Sunshine Creek to see improvements

In a work session last Thursday, members of the Susitna Community Council discussed a wish list for improvements at the Sunshine Creek area. The list included a permanent outhouse, bear proof dumpsters, road improvements and eventually signs encouraging visitors to leave no trace.

Sunshine Creek, touted as a prime fishing spot for its clear waters and abundant fish, has seen a lot of traffic from anglers in the past. Problems associated with its heavy use were degradation of the stream bank, muddy and bumpy access trails and human waste issues. The council is working with the Mat-Su Borough on methods to clean up and restore the area.

This summer, the Mat-Su Borough put a Port-a-Potty at the site and serviced it periodically. Community members say that addition helped a great deal. The group discussed the installation of a gate at the trail leading from the parking lot to the stream to block cars or ATVs from driving down to the beach between May and October. However, before improvements can begin, a site survey needs to be completed because of land ownership issues. The borough owns the land leading up to the stream, including the access road from the Parks Highway, and the parking lot area. The Alaska Department of Natural Resources is the owner of the trail to the creek, the beach and the stream.

Linda Brenner, Community Development Director, says the next step is to complete a survey and meet with community members for a site visit. From meetings with the locals, Brenner hopes to get a better idea what should be included in a yet to be drawn up memorandum of understanding with the DNR.

Brenner also says there is a possibility that the borough could partner with the Alaska Department of Fish and Game for a Sunshine Creek restoration project.

Once the survey is done and a permit is obtained from the Department of Environmental Conservation, a concrete slab for the permanent outhouse may be poured this fall. A meeting with ADF&G next week will reveal if Sunshine Creek could be a candidate for a joint restoration project.