Stream Bank Restoration: Mat-Su Cost Share - Phase 6

This project provides funding, technical assistance, and project design and construction oversight to sustain and enhance valuable and vulnerable salmon habitat in the Matanuska-Susitna Valley through a financial incentive program directed towards private landowners and public land managers. Activities include the removal of structures detrimental to juvenile salmon or their habitats; protection of optimal fish habitat in and adjacent to rivers and lakes, particularly from the effects of climate change and human impacts; rehabilitation of fish habitat on impacted riverbanks; rehabilitation of the riparian area; and trial implementation of a new method for mitigation of increased boat wake on fish habitat.

This project will remove detrimental structures from streams; conserve healthy riverbank; and rehabilitate degraded riverbank. Staff will demonstrate and provide cost effective bio-engineered alternatives to the traditional use of riprap, round rock, sheet pile, and wooden bulkheads as bank stabilization techniques and will develop a low-cost solution to erosion induced by recreational boat use. These activities will restore instream habitat and contribute to the economic and recreational well-being of residents of the Mat-Su Basin.