Knik River Public Use Area
General Information
Welcome to the Knik River Public Use Area (KRPUA) website. The purpose of this site is to learn about the recreational opportunities in the KRPUA, unique land use rules, and information on wildlife habitat.
The KRPUA is a legislatively designated area (AS 41.23.180-230) managed by the Department of Natural Resources (DNR), Division of Mining, Land, and Water, Southcentral Regional Office. The area was created through a legislative process and signed into law by Governor Frank Murkowski on June 30, 2006 (House Bill 307). Land within the KRPUA boundary encompasses approximately 200,000 acres of state owned lands, and another 60,000 acres of federally owned lands administered by the Bureau of Land Management (Friday Creek and Hunter Creek drainages). There are also approximately 1,000 acres of privately owned lands within the KRPUA boundaries. Private and federally owned lands within the area are not subject to KRPUA enforcement regulations and management objectives.
Like other Public Use Areas in the state, the purpose for establishing the KRPUA is to preserve, perpetuate,
and enhance public recreation, enjoyment of fish and wildlife, and the traditional use of fish and wildlife resources.
The area provides for a full-spectrum of outdoor recreational opportunities, and is open to motorized and non-motorized recreational pursuits.
Activities common to the area include riding of off-highway vehicles (OHV's), hunting, fishing, trapping, target shooting, boating, flying planes, horseback riding, biking, hiking, camping, and wildlife viewing.
Prominent land features of the region include the Knik Glacier, Knik River, Pioneer Peak, Jim Creek, Bodenburg Creek, Friday Creek, Metal Creek, and Hunter Creek. The high elevation Chugach Mountains that form the Knik River Valley make for a dramatic backdrop to the alluvial gravel bars and winding braids of the Knik River. Overall the area is rugged and remote, which is what makes it such a popular destination for campers, off-road enthusiasts, fixed wing aviators, horseback riders, and boaters. A sprawling lakes and wetlands complex on the north side of the river is popular among bird watchers, boaters, anglers, and hunters. The area as a whole offers a wide range of multiple-use outdoor recreational pursuits for people of all ages and interests.
Land managers with DNR's, Division of Mining, Land, and Water, Southcentral Regional Office actively manage the area through partnerships with the Alaska State Troopers, Alaska Wildlife Troopers, the Alaska Department of Fish and Game, the Bureau of Land Management, and the Matanuska-Susitna Borough. DNR land managers also receive input and support from local community councils, local residents, and regional outdoor recreation interests groups and non-profit organizations.