is a contentious issue as it pertains to the commercial fishing fleet, and we believe that it was resolved in an equitable way to address the concerns of all users. We feel that with insight and broad perspective, you have brought balance for all users of the salmon fisheries.

The people in the Valley have felt that their voices have not been heard in the past and we are appreciative that this is no longer the case. Mat-Su residents lobbied hard for our salmon fishing interests and are encouraged that we have now been heard. This will be a positive move forward in reclaiming our lifestyle that we all truly cherish and one of many reasons as to why we live here.

In closing, I want to thank you for acknowledging and responding to the concerns of Valley residents.

Joan C. Nininger

Wasilla