Wasilla Creek is an anadromous stream with significant numbers of salmon in various stages of their life cycle. The Wasilla Creek Headwaters Trail Improvements project is just one of nine (9) trails to be reconstructed, improved and/ or relocated.
The project will restore off-road vehicle (ORV) trail stream crossings, with new fords and bridges in the Matanuska Valley Moose Range located north of Palmer and managed by Alaska Department of Natural Resources and Alaska Department of Fish & Game. This will allow for restoration of fish habitat damaged by traffic at stream crossings.
Potential collaboration with state agencies to make further improvements to the trails and parking area will provide better access for the public. These improvements are dependent on additional funding through state and federal agencies.
Link to DNR Moose Range Plan:
http://dnr.alaska.gov/mlw/planning/mgtplans/mat_valley/
CURRENTLY, the plan calls for:
1) Relocation of a segment of the trail with two bridges in the swamp to higher ground to the east, and closure of existing trail location
2) Construction of new bridge across Wasilla Creek for trail reroute and removal of old bridges
3) New fords at streem crossing
4) Restore damaged streambanks and wetlands
5) Reroute and repair other sections of the trail as funding allows
The PUBLIC COMMENT period is now closed.
A SUMMARY of the submitted comments is available to the public for review and can be found here: Public Comment List.
(Note: The Public Comments List is an unedited copy of all submitted comments. Contact information has been removed for privacy considerations.)
The project planning team would like to thank everyone who submitted comments. Everyone's comments will be taken into consideration.