Org Unit
Land & Resource Management
The Land & Resource Management Division oversees the responsible use, development, and stewardship of Borough-owned lands and resources. Our work is divided into two key areas: Land Management & Sales and Resource Management.
Land Management & Sales:
Borough lands are acquired through various means, including conveyance from the State of Alaska under the Municipal Entitlement program, tax and special assessment foreclosures, purchases, exchanges, and donations. These properties are then utilized to generate public revenue through sales, leases, and permits.
Foreclosed properties are returned to productive use by being sold and placed back on the tax roll. In addition to land sales, we issue permits, leases, and easements for a wide range of uses on Borough-owned lands to include:
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Industrial and commercial uses
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Right of entry
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Seasonal uses (floatplane docks, campsites, cross-country travel)
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Access to remote cabins and lands
Resource Management:
Staff evaluate and recommend the highest and best use of Borough-owned lands, ensuring they serve long-term public interests. Lands retained for continued Borough ownership are managed to support public facilities and services. This includes:
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Reserving and dedicating land for recreational use in coordination with the Division of Recreational Services
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Managing and maintaining public trails, parks, greenbelts, and other public-use areas
Staff also oversee the marketing and sale of natural materials such as sand, gravel, peat, and timber, along with other renewable resources. Additionally, the division plays a key role in the development and management of major economic initiatives, including:
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Hatcher Pass ski areas
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Development of lands at Port MacKenzie
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Solar Farm in Houston
Services
Competitive Bid Commercial Timber Harvest Sales
Competitive Bid timber harvest sales are offered in accordance with the MSB 23.20.130 Methods and Authorization for the Sale, Lease, or Permitting of Forest Products.
Over the Counter Commercial Timber Sales
Over-the-Counter timber harvest sales are offered in accordance with MSB 23.20.130 Methods and Authorization for the Sale, Lease, or Permitting of Forest Products. The sales are available for up to two years on a first come first serve basis.
Personal Use Firewood Permit
Firewood Harvests are offered for sale by permit for non-commercial use. Firewood harvested under a personal use permit may not be offered for sale, barter, or trade. Firewood harvest areas are only available while supplies last.
Personal Use Gravel Permits
Gravel is offered for sale by permit for non-commercial use. The gravel harvested under a personal use permit may not be offered for sale, barter, or trade. Gravel areas are only available while supplies last.
Parent Department
Public Notices & Announcements
MSB008202 Acquisition_Land Classification
Community Development Department proposes to acquire the adjacent lot next to the Big Lake Lions Recreation Center and classify it as “Reserved Use Lands”.
MSB008202 Acquisition_Land Classification
Community Development Department proposes to acquire the adjacent lot next to the Big Lake Lions Recreation Center and classify it as “Reserved Use Lands”.
MSB008257 Land Sale to Camp Maranatha
The Land & Resource Management Division received an application from Alaska District Church of the Nazarene doing business as Camp Maranatha to purchase a Borough-owned property located on W. Camp Drive in the Big Lake area.
MSB008256 MTA Utility Easement
Land & Resource Management Division has received a request from Matanuska Telecom Association (MTA) for a 20’ X 740’ public utility easement located on the Meadow Lakes Elementary School property.
2025 Personal Use Christmas Tree Cutting Area (MSB008249)
The Matanuska-Susitna Borough’s Personal Use Christmas Tree Cutting Area will be open November 22 through December 25, 2025. Permits are required prior to cutting a tree.