3.0 Affected Environment - Knik Arm Bridge and Toll Authority

Knik Arm Crossing DraftFinal EIS
Affected Environment
3.6.2 Recreational Resources, Parks, and Wildlife Refuges
The following sections summarize recreational resources, parks, and wildlife refuges in the
Mat-Su, Knik Arm, and Anchorage areas that could be affected indirectly by the proposed
action. See Section 3.7 of this Draft EIS and the accompanying Section 4(f) Evaluation for
information on specific Section 4(f) resources.
No lands in the project area were identified that are subject to provisions of Section 6(f) of
the Land and Water Conservation Fund Act (LWCF Act) based on consultations with the
State of Alaska’s designated LWCF Act Liaison.
3.6.2.1 The Mat-Su
This section describes specific recreational facilities and resources in the Mat-Su that could
be indirectly affected by the proposed project, including scenic roadways, state game refuges,
wayside parks and campgrounds, fishing and hunting areas, and miscellaneous existing and
planned recreational areas. The focus is on those facilities and resources in the Mat-Su that
are within convenient travel distance of Anchorage and also readily accessible to Mat-Su
communities (Figure 3.33). The analysis emphasizes recreational facilities and resources that
are in natural settings. Heritage sites and museums are, however, also found throughout the
region, including the Dorothy Page Museum and Frontier Village in Wasilla, Alpine
Historical Park in Sutton, Knik Museum and Dog Mushers’ Hall of Fame on Knik Road,
Palmer Visitor Center and Museum, Independence Mine State Historical Park near Hatcher
Pass, and the Museum of Alaska Transportation and Industry in Wasilla. Community
recreational facilities in the Mat-Su include five golf courses, three motor sports racing
tracks, the Wasilla Multi-Use Sports Complex, Palmer Ice Arena, Palmer and Wasilla public
pools, and numerous neighborhood parks, playgrounds, and ball fields (MSB 2003a).
3.6.2.1.1 Scenic roadways
Recreational resources that could be affected by implementation of the proposed project
include certain scenic roadways in the Mat-Su. Driving on these roads may itself be
perceived as a recreational activity. “Highway-oriented” recreational facilities along these
roads include pull-outs, interpretative or information signs, designated fishing areas near
bridges, and waysides. In addition, these roadways provide access to major natural, historic,
and cultural attractions that provide recreational opportunities. The two major highways that
traverse the Mat-Su are especially noteworthy: the Glenn Highway (a designated National
Scenic Byway) and the Parks Highway (designated a National Scenic
Byway in the northern Susitna Valley) as previously discussed in Section 3.2.2.1. A 135-mile
portion of the Glenn Highway from Anchorage to the Little Nelchina River and a 16-mile
portion of the Parks Highway from Denali State Park to Healy are designated by ADOT&PF
as Alaska Scenic Byways.
3-138 12/18/07