Plan

2026 Government Peak Recreation Area Plan Update

The Matanuska-Susitna Borough is working to update the Government Peak Recreation Area (GPRA) Plan and needs your help! Now is the time to get involved in this process.

Draft GPRA Management Plan Now Available for Public Comment

The draft Government Peak Recreation Area (GPRA) Management Plan is now open for public review during a 30‑day comment period from April 20, 2026 to May 20, 2026. This draft was shaped by extensive public input, including an open house, focus group discussions, a public survey with more than 700 responses, a virtual workshop with over 900 views, and comments from community members like you. Take a look at the draft plan and let us know what you think. Your feedback will help finalize the GPRA Plan.

Read the draft plan
Submit a comment online
Submit a comment via phone: 907-273-1614

Background

In 2017, the Matanuska-Susitna Borough drafted a two-page development plan for the GPRA, located in the southern-sub unit of the Government Peak Unit of the State of Alaska’s Hatcher Pass Planning Area. This document provides a process for the borough to evaluate proposals for improvement projects and served as a launching pad for the first decade of the recreation area’s development.

Due in part to its proximity to Palmer and opportunities for all-season recreation, the GPRA has become increasingly popular since it opened in 2012. The existing two-page plan provides a solid starting point, but with increased visitation, the area is due for a more comprehensive plan. Here’s where we need your help! The Matanuska-Susitna Borough is seeking input to draft a community-informed update to the plan.

Schedule

Fall 2025: Planning process started.
Now through December 2025: Take our survey and have your input be included in the plan update!
November-December 2025: The team will be meeting with highly impacted users to conduct focus groups to learn how they use the area.
Mid-December: Virtual Public Workshop.
Monday, January 5, 2026: In-person open house at GPRA Chalet from 4 PM to 7 PM.
Mid-April 2026: Draft plan available for public review.
April 20-May 20, 2026: 30-day public comment period on draft plan.
Late May 2026: Final GPRA Plan update is released!