Matanuska River management plan begins

MAT-SU—In May, the Matanuska-Susitna Borough is beginning a management plan for sections of the Matanuska River from Chickaloon to the lower Butte to address river erosion in relation to land and property uses along the river corridor.

The Matanuska River, a dynamic glacially-fed river, actively moves across its wide braided plain, changing channels and causing erosion of land and loss of structures.

“We have been using a band-aid approach thus far to address erosion issues along this large, powerful river," said Borough Environmental Planner Frankie Barker. "The river is not going to change its behavior, so it is time for us to look at better ways we can learn to live next to it.”

Erosion incidents in the past have been addressed on a case-by-case basis by a variety of agencies and governments as funding was available. The Matanuska River Management Plan is being developed to create a framework to address river issues in a more systematic and coordinated way in the future.

Local governments, state and federal agencies, community councils and subdivisions adjacent to the river are being invited to participate on the planning team. The first public forum and planning team meeting will be held in the Palmer Train Depot on May 13, 2009, from 4 p.m. – 7 p.m. This first meeting will include an overview of river management activities that have occurred in the past and river studies that are underway.

There will be additional public meetings in Sutton and the Butte later in the year and opportunities for public review as draft plans are written.

For additional information, contact Frankie Barker, Environmental Planner at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or 746-7439.