Under Threat of Development
Trail damage from heavy equipment used in 2020 to explore UAF land for gravel extraction opportunities
A timeline, and why we seek your support
In August 2020 :
The University of Alaska Fairbanks (UAF) began using heavy equipment on Matanuska Experiment Farm and Extension Center land to explore for gravel resources and potential revenue opportunities for the University. The heavy equipment damaged trails on the farm and in the Matanuska Greenbelt. This was a wake-up call to the community. Protections for the farm and the entire Greenbelt were needed.
That same month the ‘Save the Matanuska Greenbelt’ advocacy group began a campaign to save the farm and the integrity of the Greenbelt. Letters and emails poured into the mailboxes of the UAF Board of Regents. The campaign got the attention of UAF and, in late 2020, SMGA and state legislators representing Mat-Su began conversations with UAF officials to discuss the proposed gravel pit assessment and alternate options for the Experiment Farm property.
In 2021:
The SMGA, which now includes representatives from Alaska Farmland Trust, Mat-Su Health Foundation, Mat-Su Trails and Parks Foundation, the Mat-Su Borough, the Valley Mountain Bikers and Hikers, and the Alaska Backcountry Horseman, hired a facilitator to conduct meetings with UAF officials to seek a win-win solution. Such a solution would consider not only the public’s desire to maintain a valuable open space, but also the university’s financial needs, mission for research and education, and the farm’s value to the community for its historic nature, research work, and as an asset to the Mat-Su economy and state agriculture industry.
2022 and today:
The idea of a gravel pit has not gone away. And it’s not the only potential threat; the MSB has been approached with a proposal to run a gravel conveyor belt through the trail system, which could also affect the future of the Greenbelt. Conversations are ongoing between UAF and SMGA about the Experimental Farm property and include options ranging from conservation easements and increased funding dollars for the farm’s research work to inclusion in a U-Med District, locating other state offices at the Experiment Farm, as well as other potential development.
If a proposal comes forward, we hope to reach out to Matanuska Greenbelt users and supporters, so you can let landowners know how valuable this resource is to our area. We hope you will join us in voicing your support for the Greenbelt, should we call on you to do so.
