Lifestyle

Big Mountains, Big Fish, Rich Life

Sleep at the edge of a glacier, mush a dog team, or hover before a turquoise wall of frozen water - the Mat-Su offers far-out fun!

The Government Peak area near Hatcher Pass offers over 7.5 km of designed trails and a new 4,000 sq. ft. chalet that has created a regional venue for Nordic skiing and tourism.

The Coho Salmon run on the Little Susitna River was restored last summer to the higher fish returns of 2006. On Fish Creek, Silver Salmon are the best since 2002.

Farmer markets have exploded over the last 10 years in Southcentral Alaska and are up to 14 weekly markets now with "Valley" farmers supplying most of the produce. The most recent estimate of a  season's crop value for our widespread ag census area was $15.7 million. It's this fresh, local, healthy produce that Alaskans - 3,000 miles from the food supply chain - value.

Home sales in the Mat-Su are up 18% and the Borough is recognized around the State of Alaska as a can-do place where young families can get started on their first home for a lot less. Seniors and veterans can live in their home, free from Borough property taxes, and the average home value is $218,000.

Mat-Su schools - the second largest district with 18,000 students - continues to grow with $214 million in school bond projects.