We are still enjoying an incredible long stint of breathtaking fall weather. The rivers are icing up, ice skating has been phenomenal, and the night skies have been full of Northern Lights and a stunning full moon.
While the loss of light makes you want to start heading indoors a little earlier and think of all of the winter activities to tackle, there is still a lot to do around the watershed and we are planning many fun events for you to get involved in.
Stay tuned, and let us know how you are enjoying these stunning falls days.
Thank you to everyone that celebrated the Susitna earlier this month.
WOW! This was our biggest Wild Su Feast yet!
We had so much fun with you all, and look forward to seeing you next year and compiling this year's cookbook!
We are so grateful to all of you that support our mission of a free-flowing watershed for all. Thank you for getting involved and supporting the river. We work for the su and we work for you!
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We would also like to announce our Wild Su Feast winners! The compettition was fierce and your dishes were delicious!
Walked: Amber Merritt with Moose Meatballs
Swam: Cameron Cologne with Pastrami Salmon
Flew: Colby Coombs with Roasted Goose
Grew: Lisa Smith with Fiddlehead Dip
Dessert: Maleia Grabinski with Carrot Cake Cupcakes
THANK YOU to our Wild Su Feast Sponsors
Wow! Our community businesses and nonprofits really showed up in force this year to sponsor the 7th Annual Wild Su Feast. Thank you so much to all of you that sponsored our favorite event. Check out all of these amazing groups that support their local watershed!
Upcoming Events
There are lots of opportunities to learn more about the Susitna River Coalition this fall and to get involved with the work being done in our watershed. From learning about energy efficiency to salmon conservation, there is something for everyone in our community to get excited about!
Eklutna River Restoration and Dam Mitigation Wednesday, November 1 at 6PM
Join the Susitna River Coalition virtually on Wednesday Nov 1st at 6pm for a presentation by Marc Lamoreaux, Land & Environment Director of the Native Village of Eklutna and Eric Booton, Southcentral Alaska Engagement Manager of Trout Unlimited. They will discuss the 26-mile Eklutna River system and the mitigation efforts to bring back a healthy free-flowing river abundant with all 5 species of salmon.
To find out more, please visit our Facebook event page and register in advance here. Please email June at june@susitnarivercoalition.org with any questions.
The Mat-Su Salmon Science and Conservation Symposium
The Mat-Su Basin Salmon Habitat Partnership is hosting its annual Salmon Science and Conservation Symposium on November 13th and 14th at the Palmer Depot in downtown Palmer. The Susitna River Coalition will present on the West Susitna Industrial Corridor. This fun and educational event is open to the public.
Learn more about the Partnership and register for the symposium here.
Mat-Su Borough Comprehensive Plan
The Mat-Su Borough is the fastest growing region in the state of Alaska. As the Borough continues to grow, the Mat-Su Borough is taking steps to update the Borough comprehensive plan. The Borough will be holding seven meetings across the region. This is a great opportunity for you to weigh in at your local Borough Meeting and let our elected officials know the future you would like to see for this incredible place we live.
The Susitna River Coalition has been intently following two issues that will drastically affect a growing Mat-Su Borough
The West Susitna Industrial Corridor
The Waterbody Setback Ordinance
See these talking points as topics to consider when talking to our elected officials and let them know what you want to see as our Borough expands.
Mat Su Borough Waterbody Setback Advisory Board
Since December, we have been following the potential repeal of the Mat-Su Borough Riparian Setback Ordinance. The Susitna River Coalition and so many members of the public made their voice heard regarding the importance of riparian zones, building setbacks, and responsible development in our rapidly growing borough.
In response to community engagement and extensive public comment, the Borough approved the formation of an Advisory Board to address the issues with the ordinance.
In late September, the Mat-Su Borough Assembly voted to approve 9 members to the newly formed board. Unfortunately, the resulting board is heavily stacked towards the interests of development.
Read the article recapping the Advisory Board approval on KTNA here.
The first meeting will be on Wednesday, November 1st, at 6PM.
See our Facebook Event Page and the Borough Agenda for more information.
You can also sign up for updates from the Borough here.
As this advisory board meets and begins to revise the Mat-Su Borough Setback Ordinance, community voices will be integral to making sure that the final product benefits salmon, water quality, and the riparian habitat so vital to our watershed.
Renewable Portfolio Standards (RPS)
Cook Inlet's natural gas supply is estimated to fall below demand as soon as 2027. Diversifying our local energy generation is necessary to avoid steep increases in energy bills and reaching State carbon reduction goals. The RPS bill would require the Railbelt utilities (the road system grid from Homer to Fairbanks which includes MEA) to reach a certain percentage of renewable energy generation by certain dates. By supporting the RPS bill, we can stabilize our fuel prices, bring more jobs to Alaska, and there will be less pressure to build damaging mega-projects like the Susitna-Watana Dam.
Take a look at our RPS (Renewable Portfolio Standard) petition letter to Alaska legislators.
All Alaskans deserve safe, reliable and affordable energy.
Su Valley Voice
We were so excited to sit down with KTNA this past Thursday to share our work on Su Valley voice. Did you miss it?
Take a listen and let us know what you think!