Work set to begin on Jordan Lake parcel

BIG LAKE -- Mat-Su Borough Outdoor Recreation Specialist Warren Templin and Recreational Services Director Linda Brenner shared borough plans for work to be completed at the Jordan Lake Parcel during the April 7 meeting of the Big Lake Chamber of Commerce.

The work is outlined in the Jordan Lake Parcel Master Plan, introduced at the Borough Assembly meeting on April 6, and scheduled for Assembly action on April 20. The plan provides the framework for the use and management of the borough-owned 44-acre parcel with frontage along South Big Lake Road. The Big Lake Library is located on a portion of this land.

Improvements listed in Phase 1 of the master plan are slated for this summer, and include grading, clearing, removing some dead trees, planting gardens, building a soft trail and adding benches and a viewing platform. While they will plant the gardens and wildflowers, Templin said they are looking for volunteers to help maintain them.

The Jordan Lake Parcel Master Plan is structured to take full advantage of volunteers and available funding, according to borough officials. This summer's work on the site is jointly funded through the borough, a $25,000 grant from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, and labor from AmeriCorps volunteers. Fish and Wildlife funds will help to create an "ecological classroom" on the parcel.

Wildlife habitat and various ecological zones on the land are a valuable resource, offering an educational experience for visitors of all ages.

A crew of laborers from AmeriCorp will begin working at the site in mid-May. They will stay in Big Lake for eight weeks, bunking at the old Fish Creek Hatchery. The crew is staffed with 10 volunteer students and two supervisors.

Phase 2 of the plan is slated to begin in 2005, with construction of a wetland boardwalk, a visitor kiosk, parking, and restrooms. Phase 3, or long term development, calls for the library to be expanded, and/or a community center to be constructed. This is dependent on the future fundraising and planning efforts of the community. Phase 3 is slated for implementation after 2010.