Planning commission approves two land-use classifications reserving parcels for potential shooting ranges

The Matanuska-Susitna Borough Planning Commission on July 20 approved two resolutions classifying borough parcels as reserved use land for potential future shooting ranges.

Peter Burton, land management specialist, presented Resolution 26-15, which would classify an approximately 80-acre parcel (tax ID 27N05W18A001) near Mile 123 in the Trapper Creek area as reserved for a shooting range. Burton said, "It's strictly a land use classification designation. There's no construction, operation, or funding at this time."

The commission opened the public hearing for Resolution 26-15, heard no public testimony, and Commissioner McCabe moved to approve the resolution; Commissioner Carpenter seconded and the motion passed with no objections.

Peter Burton then presented Resolution 26-16 for a second parcel in the Cushwetna Lake area near milepost 77, roughly 40 road miles south of the first parcel. Commissioners asked and Burton confirmed the site currently lacks road access and is mostly surrounded by public lands; he said an Alaska Railroad Corporation crossing is identified as a potential long-term access point. Commissioner McCabe emphasized the limited nature of the action: "this is by no means an approval of a shooting range ... this is just a classification." The commission approved Resolution 26-16 after a motion and second with no objections.

Both approvals are classification changes only; any future development, funding, or construction would require separate public review and permitting.