Borough Assembly approves revised plan for Susitna State Forest
This week, the Mat-Su Borough Assembly approved a resolution supporting an amended plan for the proposed Susitna State Forest. The Assembly voted 6-to-1 in favor, with only Assembly Member Darcie
This week, the Mat-Su Borough Assembly approved a resolution supporting an amended plan for the proposed Susitna State Forest. The Assembly voted 6-to-1 in favor, with only Assembly Member Darcie Salmon opposing.
Chris Maisch went over some of the changes in the forest plan, which the Assembly voted down on two previous occasions. The biggest alteration comes in the removal of more than 75,000 acres of land east of the Parks Highway from the plan. The new total size of the forest comes in just under 700,000 acres.
If approved by the state legislature, Susitna State Forest would be used to accommodate logging and timber industry, as well as facilitate the building of access roads. It would restrict what development is allowed on the land outside of use for timber. Chris Maisch says the current bill, House Bill 79, is the result of three years of meetings with communities.
House Bill 79 is still in the Resources Committee, and could receive a hearing soon.
Read More
Sandhill Cranes Arrive in Trapper Creek
Sandhill cranes have already arrived at the Dale Saunders Crane Sanctuary, a bit ahead of schedule, before their long journey to California.
Bradley Road Bridge to be Constructed in 2027
Funding for Trapper Creek’s Bradley Road Bridge was approved at last week’s Mat-Su Borough Assembly meeting.
Su Valley Voice for August 20, 2026: River Erosion
This week on Su Valley Voice, the topic was erosion issues near Talkeetna. Host Phillip Manning was joined by guests from the Mat-Su Borough and Alaska Department of Transportation and Public Facilities to discuss the current situation and plans.
State Posts Unofficial Primary Election Results
Both the Alaska Senate and House seats that represent the Northern Susitna Valely are up for election this year.