Water Resources, Salmon Conservation: Lead Topics at Mat-Su Symposium

WASILLA, AK— October 8, 2008

Water quality and healthy salmon will be top themes discussed at the 2008 Mat-Su Basin Salmon Science & Restoration Symposium, October 15-16, 2008 in Wasilla, Alaska. The symposium, hosted by the Mat-Su Basin Salmon Habitat Partnership and Alaska District U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, addresses fish, wildlife, and water quality topics that are important to residents.

In a 2007 statewide voter study conducted for The Nature Conservancy, survey responses clearly showed that protecting fish and wildlife is a top conservation priority.

“Protecting fish and wildlife habitat and protection of water quality in lakes, rivers and streams” dominated respondents’ answers.

“This forum is one way we can continue to raise awareness about watershed restoration and salmon science and conservation efforts in the Mat-Su,” said Corinne Smith, the Conservancy’s Mat-Su Basin program director. “Bringing a group like this together to share information will help inform how best we can manage Alaska’s wild salmon habitat, especially for the Mat-Su Basin.”

Over twenty presentations are included on the agenda, including those highlighting programs and projects from various agencies:

Alaska Department of Fish and Game
Alaskans For Palmer Hay Flats
Aquatic Restoration and Research Institute
Cook Inlet Aquaculture Association
Matanuska-Susitna Borough
The Nature Conservancy
U.S. Army Corps of Engineers
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
U.S. Geological Survey
Wasilla Soil and Water Conservation District

The symposium will be held at the Central Mat-Su Public Safety Building, 101 W. Swanson Ave. in Wasilla, Alaska.

Matanuska-Susitna Basin covers 24,500 square miles in south-central Alaska, roughly the combined size of Vermont, New Hampshire, and Massachusetts. The basin supports thriving populations of Chinook, coho, sockeye, pink and chum salmon as well as world-class rainbow trout, char and grayling, making it one of the country’s premier sport-fishing and wildlife viewing destinations. Salmon and other fish are at the heart of Alaskan ecosystems, economy and culture.

The Nature Conservancy is a leading conservation organization working around the world to protect ecologically important lands and waters for nature and people. The Conservancy and its more than 1 million members have protected nearly 120 million acres worldwide. Visit The Nature Conservancy on the Web at www.nature.org.