THE SUSITNA RIVER COALITION

Turning Passion Into Action

The mission of the Susitna River Coalition is to support the 312 mile long, free-flowing, Susitna River and the healthy communities and ecosystems it sustains from the headwaters in the Alaska Range to the outflow in Cook Inlet.

SRC is committed to protecting a vibrant river and the natural and human systems it supports. Our near-term priority continues to be focused on stopping the construction of the massive Susitna-Watana Dam while engaging in a range of watershed protection issues that could have a significant impact on the region. SRC works to develop strategies for watershed protection and to implement safeguards for the region’s fish and wildlife amidst a rapidly changing world.     

SRC is one of the only Alaska based, grassroots conservation organizations between Anchorage and Fairbanks. We recognize that our strength comes from a sustained and committed grassroots voice that reflects the broad range of view of issues affecting the Susitna region – one of the fastest growing regions of Alaska. We build on our core strengths of community involvement, fact-based communication and serving as a credible voice for community interests while taking a long-view approach to promote our healthy watershed resources.

​

Besides the Susitna Watana Hydro Project, what does SRC do?

The Susitna River Coalition Stewards our Watershed.

SRC is best known for our response to the proposed Susitna Watana Hydropower project, which would decimate wildlife habitat as well as recreation and economic opportunities throughout the Susitna Watershed. Currently, thanks to the work of many Alaskans, the dam is not an immediate threat. The potential for development remains. In addition to staying abreast of any movement towards a dam, SRC engages residents of the Susitna Valley on issues relevant to clean energy and healthy habitat in our watershed. We have an all-volunteer board, a very small staff, and a membership of over 23,000!

The areas in which SRC works are varied, but all sustain our habitats, communities and a free flowing Susitna river.

Below are some of the specific areas where we focus.

Voice and Resource for our Region:

Through events, our speakers series and by continuously engaging our membership in our work, SRC serves as a resource to and voice of residents of the Susitna Valley.

Fish and Habitat:

SRC works to ensure safe fish passage by engaging with local advisory boards, preventing the spread of invasive species, replacing culverts and restoring natural riverbanks.

Water Rights and Education:

SRC educates residents on how to apply for water rights on land. Land ownership itself does not guarantee water rights! SRC also works with our partner groups to find ways to permanently protect the Susitna River.

Clean Renewable Energy:

SRC Supports the development of local energy sources that lessen our dependence on fossil fuels and preserves watershed habitats. Currently, SRC is collaborating with partner organizations to support opening the railbelt electrical grid to independent (non-dam) renewable energy producers. We engage in board of directors elections for our local utility co-op, Matanuska Electric Association, supporting candidates that oppose Susitna-Watana and are in favor of diversified and ecologically responsible renewable projects.   

Watchdog:

SRC monitors the impacts of current and potential resource extraction projects in our watershed.  The West Susitna Industrial Corridor is a 100+ mile industrial corridor that would bisect the Western Susitna Drianage.  In addition, we monitor other projects as they arise to ensure a balance is found between habitat protections and responsible development.

​

Want to get more involved?

Become a sustaining member of SRC on our website or email us to volunteer! info@susitnarivercoalition.org.