Mat-Su Planning Commission approves Deshka River watershed land classification

The Matanuska-Susitna Borough Planning Commission voted May 18 to protect cold-water salmon habitat along the Deshka River by classifying borough-owned land as watershed.

The commission forwarded Resolution 26-08 to the Assembly without objection. The classification would cover parcels where thermal imaging identified cold groundwater entering the river.

Scientists flew thermal imaging over 32 miles of river and found the lower Deshka runs colder than expected. Cold groundwater seeps create refuges that allow salmon to survive warm stretches, said Jessica Speed, coordinator of the Mat-Su Basin Salmon Habitat Partnership.

The Deshka hosts one of the most productive fisheries in the Mat-Su Basin but runs among the warmest. Water temperatures regularly exceed thresholds harmful to salmon, Speed said. Deep pools and cold seeps provide stepping stones that help fish traverse warm water as overall temperatures rise.

Emerson Krueger, the borough's resource manager, said the classification would not affect public access to the river, trails, or overland travel. The designation serves as a planning tool for reviewing future permit applications such as timber sales or gravel extraction, he said. Land managers would use it to tailor activities away from sensitive cold-water areas.

Public testimony raised concerns about future restrictions on cabin access and motorized use. Esther Huddleston questioned why the borough would reclassify land before completing a borough-wide watershed initiative and cited code provisions allowing the borough manager to restrict uses on classified land.

Krueger said the classification would not translate to restrictions on private land if parcels are later sold.

Cody Allen, the commission chair, said he has fished the Deshka for 25 years and the fishing has declined. He said the science presented by staff was convincing and he saw little downside to the classification if it helps salmon populations.

The resolution now goes to the Assembly. If approved, watershed would be added to existing public recreation and land bank classifications on the parcels.