Plan Overview

The Matanuska-Susitna Borough is one of the fastest growing regions in the State of Alaska. The population boom has caused significant increase in new construction for both homes and business, resulting in a rapidly growing wildland-urban interface (WUI).

Wildfire risk has increased in recent years due to increased human activities, spruce bark beetle infestation, and climatic changes that have led to warmer, drier summers.

While the MSB government has been working to protect individuals, communities and properties through FireWise and Hazard Fuel Reduction programs, a need for improved collaboration and the establishment of Community Wildfire Protection Plans (CWPPs) has become a top priority.

MSB developed an umbrella (area-wide) CWPP to model the process and  develop the methodology necessary for developing future community level CWPPs.

First developed in 2008, the MSB CWPP is still needed with as much urgency today.