Mat-Su Basin Salmon Habitat Partnership

by

Want to be more Involved in the Mat-Su Basin Salmon Habitat Partnership? Join the Steering Committee!


The Steering Committee is the guiding body for the Partnership which brings together nearly 70 organizations and individuals who share a vision of thriving salmon, healthy habitats, and vibrant communities in the Mat-Su. The 10-person Steering Committee ensures that the Partnership follows guidelines set forth by the National Fish Habitat Partnership and achieves goals set out in the Mat-Su Salmon Partnership 2019 Addendum to the Strategic Action Plan.

The Partnership is currently accepting applications for two at-large seats, one local government and one Tribal seat. To learn more about the operations of the Partnership see Mat-Su Salmon Partnership Structure and Operations Framework, and contact the Partnership coordinator with questions or to be put in touch with a Steering Committee member.

If you are interested, send a letter explaining why you want to join the Steering Committee and what you can do to help the Partnership achieve its goals.  Send the letter to Jessica Speed (jessica.speed@tu.org) by Noon, June 27th, 2025.

Thank you to Matt Varner (BLM), Maija DiSalvo (unaffiliated) and Theo Garcia (Knik Tribal Council) for their excellent service on the Steering Committee and commitment to the Partnership!
Find a list of current Partnership standing committee members here.

Some Partnership Steering Committee members after a 2023 meeting in Palmer: (left to right) Michael Mazzacavallo/Alaska Department of Fish and Game, Laurie Stuart/Tyonek Tribal Conservation District, Theo Garcia/Knik Tribal Council, Ted Eischeid/Mat-Su Borough. Jessica Speed/Trout Unlimited, Partnership Coordinator (center of photo).

by

Angler Conservation Funding Opportunity

The NOAA Fisheries Office of Habitat Conservation and the Recreational Fisheries Initiative are seeking to identify and support projects within coastal Fish Habitat Partnerships (FHPs) that protect or restore habitat AND engage recreational fishing partners.

Read full request for proposals here. Proposals are due by April 18th, 2025

Find summaries of FY23 funded projects – including one in the Mat-Su, here.

by

Mat-Su Salmon Symposium is Next Week!

Please join us for the 17th annual Mat-Su Salmon Science and Conservation Symposium from 9am to 4pm November 18th and 19th at the Palmer Community Depot (the Depot) in Palmer. The Symposium is a forum to share information on Mat-Su Basin watersheds, salmon, and salmon habitat, promoting an exchange of ideas about salmon science and conservation.

Read the agenda here and see the Symposium booklet – hot off the press! The Partnership is also hosting an evening social and music jam at Feather & Flour in Palmer. Everyone welcome. Find more information on the 2024 Symposium webpage, and register here. Contact jessica.speed@tu.org with questions.

Photo credit: David Herasimtschuck/Freshwaters Illustrated.

by

The Mat-Su Salmon Symposium is Next Week!

Please join us Monday, November 13th and Tuesday, November 14th at the Palmer Community Depot in Palmer, AK!

The annual Mat-Su Salmon Science and Conservation Symposium shares information on Mat-Su Basin watersheds, salmon, and salmon habitat to promote an exchange of ideas about salmon science and conservation.

This event is hosted by the Mat-Su Basin Habitat Partnership, which convenes a diverse group of over 60 stakeholders who are invested in the health of local salmon, including federal and state agencies, landowners, Tribal entities, non-profits, businesses and more.

This year’s agenda includes a keynote address on key lessons of salmon conservation science that have emerged during the past few decades from Dr. Peter Westley of UAF. Additional topics covered include habitat restoration, invasive species, water quality and more.

Everyone welcome. Please join us! Note, this is an in-person event, with no virtual option. We apologize for the inconvenience and hope those who cannot attend in person will benefit from video recordings of talks posted on the Symposium webpage following the event. Find more information including Agenda, Symposium booklet with abstracts, registration and additional event details on the Symposium webpage.

Symposium flyer

by

Join us for the Elodea Rodeo – July 21st

Aquatic invasive species can have significant impacts on salmon and their habitat. Elodea, a freshwater plant, and Northern pike are two such species that immediately threaten salmon in the Mat-Su Basin. Local residents can do a lot to help minimize the spread and negative effectives of aquatic invasive species.

Come join the Mat-Su Elodea Task Force and partners for the Elodea Rodeo. Learn more about where Elodea is in Big Lake, why it’s a problem, how to identify Elodea, and what you can do to help prevent its spread. Noon to 6pm on July 21st at Big Lake North State Recreation Site.

For more information contact the Mat-Su Elodea Task Force at:
jjablonski@ttcd.org
(907)278-1024

Read flyer here

Subscribe for Monthly Partnership Updates!

* indicates required