Spring is here, and the Susitna River Coalition will be throughout the state the next month!
From Fairbanks to the Kenai and other events within our home community of Talkeetna, we hope that we get to connect with you over the next month to chat about the West Su Industrial Access Road, MEA elections, Why the Sustina-Watana Hydro project is STILL a bad idea, our engagement with local borough issues, and all of the educational activities our organization takes part in.
Take a look at where you can find us, and we hope to see you out in the sunshine!
MEA Power Hour!
April 19th 5-8PM at the Fairview Inn
Join SRC at the “MEA Power Hour” party on Friday, April 19th from 5-8pm at the Fairview Inn!
Henrik Wessel, our endorsed candidate and Fairview Inn owner, will answer questions about why he is running for the Susitna West district seat on the Matanuska Electric Association (MEA) board.
MEA is a member-owned co-op, and you can vote in these elections if you pay an MEA electric bill. MEA board of directors make important decisions that impact our utility rates, the reliability and safety of our energy system, and where our power comes from. Volunteers will be available to help MEA district members who may need assistance voting online, and a couple of fun solar and wind devices to experiment with!
Learn more on our FB event page.
Vote by April 29th, 2024 at 5PM!
There are two district seats available this year. The Susitna West District includes the communities of Pt. Mackenzie, Big Lake, Meadow Lakes, Houston, Willow, Caswell, Talkeetna, Trapper Creek and up to Denali State Park plus part of western Wasilla. The Susitna East District covers most of Wasilla. You can see MEA’s district map search tool here to see if you belong in one of these districts. If you don’t live in one of these communities, you are not eligible to vote this year (but you can stil help get out the vote!).
The Susitna River Coalition proudly endorses Henrik Wessel for the Susitna West District, and Daniel Baldwin for the Susitna East District. Both candidates oppose the Su Dam. You can find out more about them on this recording of the 2024 MEA Candidate Forum.
Online voting ends April 29th at 5pm. Paper ballots need to be mailed back a few days prior to April 29th. To vote online, create a SmartHub account using your email. You do not need to sign up for online billing to vote online. After you have a SmartHub account, it is easy to vote! See our easy, step-by-step instructions on how to vote online for guidance.
Every vote counts in small local elections. You can make a difference!
Upcoming Events
The Fairbanks Outdoor Show
April 19th, 20th, and 21st
the Carlson Center
Come visit the Susitna River Coalition at the Fairbanks Outdoor Show at the Carlson Center. We are excited to chat with you about all of our work, AND you can enter to win a trip for two with Mahay's Jet Boat Adventures! Mention our newsletter and get a free sticker!
Learn more on the Facebook Event Page.
We are excited to attend Denali Education Center's Earth Day Celebration and Nonprofit Fair hosted by the Jessica Stevens Community Foundation. Join us from 11-3 at Denali Education Center's Talkeetna Campus.
Learn more on the Facebook Event Page
Living with Bears in the Susitna Watershed
April 25th at 6PM
Zoom and Facebook Live
Join the Susitna River Coalition on April 25th at 6PM on Zoom or Facebook Live as we welcome the Bear Necessities Coalition as our final Winter Speaker event of the 2023/2024 season.
In the summer of 2001, at least 6 bears met their demise after bear-human clashes, and at least one tourist was charged and severely frightened by a bear while walking in downtown Talkeetna.
A group of motivated Talkeetna residents, led by Diane and Brian Okonek, formed the Bear Necessities Coalition to change the dynamic of food-conditioned bears in the area.
Talkeetna is naturally prone to attract bears. Unsecured garbage produced by tourism and a growing population contributed to these issues. The BNC advanced a campaign of Bear Education in the community and obtained a grant for bear proof trash receptacles that were distributed to businesses in town. Talkeetna grew safer again for humans and bears.
Fast forward to the summer of 2023 marked an increase once again in bears killed in defense of life or property (DLP). Our population has grown markedly since 2001 and the Bear Necessities Coalition is here to engage with our community and reinvigorate our steps in Keeping Bears Wild and People Safe. Join us!
Learn more and Register here.
Kenai Sports and Rec Show
May 3-5th, 2024
Soldotna Regional Sports Complex
Come visit the Susitna River Coalition at the Kenai Sports and Rec Center at the Carlson Center. We are excited to chat with you about all of our work, AND you can enter to win a trip for two with Mahay's Jet Boat Adventures! Mention our newsletter and get a free sticker.
Learn more on the Facebook Event Page.