Work gets underway on new Susitna Basin Recreation Rivers plan

The 30-year-old Susitna Basin Recreation Rivers Management Plan is being updated and a new advisory board appointed by Gov. Mike Dunleavy held its first meeting Dec. 20 and plans a second session Jan. 27.

Israel Mahay of Talkeetna, who is to represent powerboat users on the advisory board, was appointed interim chair with a permanent chair to be selected at the meeting in late January.

The current Susitna Basin Recreation Rivers Management Plan was adopted in 1991 and needs updating, according to state natural resources commissioner Corri Feige.

Basically, the plan specifies approved recreational uses of lands in the region, such as specifying sections of rivers where powerboats are allowed, and sections reserved for recreation like hiking, camping or bird watching where noise from powerboats would detract from the experience.

The 1991 plan also limits the number of lodges that can operate on state lands in the region. A revised plan would review all designated uses including the cap on the number of lodges.

The six designated recreation rivers that are included in the plan include Alexander Creek, Deshka River (Kroto Creek / Moose Creek), Lake Creek, Little Susitna River, Talachulitna River and Talkeetna River.

The plan mainly affects uses on state lands in the region and would not effect uses on private or Matanuska-Susitna Borough-owned lands. However, state lands cover much of the area.

“It is important that srea management plans work effectively and don’t create barriers to balanced land use,” Feige said.

“In this case, the nearly 30-year-old plan, which was intended to allow for thoughtful recreational use and development of the plan area, is actually creating conflicts of use and making management highly problematic,” the commissioner said.

The new 13-member board board has designated seats representing multiple interest groups, including the Matanuska-Susitna Borough.

Here are new board members appointed by the governor and the groups they represent: Mining — Aaron Benjamin, Talkeetna; Subsistence – Nancy Conklin, Alexander Creek; Forest Products – Tim Dabney, Chugiak• Sport hunting – Mike DeMaria, Wasilla; Sport fishing – Thomas “Bruce” Knowles, Wasilla; Powerboat users – Israel Mahay, Talkeetna; Private property owners – Mike Overcast, Anchorage; Recreationally oriented commercial users – Yelverton “Jody” Payton, Willow; Conservation – Emma Pokon, Anchorage; Commercial fishing – Donald Redick, Wasilla; Other recreational users – Joseph Wright, Eagle River; Mat-Su Borough Planning Commission – Chris Elder, Big Lake; Mat-Su Borough Mayor designee – Stephanie Nowers