Knik River Public Use Area
Management

The Knik River Public Use Area (KRPUA) is actively managed by the Southcentral Regional Office (SCRO) of the Division of Mining, Land, and Water, Department of Natural Resources. The SCRO is tasked with managing general domain state owned land throughout southcentral Alaska and undertakes a variety of management/stewardship obligations pertaining to public process decision making, issuance of land use authorizations (permits, easements, leases), and compliance/enforcement duties. Some activities require land use authorizations, while other activities are generally allowed. There are also area wide prohibited uses that are enforced through citation. The SCRO has one full-time land manager dedicated to handling day to day management actions within the KRPUA. The land manager serves as the contact person for issues that arise within the KRPUA, and regularly spends time in the field meeting with recreational users, maintaining signs and informational kiosks, and coordination of enforcement activities. The land manager also networks with state, local, and federal agencies to achieve management objectives set forth in the management plan.

Management guidelines found in the KRPUA Management Plan are intended to provide specific management direction for the area. These guidelines range from general guidance for decision-making to identifying specific factors that need to be considered when making on-the-ground decisions. DNR has recently updated their regulations, commonly referred to as Phase II regulations, to ensure that these guidelines can continue to be implemented and are enforceable.

DNR's overall management direction puts its focus on maintaining and enhancing public safety, public education, access and recreational opportunities for public and commercial users, protection of fish and wildlife habitat, and perpetuation of law enforcement throughout the entire area.