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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

First Planning Phase Completed

The Alaska Department of Natural Resources (DNR) has completed the first phase of the planning process, which will result in the revision of the Susitna Basin Recreation Rivers Management Plan. During the scoping phase, the planning team learned quite a bit about the issues, concerns and ideas the public has regarding the river corridors. A newsletter has been developed that summarizes what was heard during the scoping process. The newsletter may be viewed by visiting:
Susitna Basin Recreation Rivers Fall 2022 Newsletter

During the in-person Public Scoping Workshops, the planning team provided maps and encouraged the public to write their comments and locate areas of interest directly on the maps. This enables georeferencing the comments to their subject location. In addition, several comments were received that did not use the maps to reference a specific location. The comments collected and maps from the in-person workshops can be viewed by visiting:
Susitna Basin Recreation Rivers June Public Scoping Workshop Comments

In response to requests from the public, a Virtual Public Scoping Workshop was held on August 2nd. You can review a recording of that workshop by visiting:
Susitna Basin Recreation Rivers Virtual Public Scoping Workshop Recording

In addition to the input received at the scoping workshops, participants submitted responses to a user questionnaire. A summary of the data collected from the questionnaire as well as additional comments submitted with the questionnaire can be viewed by visiting:
Susitna Basin Recreation Rivers Questionnaire Data Summary
Susitna Basin Recreation Rivers Questionnaire Comments

The DNR planning team continues to work with the Susitna Basin Recreation Rivers Advisory Board appointed by Governor Dunleavy in November of 2021. For more information related to the advisory board, visit:
Susitna Basin Recreation Rivers Advisory Board

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

Prior Management Plan

1991 Susitna Basin Recreation Rivers Management Plan

For More Information

Contact

Shelby Burridge
Alaska Department of Natural Resources
550 West 7th Ave., Suite 1050
Anchorage, AK 99501
907.269.8593
Email

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