3.0 Affected Environment - Knik Arm Bridge and Toll Authority

Knik Arm Crossing DraftFinal EIS
Affected Environment
3.6.2.1.2 State game refuges
A state game refuge (SGR) is a specially protected area managed by ADF&G. The Alaska
State Legislature has deemed these areas essential to the protection of fish and wildlife
habitat. Most SGRs provide for fishing, hunting, wildlife viewing, and other seasonal
recreational opportunities. Three SGRs are located within the Mat-Su: Susitna Flats SGR,
Goose Bay SGR, and Palmer Hay Flats SGR. These units are dominated by wetlands and
coastal estuaries that provide regionally important habitat for waterfowl, shorebirds, and
other wildlife.
3.6.2.1.3 Parks and campgrounds
Table 3-21 lists the major parks and campgrounds in the area of indirect effects. Fish Creek
Parkis administered by the Mat-Su Borough. The Alaska Division of Parks and Outdoor
Recreation manages state recreation areas and related sites. There are also numerous
privately operated campgrounds and recreational vehicle (RV) parks in the Mat-Su portion of
the Study Area.
Table 3-21. Major public parks and campgrounds in the Mat-Su
Facility
Location/Features
Overnight
visitor capacity
Fish Creek Park (Big Lake) S. Big Lake Rd. at Fish Creek day use area
Big Lake North State Recreation Site Mile 5 of N. Big Lake Road 60 campsites
Big Lake South State Recreation Site Mile 5.2 of S. Big Lake Road 20 campsites
Rocky Lake State Recreation Site Mile 3.5 of Big Lake Road; fishing; boating 10 campsites
Little Susitna Public Use Facility Susitna Flats SGR; fishing; boating 40 campsites
Sources: Mat-Su Borough, 2005e; Alaska Department of Natural Resources, 2005
According to records maintained by the Mat-Su Borough Recreation and Library Services
(MSB 2005g), none of the Borough recreational facilities is operating at full capacity on a
regular basis. Trailheads for snowmachine access to the Susitna River are popular during
winter weekends with optimal snow conditions. Day use parks are at full capacity on sunny
and warm summer weekends and evenings.
All the state parks in the Mat-Su are closed during the winter. Mid-July is generally the peak
period for most of the parks.
According to Heikes, 37 use of some state parks has declined in recent years for various
reasons.
37 Personal communication, Dennis Heikes, Superintendent, Mat-Su/Copper Basin Area, Alaska Division of
Parks and Outdoor Recreation, with Donald Shug, Northern Economics, Inc., May 19, 2005.
3-140 12/18/07