Matanuska-Susitna Borough, Alaska is a large borough located in south-central Alaska. It encompasses an area of 25,258 square miles and is the largest borough in the United States by area. The population of Matanuska-Susitna Borough was estimated to be 109,844 as of 2019. The borough is named after two rivers – the Matanuska and Susitna Rivers – which flow through it and are popular for recreational activities such as fishing, kayaking, and rafting.
The geography of Matanuska-Susitna Borough is diverse and varied. The eastern portion of the borough consists of rolling hills covered with thick forests while the western portion consists of flat tundra plains and low mountains. In between these two areas are numerous lakes and rivers that are popular destinations for recreational activities such as fishing or boating.
The climate of Matanuska-Susitna Borough is generally cold with short summers and long winters that bring plenty of snowfall throughout the year. Temperatures in the summer months can range from 40°F to 70°F while temperatures in winter months can dip below 0°F at night. During winter months, most areas will receive an average snowfall between 45 to 65 inches per year while some areas may receive even more snowfall than this amount due to higher elevation levels or closer proximity to mountain ranges like the Alaska Range or Chugach Mountains.
The population of Matanuska-Susitna Borough is comprised mainly of people from various backgrounds including Native American tribes such as Athabascans, Yupik Eskimos, Aleuts, Inupiat Eskimos, Tlingit Indians, and Haida Indians who have resided in this region for thousands of years prior to European settlement. Additionally, there are a variety of other ethnicities present in this region including Caucasians (mainly from Europe), Asians (mainly from China), Hispanics (mainly from Mexico), African Americans (mainly from United States), Pacific Islanders (mainly from Polynesia) among others making up a diverse cultural landscape within this area.
Economy of Matanuska-Susitna Borough, Alaska
The economy of Matanuska-Susitna Borough, Alaska is largely based on natural resources. These include fishing, timber, oil and gas, and tourism. Fishing is the main economic activity in the region as it provides employment to thousands of local people and contributes millions of dollars to the local economy each year. The Matanuska-Susitna Borough is home to numerous rivers, streams, and lakes that are rich in various species of fish such as salmon, trout, grayling, whitefish, lingcod and many others. In addition to commercial fishing operations in the area there are also numerous recreational fishing opportunities available for both local residents and visitors alike.
Timber harvesting is another major industry in Matanuska-Susitna Borough with over 1 million acres of forestland being used for logging operations. The timber harvested from these lands is used for a variety of products including pulpwood, sawtimber, firewood and other wood products. This industry provides jobs to thousands of people in the area while contributing millions of dollars to the local economy each year.
The oil and gas industry has also been a major economic driver in Matanuska-Susitna Borough since its inception with multiple fields located throughout the borough providing employment opportunities as well as financial resources for development projects throughout the region. This industry has helped spur growth within many communities by providing jobs and revenue for needed infrastructure projects such as roads or schools.
Finally, tourism has become an increasingly important part of the Matanuska-Susitna Borough’s economy with visitors coming from all over Alaska as well as other parts of North America to experience some of Alaska’s most breathtaking outdoor scenery such as Denali National Park or Lake Clark National Park & Preserve which are both located within this borough’s boundaries. Tourists come here to experience activities such as hiking, camping, rafting or kayaking on one of its many rivers or lakes while also taking advantage of its unique cultural offerings like Native American art galleries or museums dedicated to Alaskan history and culture. Tourism has become an important source of income for many businesses located within this borough providing them with much-needed financial resources while helping promote economic growth throughout the region overall.
Libraries in Matanuska-Susitna Borough, Alaska
According to babyinger, the Matanuska-Susitna Borough, Alaska has an extensive library system that serves the diverse needs of its residents. The Borough is home to six public libraries, all of which offer a variety of resources and services to their patrons. The Matanuska-Susitna Borough Public Library System is made up of the Palmer Public Library, Wasilla Public Library, Houston Public Library, Big Lake Public Library, Talkeetna Public Library and Trapper Creek Public Library. Each of these libraries provides a unique selection of materials and services for the local community.
The Palmer Public Library is the largest library in the borough and is located in downtown Palmer. This branch offers a wide range of books, magazines, videos and audio recordings as well as computer access for patrons with internet access. The library also provides programming for adults and children including story times and book clubs. In addition to traditional print materials, this library also offers ebooks for checkout through their online catalog.
The Wasilla Public Library is located in downtown Wasilla and features an array of books, magazines, movies and music CDs as well as free Wi-Fi access throughout the building. This branch also offers a variety of programs including story times for children as well as special events like author readings or movie nights throughout the year. Additionally, this library provides access to online databases such as AncestryLibrary Edition or Proquest Ebook Central which provide patrons with a wealth of research material at their fingertips.
The Houston Public Library is located in Houston and features books on various topics such as history or science fiction along with magazines, newspapers and audio recordings available for checkout by patrons. This branch also offers Wi-Fi access throughout its facility so that patrons can stay connected while they are visiting the library. Additionally, this branch provides computer classes such as basic computer literacy or Microsoft Office programs which are offered on a regular basis throughout the year at no cost to attendees.
The Big Lake Public Library is located in Big Lake Township and features materials such as books, DVDs or audiobooks that can be checked out by patrons free of charge along with computers available for public use throughout its facility. In addition to traditional print materials this branch also offers ebooks through its online catalog along with programs like story time for children or movie nights during certain times throughout the year at no cost to attendees.
The Talkeetna Public Library is located in downtown Talkeetna and features an array of books on many different topics such as fiction or nonfiction along with magazines, newspapers, audio recordings, DVDs, video games, puzzles, board games, toys, art supplies. In addition to traditional print materials this branch also offers ebooks through its online catalog. Additionally, this branch provides computer classes such as basic computer literacy or Microsoft Office programs which are offered on a regular basis throughout the year at no cost to attendees.
Finally, there is Trapper Creek Public Library which serves Trapper Creek Township. This library has an extensive collection featuring books on various topics such as history or science fiction along with magazines, newspapers, audio recordings available for checkout by patrons free of charge. In addition to traditional print materials this branch also offers ebooks through its online catalog along with programs like story time for children or movie nights during certain times throughout the year at no cost to attendees. All six libraries within Matanuska-Susitna Borough offer many resources and services that benefit both local residents and visitors alike making them invaluable assets within their respective communities.
Landmarks in Matanuska-Susitna Borough, Alaska
Matanuska-Susitna Borough, Alaska is an area of immense natural beauty, and its many landmarks are a testament to its stunning landscapes. From the towering peaks of the Talkeetna Mountains to the vast expanses of Denali National Park, this area is home to some of the most incredible sights in Alaska. In addition to these stunning natural features, there are also a number of man-made landmarks that are worth exploring. See Ehangzhou for best time to visit Alaska.
The first landmark in Matanuska-Susitna Borough is Mt. McKinley (Denali). This massive peak stands at 20,310 feet and is the tallest mountain in North America. It is also one of the most popular attractions in Alaska due to its sheer size and grandeur. Visitors can view this peak from various points throughout the borough, including Denali National Park or Talkeetna Mountains State Park.
The next landmark worth visiting is Matanuska Glacier. This massive glacier is located just outside Palmer and stretches for over 27 miles long and 4 miles wide. It’s an impressive sight that can be viewed from various points throughout Matanuska-Susitna Borough including Talkeetna Mountains State Park or Chugach State Park. Visitors can also take guided tours on snowmobiles or helicopter rides for a more up close view of this glacier’s beauty.
In addition to these natural landmarks there are several man made landmarks worth visiting as well such as Hatcher Pass Ski Area or Big Lake State Recreation Area which offers visitors plenty of outdoor activities such as fishing, hiking, camping, and skiing/snowboarding during winter months. The borough also has several historic sites such as Independence Mine State Historical Park which includes over 20 buildings with interesting stories about life during gold rush days or Chena Hot Springs Resort which offers hot springs pools perfect for relaxation after a day exploring all that Matanuska-Susitna has to offer.
Finally, no trip to Matanuska-Susitna Borough would be complete without visiting some of its local communities such as Wasilla or Palmer which offer plenty of unique shops and restaurants perfect for grabbing a bite after a day exploring the borough’s many attractions.
Matanuska-Susitna Borough has something to offer everyone whether it’s natural beauty like Mt McKinley or man-made attractions like Chena Hot Springs Resort. With so much to explore it’s no wonder why this area continues to draw visitors each year looking for an unforgettable experience in Alaska.