An ordinance (ORD 2016-051) proposing maintenance of a 50ft shoreline vegetation area (‘riparian buffer’) on 25 high priority salmon streams was introduced to the Mat-Su Borough (MSB) Planning Commission for public hearing and deliberation in May, 2016. The ordinance is intended to conserve salmon habitat, prevent property damage from erosion, and reduce pollution entering waterbodies.
Adopting standards for riparian buffers next to streams and rivers that are recognized as high priority habitat for salmon addresses critical goals for salmon conservation identified in the Partnership’s Strategic Action Plan. The Partnership supports establishment of these standards, and the Steering Committee wrote a letter to the Mat-Su Borough Mayor and Assembly indicating this support and why. Click here to read the letter.
The proposed ordinance has moved to the MSB Assembly, and was considered at their August 2nd meeting, where it was sent back to the Planning Commission for further deliberation and a requested public education process. Planning Commission review and public education is to be completed, with the ordinance back to the Assembly by December 6, 2016.
Full text and associated materials can be found here http://www.matsugov.us/docs/meetings/15392/080216-clerks-assembly-packet.pdf – pages 1040 to 1072.
For more information, or to submit public comment, contact Frankie Barker at MSB Planning Department (907)861-8439, frankie.barker@matsugov.us
