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Alaska Department of Natural Resources
Division of Mining, Land and Water

Management Plans
Susitna Basin Recreation Rivers Plan Revision

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Latest News

Release of the Public Review Draft of the Sustina Basin Recreation Rivers Management Plan

Public Comment Period Closed

The public comment period for the Public Review Draft (PRD) of the Susitna Basin Recreation Rivers Management Plan that was open from January 4, 2024 through March 5, 2024 is now closed.

Public Review Draft - January 2024

The first link below is for the complete draft plan. This document contains all text and maps for the Susitna Basin Recreation Rivers Management Plan Public Review Draft. The links within each Chapter will take you to specific sections or maps.

Complete Plan PDF

Preface PDF

Cover / Plan Table of Contents:

Appendices PDF

Appendix A: Glossary

Appendix B: Recreation Rivers Act

Appendix C: Recreation Rivers Regulations

Summary of Changes PDF

This document is a summary of the major plan changes but is not inclusive of all of the changes to the plan. Please consult the plan text for details.

Public Involvement

Public comment meetings will be held in the following communities and virtually. Meetings will begin with a brief presentation.

Area Date & Time Location
Talkeetna Tuesday, January 30, 2024
5:00 - 7:00 PM
Talkeetna Public Library
24645 Talkeetna Spur Road
Talkeetna, AK 99676
Anchorage Wednesday, January 31, 2024
12:00 - 2:00 PM
Robert Atwood Conference Room (104)
Robert B. Atwood Building
550 West 7th Avenue
Anchorage, AK 99501
Virtual
(Microsoft Teams)
Wednesday, January 31, 2024
5:30 - 7:00 PM
Computer or mobile app
Meeting link
Meeting ID: 247 540 134 399
Passcode: V6ioi4

Call in (audio only)
(907) 202-7104
United States, Anchorage
Conference ID number: 402 187 430#
Wasilla Thursday, February 1, 2024
5:15 - 6:45 PM
Wasilla Library Large Multi-Purpose Room
500 North Crusey Street
Wasilla, AK 99654

Virtual Public Meeting Recording MP4 (1/31/2024)

Public Meeting Presentation PDF

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Overview

In Spring of 1988, the Recreation Rivers Act passed designating six, mile-wide river corridors:

Photo of Lake Creek Canyon from the air
Alexander Creek, Deshka River (Kroto Creek / Moose Creek), Lake Creek, Little Susitna River, Talachulitna River and Talkeetna River. The primary purpose of establishing the six recreation rivers is the maintenance and enhancement of the land and water for recreation. The first management plan for the recreation rivers was adopted in 1991. The management plan describes how the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) will manage approximately 243,000 acres of state-owned land along 460 river miles within the Susitna Basin. The plan does not make management decisions for private, native or borough lands.

Much has changed in the 30 years since the first plan was adopted. DNR is starting a revision of the management plan to update resource information and address changing recreational and economic use. A robust public process will be employed to gather information and create a shared vision for future management of the Recreation Rivers.

Recreation Rivers Area Map

Planning Process

The planning process is a multi-step process for collecting information and knowledge and developing a plan that meets the needs and desires of stakeholders. Below is an overview of the process.

Step 1 - Identify Issues

Step 2 - Gather Information

Step 3 - Prepare and Evaluate Land Use Alternatives

Step 4 - Prepare Draft Plan

Step 5 - Public Review of Draft Plan

Step 6 - Prepare Final Plan

Step 7 - Approve Plan

Step 8 - Legislature Reviews Plan

Step 9 - Adopt and Implement Plan

Advisory Board

The DNR planning team worked with the Susitna Basin Recreation Rivers Advisory Board from December of 2021 (soon after the board was appointed by Governor Dunleavy) until the board sunsetted on June 30, 2024. DNR considered board comments while crafting the Public Review Draft (PRD). For more information related to the advisory board, visit:

Susitna Basin Recreation Rivers Advisory Board

2022 Scoping Materials

Prior Management Plan

1991 Susitna Basin Recreation Rivers Management Plan

For More Information

Contact

Rob Earl
Alaska Department of Natural Resources
550 West 7th Ave., Suite 1050
Anchorage, AK 99501
(907) 269-8533
Email

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